Latch and System

Abstract

A latch includes a lock bar post connected to a plate. A first lock bar is pivotably connected to the plate. The first lock bar is selectively moveable between at least a locked position and an open position. The locked position is at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with the lock bar post. A pivot connect bar is pivotably connected to the plate. A first pivot bar is moveably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar. Pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/151,715, filed on Apr. 23, 2015, the content of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to latches. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to single and dual directional latches for use with telescoping platforms. Telescoping cargo conveyance devices facilitate the loading and/or storage of cargo. Examples of telescoping cargo conveyance devices are available form the Applicant, Innovative Industries, Inc.

BACKGROUND

In current dual direction slide unit locking systems, the locking mechanisms are not robust and do not provide heavy duty lock action for the size of the locking mechanism. Furthermore, current systems do not provide a latching system that can lock a telescoping platform at multiple points of extension, nor a latching system that can be used on dual direction telescoping platforms.

SUMMARY

An exemplary embodiment of a latch includes a plate. A lock bar post is connected to the plate. A first lock bar is pivotably connected to the plate. The first lock bar is selectively moveable between at lease a locked position and an open position. The locked position is at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with these first lock bar post. A pivot connect bar is pivotably connected to the plate. A first pivot bar is removably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar. Pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between a locked position and the unlocked position.

A moveable platform includes a first frame. The first frame includes at least two opposed rails. The first frame includes at least two projections extending from the first frame. A second frame includes at least two opposed rails. The second frame is moveable relative to the first frame. A first latch is secured to the second frame. The first latch includes a plate. A lock bar post is connected to the plate. A first lock bar is pivotably connected to the plate. The first lock bar is selectively moveable between at least a locked position and an open position. The locked position is at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with the lock bar post. A pivot connect bar is pivotably connected to the plate. A first pivot bar is moveably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar. Pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position. A handle is operatively connected to the second frame and the pivot connect bar. The pivot connect bar is selectively operated with the handle to move the first lock bar between the locked position and the open position to selectively engage the first projection and the second projection to releasably secure the second frame to the first frame in at least a first relative position and a second relative position.

An exemplary embodiment of a dual direction latch includes a base plate and a cover plate. The cover plate is spaced apart from the base plate. A lock bar post is connected between the base plate and the cover plate. A first lock bar is pivotably connected between the base plate and the cover plate. The first lock bar is selectively moveable between at least a locked position and an open position. The locked position is at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with the lock bar post. In the locked position at least a portion of the first lock bar extends out from between the base plate and the cover plate. A second lock bar is pivotably connected between the base plate and the cover plate. The second lock bar is selectively moveable between at least a locked position and an open position. The locked position is at least partially defined by engagement of the second lock bar with the lock bar post. In the locked position at least a portion of the second lock bar extends out from between the base plate and the cover plate. A first spring is mounted to the first lock bar. The first spring biases the first lock bar into the locked position. A second spring is mounted to the second lock bar. The second spring biases the second lock bar into the locked position. A pivot connect bar is pivotably connected between the base plate and the cover plate. At least a portion of the pivot connect bar extends out from between the base plate and the cover plate. A first pivot bar is moveably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar. Pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position. A second pivot bar is moveably connected to the second lock bar and the pivot connect bar. Pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the second lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a telescope platform in a closed position.

FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a telescope platform in an open position.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of section 3-3 as depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is detailed view of the section 4-4 as depicted in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a detailed view of section 5-5 as identified in FIG. 2

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a latch.

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of the latch of FIG. 6a.

FIGS. 7A-7C exemplarily depicts the latch of FIG. 6a and various operational configurations.

FIGS. 8A-8B depict various operational configurations of the latch of FIG. 8a.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a dual directional telescope in front form.

FIG. 10 depicts the dual directional telescoping platform of FIG. 10 extended in a first direction.

FIG. 11 depicts the dual directional telescoping platform of FIG. 10 extended in a second direction.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the present description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be applied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different systems and methods described herein may be used alone or in combination with other systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claims is intended to invoke interpretation under 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, only if the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitly recited in the respective limitation.

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments that may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.

Embodiments of the latch, latching system, and telescoping platforms as disclosed in the present application have improved positive locking ability over previous locking solutions and provide a more robust and heavy duty latch in a compact size. The latch is also able to lock a telescoping platform at multiple points of extension, which is a feature not found in other latch designs. Further, the latch is able to be used on a dual directional telescoping platform because of the latch's ability to be operated in either direction with the same push-pull action.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a telescopic platform 10. The telescoping platform 10 is exemplarily constructed of a bottom frame 12, a middle frame 14 and a top frame 16. It will be recognized that in exemplary embodiments other arrangements of telescoping platforms 10 may be used, including, but not limited to a telescoping platform with more or fewer than three frame portions (e.g. two frames or four frames, etc.).

The telescoping platform 10 includes two latches as disclosed herein. The exemplary embodiment includes a latch 18 which is exemplarily a bi-directional latch and a latch 20 which is exemplarily a uni-directional latch. As will be explained in further detail herein, each of the latches 18, 20 include at least one lock bar 22a-c. As will be described in further detail herein, the latches 18, 20 are operated to selectively engage and disengage a plurality of projections 24a-e. The latch 18 is exemplarily mounted to the top frame 16 and operates to selectively engage projection 24a and 24b of the bottom frame 12 and 24c and 24d of the middle frame 14. The latch 20 is exemplarily mounted to the middle frame 14 and selectively engages projection 24e of the bottom frame 12.

The telescoping platform 10 includes a handle 26 which is connected to a locking rod 28. The locking rod 28 is pivotably connected to a pivot connect bar 30 of the latch 18 at a joint 32 exemplarily by a bolt 34 through the joint 32 and pivot connect bar 30. As will be described in further detail herein, user movement of the handle 26 selectively operates the latch 18 between operational configurations such as to selectively engage and disengage the projections 24a-d.

A striker 36 is exemplarily constructed of a section of box tubing secured to the top frame 16. As depicted in FIG. 1, the striker 36 releasably engages the pivot connect bar 38 of the latch 20 to operate the latch 20 as will be disclosed in further detail herein. In an exemplary embodiment, a strike pad 40 facilitates the selective engagement between the striker 36 and the pivot connect bar 38.

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of the latch 18, as identified by line 3-3 of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a detailed view of latch 20 as identified by line 4-4 of FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the telescoping platform 10 in the open or extended position. The top frame 16 and the middle frame 14 are respectively extended away from the bottom frame 12 when the telescoping platform 10 is in the open configuration. As can be best seen in FIG. 2, the bottom frame 12 is constructed with a pair of rails 42. The rails 42 are exemplarily C channel with the open portions of the C channel directed inward. The middle frame 14 includes rail 42 which is exemplary constructed of box tubing. The top frame 16 is exemplarily constructed with rail 46 which is also exemplarily constructed of C channel although the open channels of the rails 46 exemplarily point outwards on the top frame 16. The middle frame 14 exemplarily further comprises two sets of rollers. Exterior rollers 48 along the rails 44 are received within the C channels of the rails 42 of the bottom frame 12. Interior rollers 50 of the rails 44 of the middle frame are exemplarily received within the C channel of the rails 46 of the top frame 16. In a merely exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, the exterior rollers 48 and interior rollers 50 are implemented as steel bearings, although it will be recognized by a person of ordinary skill in the art that other types of rollers may be used in other embodiments. The exterior rollers 48 and interior rollers 50 facilitate the telescopic movement of the middle frame 14 and top frame 16 relative to the bottom frame 12.

FIG. 5 is a detailed depiction of the latch 20, as identified by section 5-5 of FIG. 2. The detail of FIG. 5 further depicts the latch 20 mounted to the middle frame 14 and operating to lock the middle frame 14 to the bottom frame 12 by selected locking engagement between the lock bar 22 and the projection 24e. As will be explained in further detail herein, the pivot connect bar 38 is free from engagement with the striker 36 and the lock bar 22c is moved to the locked position. When in the locked position, locking surface 52c of the lock bar 22 engages a projection (e.g. projection 24e). To prevent further relative movement between the projection 24e and the latch 20. In a non-limiting embodiment the projection 24e may be trapped between the lock bar 22c and a lock stop 54.

FIG. 6A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a latch 18. FIG. 6B depicts an exploded view of the latch 18 of FIG. 6A. The latch 18 includes a bottom plate 56 and a lock bar post 58 fashioned on the bottom plate 56. The latch 18 further includes lock bars 22a and 22b, pivot bars 60a and 60b, torsion springs 62 and a cover plate 64. The latch 18 includes pins 66 used to assemble the latch as described in further detail herein. In an exemplary embodiment, the pins 66 are multi-diameter pins to facilitate engagement with various pieces of the latch 18 as will be described herein.

The pins 66 are secured to the bottom plate 56. In the exemplary embodiment depicted the pins 66 have three diameters that decrease in a stepwise manner as the pin 66 extends away from the bottom plate 56. Structural components of the latch 18 are stacked on the pin 66 and moveably mounted thereto. Torsion springs 62 are secured about pins 66a and 66b. One arm 68 of each torsion spring 62 is secured in a hole 70 of the bottom plate 56. The lock bars 60a and 60b are positioned respectively to either side of the lock bar post 58 and pin 66c. The lock bar 60a and 60b each include a pivot hole 72 and a channel 74. Lock bars 22a and 22b are respectively positioned over the pin 66a and 66b extending through pin holes 76. The torsion springs 62 exemplarily coincide with a first diameter of the pins 66. The pin holes 76 of the lock bars 22 exemplarily coincide with a second diameter of the pins 66. Lock pins 78 extend out from the lock bars 22 and are inserted in pivot holes 72. An arm 80 of the torsion spring 62 further engages the lock bars 22. The torsion spring 62 therefore faces a biasing force between the bottom plate 56 and the lock bars 22 about the pin 66 which biases a stop projection 82 of each of the lock bar 22 into engagement with the lock bar post 58.

The pivot connect bar 30 exemplarily T shaped and is pivotable about the pin 66c through a pin hole 84. On either side of the pin hole 84, pivot pin 86 extend away from the pivot connect bar 30 and are positioned within the channel 74 of the lock bar 60. The cover 64 is positioned over the pins 66 and the lock bar post 58 and secured thereto, exemplarily by welding. In an exemplary embodiment, the pins 66 facilitate proper assembly and operation of the latch by having three different diameters in a step-wise fashion. A first diameter corresponds to the torsion spring 62. A second diameter corresponds with the pin hole 76 of the lock bars 22 and the pin hole 84 of the pivot connect bar 30 and a third diameter that corresponds with respective holes in the cover plate 64. It will be recognized that additional washers, snap rings, fasteners, etc. may be used in implementing embodiments of the latch 18 as described.

FIGS. 7A-C in combination with FIGS. 1 and 2 exemplarily depict the operation of the latch 18. FIG. 7B exemplarily depicts the locked position of the latch 18. The pivot connect bar 30 is exemplarily in a position relatively perpendicular to the latch and the stop projections 83 of the respective lock bars 22a, 22b are biased into engagement with the lock bar post 58 such that both of the lock bars 22a, 22b extend outward beyond the bottom plate 56 and the cover plate 62 of the latch 18. As can be best seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, when the latch 18 is in this configuration, lock surfaces 88 of the respective lock bars 22 can engage a projection 24 to prevent movement of the latch (e.g. and any frame member to which the latch is secured) from relative movement with respect to the projection 24.

As best depicted in FIG. 7A-C, operation of the latch 18 by selective movement of the pivot connect bar 39 facilitate bidirectional movement and locking of the latch 18.

Referring to Fig, 7A movement of the pivot connect bar 30 in the direction of arrow 90 pivots the pivot connect bar about the pin 66c such that the pivot pins 86 move within the channels 74. This movement lifts the lock bar 60b. This movement is translated to the lock bar 52b by engagement of the lock pin 78 through the pin hole 72 of the lock bar 60b. This force will overcome the biasing force of the torsion spring 62 on the lock bar 22b and retracts the lock bar 22b into the space defined between the bottom plate 56 and the cover plate 64. In this manner, a projection engaged by the lock surface 88 of the lock bar 22b is released and the lath is also moveable in the direction of arrow 90. As the latch 18 is moved in the direction of arrow 90 any leading projection 24 will strike the lock bar 22a and overcome the biasing force on the lock bar 22a by the torsion spring 62 such that the latch 18 passes over the projection 24 and can continue to move in the direction 90. In an alternative embodiment, engagement of the lock bar 22a with the leading projection 24 pushes the pivot connect bar 30 into the neutral position of FIG. 7B and the latch locks to the leading projection. If movement exemplarily in the direction of arrow 92 is desired, then the pivot connect bar 30 is moved in the direction of arrow 92 as depicted in FIG. 7C. This movement will be exemplarily achieved by a force applied to the handle 26 as depicted in FIG. 1. Rotation of the pivot connect bar 30 in the direction of arrow 92 pivots the pivot connect bar 30 about the pin 66c and moves the pivot pin 86 within the channel 74 of the lock bar 60b while moving the pivot pin 86 within the channel 74 of the lock bar 60a such as to lift the lock bar 60a. The lifting of the lock bar 60a translates this movement to the lock bar 22a which overcomes the biasing force applied by the torsion spring 62 to the lock bar 22a and retracts the lock bar 22a within the space between the bottom plate 56 and the cover plate 64.

Similar to that as described above with respect to FIG. 7A, the movement of the lock bar 22a releases the latch 18 from any engagement between the locking surface 54a of the lock bar 22a with a projection 24 and enables the latch 18 to be moved in the direction of arrow 92. As the latch 18 is moved in the direction of arrow 92, a leading projection 24 engages the lock bar 22b and the biasing force by the torsion spring 62 on the lock bar 22b may be overcome and the latch 18 will pass over the projection 24 continuing in the direction of arrow 92. The latch 18 may be operated to selectively engage a projection 24 by returning the pivot connect bar 30 to the neutral position as depicted in FIG. 7B. An additional feature of the latch 18 when in the position of FIG. 7B is that if no projection is engaged by the locking surfaces 52a and 52b of the latch the latch 18 can be moved in either direction and a leading projection in that direction will overcome the biasing force placed on an associated lock bar 22a, 22b such that the latch 18 can be moved over the projection until that projection engages the other of the lock bars 22a, 22b. On the projection moving past one of the lock bars, thereby forcing its retraction into the lock, that lock bar will return to its normal position through the bias of the torsion spring thereby locking the projection between the lock bars 22a, 22b. In this manner, when the latch 18 is free from engagement with a projection. Operation of the latch into the neutral position enables the latch to lock to a next projection that engages the latch, independent from the direction the latch 18 is moved to engage the projection 24.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 8A, and 8B, these figures depict an additional exemplary embodiment of a latch 20 which is exemplarily a uni-directional latch embodying the features as described herein. The latch 20 enables selected movement of the latch in the direction of arrow 94 as movement in the opposite direction would be prevented eventually by engagement between a projection and the lock stop 54. It will be recognized that other embodiments of the latch 20 may be configured though similar selective movement in the direction opposite the arrow 94. In operation, if selected movement of the latch in the direction of arrow 94 is desired, the pivot connect bar 38 is moved in the direction of arrow 94, exemplarily by engagement of a striker 36 that uses strike pad 40 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 4. Movement of the pivot connect bar 38 in the direction of arrow 94 pivots the pivot connect bar 38 about the pin 66c. This movement is translated to the pivot bar 96 by engagement of the pivot pin 86 of the pivot connect bar 38 through a pivot hole 98 of the pivot bar 96. This movably connects the pivot bar 96 such that the movement of the pivot bar 96 is translated to the lock bar 22c by engagement of the lock pin 78 with the pivot hole 72 of the pivot bar 96. This force overcomes the biasing force of the torsion spring 62 and retracts the lock bar 22c into the space defined between the bottom plate 56 and the cover plate 64. This retraction disengage the locking surface 52c of the lock bar 22c from engagement with a projection and enable movement of the latch 20 in the direction of arrow 94. When the latch 20 is to lock to a projection 24 the pivot connect bar 38 is returned to a diagonal position as depicted in FIG. 8a and a projection may be secured between the lock stop 54 and the locking surface 52c.

In the operational manner as described above, the telescoping platform 10 as depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 may be operated to selectively lock and unlock the positions of the frames (12, 14, 16) relative to one another. For example, selective engagement between the latch 18 with projections 24a-24d and the selective engagement of the latch 20 with the projection 24e can facilitate locking the frame at a variety of operational configurations.

FIGS. 9-11 depict a still further exemplary embodiment of a telescoping platform 100. The telescoping platform 100 is a dual directional telescoping platform. The telescoping platform 100 exemplarily includes a bottom frame 102 and a top frame 104. Two latches 18 are secured to the top frame 104 although it is understood that an additional embodiment of the telescoping platform 100 may be reversed with the latches 18 secured to the bottom frame 102. A locking rod 106 extends along the length of the top frame 104 exemplarily along a mid line of the top frame 104 and the telescoping platform 100. The latches 18 are exemplarily oriented in opposite directions away from the midline and the locking rod 106. The locking rod 106 is movably connected to both of the pivot bars 30 of the latches 18 by reversing the orientation of the latches 18 relative to one another. This enables the movement of the locking rod 106, exemplarily using handles 108 to move the respective lock bars of the latches 18 to permit disengagement of projections 110 and movement of the top frame 104 in one direction or the other.

FIG. 10 depicts movement of the top frame 104 in the direction of arrow 112. In use, the user moves the locking rod 106 in the direction of arrow 112 either by pulling on one handle 108 or by pushing on the opposite handle 108 this opens the latches 18 in the manner as described above to permit movement in the direction of arrow 112. This movement occurs until the latch 18 engages the projection 110 as depicted in FIG. 10 locking the top frame 104 in a position fully extended in the direction of arrow 112.

The top frame 104 can be moved in the opposite direction, for example the direction of arrow 114 in FIG. 11, by moving the locking rod 106 in the direction of arrow 114 for example by pulling on one handle 108 or by pushing on the opposite handle 108. This moves the latches 18 for example into the position as depicted in FIG. 7C, permitting movement of the top frame 104 in the direction of arrow 114. This can continue until the latch 18 locks the top frame 104 in the fully extended position in the direction of arrow 114.

It will be recognized that with the addition of further projections 110 positions of intermediate extension of the top frame 104 in either direction may be defined and the latches 18 operated to selectively secure the top frame 104 in the intermediate position.

In the present Description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different embodiments described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatuses, systems and methods. Various equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A latch, comprising:

a plate;

a lock bar post connected to the plate;

a first lock bar pivotably connected to the plate, the first lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and an open position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with the lock bar post;

a pivot connect bar pivotably connected to the plate; and

a first pivot bar movably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

2. The latch of claim 1, further comprising a spring mounted between the first lock bar and the plate such that the spring biases the first lock bar in the locked position.

3. The latch of claim 2, wherein the first lock bar comprises a stop projection, wherein when the first lock bar is in the locked position, the stop projection engages the lock bar post.

4. The latch of claim 3, wherein the lock bar further comprises a curved locking surface extending away from the stop projection.

5. The latch of claim 1, further comprising:

a second lock bar pivotably connected to the plate, the second lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the second lock bar with the lock bar post; and

a second pivot bar movably connected to the second lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the second lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

6. The latch of claim 5, further comprising:

a first spring mounted to the first lock bar, wherein the first spring biases the first lock bar into the locked position; and

a second spring mounted to the second lock bar, wherein the second spring biases the second lock bar into the locked position.

7. The latch of claim 6, wherein the plate is a bottom plate and further comprising:

a cover plate secured opposite the bottom plate, wherein the first and second lock bars, first and second springs, the first and second pivot bars, and the pivot connect bar are all secured at least partially between the bottom plate and the cover plate.

8. The latch of claim 7, further comprising:

a first pin extending between the bottom plate and the cover plate, the first lock bar pivotable about the first pin;

a second pin extending between the bottom plate and the cover plate, the second lock bar pivotable about the second pin;

a third pin extending between the bottom plate and the cover plate, the pivot connect bar pivotable about the third pin.

9. The latch of claim 8, wherein the first pin and the second pin each comprise at least a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter and the first and second lock bars pivot about the respective first portions and the first and second springs secured about the respective second portions.

10. The latch of claim 7, wherein a portion of the first lock bar and a portion of the second lock bar extend out from between the bottom plate and the cover plate, when the first and second lock bars are respectively in the lock position.

11. The latch of claim 10, wherein at least a portion of the pivot connect bar extends out from between the bottom plate and the cover plate, the pivot connect bar movable between a first position of the pivot connect bar in which the first lock bar is moved into the lock position and the second lock bar is moved into the open position, a second position of the pivot connect bar in which the first lock bar is moved into the open position and the second lock bar is moved into the lock position, and a third position of the pivot connect bar in which the first and second lock bars are moved into the lock position.

12. A movable platform comprising:

first frame comprising at least two opposed rails, the first frame comprising at least two projections extending from the first frame;

a second frame comprising at least two opposed rails wherein the second frame is movable relative to the first frame;

a first latch secured to the second frame, the first latch comprising: a plate; a lock bar post connected to the plate; a first lock bar pivotably connected to the plate, the first lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and an open position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with the lock bar post; a pivot connect bar pivotably connected to the plate; and a first pivot bar movably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position; and

a handle operatively connected to the second frame and the pivot connect bar;

wherein the pivot connect bar is selectively operated with the handle to move the first lock bar between the locked position and the open position to selectively engage the first projection and the second projection to releasably secure the second frame to the first frame in at least a first relative position and a second relative position.

13. The movable platform of claim 12, wherein the first latch further comprises:

a second lock bar pivotably connected to the plate, the second lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and open position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the second lock bar with the lock bar post; and

a second pivot bar movably connected to the second lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the second lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

14. The movable platform of claim 13, further comprising:

a second latch secured to the second frame, and the second latch selectively engages at least one of the at least two projections extending from the first frame, the second latch comprising: a plate; a lock bar post connected to the plate; a first lock bar pivotably connected to the plate, the first lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and an open position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with the lock bar post; a pivot connect bar pivotably connected to the plate; and a first pivot bar movably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

15. The movable platform of claim 14, wherein the second latch further comprises:

a second lock bar pivotably connected to the plate, the second lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and open position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the second lock bar with the lock bar post; and

a second pivot bar movably connected to the second lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the second lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position;

wherein the handle is further connected to the pivot connect bar of the second latch such that first latch and the second latch are simultaneously selectively operated with the handle to selectively engage and disengage the first projection and the second projection with the first latch and the second latch.

16. The movable platform of claim 13, wherein the second frame is movable in a first direction until the latch selectively engages a first projection from the at least two projections extending from the first frame with the first lock bar and the second lock bar and upon engagement, the second lock bar in the locked position prevents further movement of the second frame in the first direction and the first lock bar in the locked position prevents further movement of the second frame in a second direction, the second direction opposite the first direction.

17. A dual direction latch, comprising:

a base plate;

a cover plate spaced apart from the base plate;

a lock bar post connected between the base plate and the cover plate;

a first lock bar pivotably connected between the base plate and the cover plate, the first lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and an open position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the first lock bar with the lock bar post, wherein in the locked position at least a portion of the first lock bar extends out from between the base plate and the cover plate;

a second lock bar pivotably connected between the base plate and the cover plate, the second lock bar selectively movable between at least a locked position and an open position, the locked position at least partially defined by engagement of the second lock bar with the lock bar post, wherein in the locked position at least a portion of the second lock bar extends out from between the base plate and the cover plate;

a first spring mounted to the first lock bar, wherein the first spring biases the first lock bar into the locked position;

a second spring mounted to the second lock bar, wherein the second spring biases the second lock bar into the locked position;

a pivot connect bar pivotably connected between the base plate and the cover plate, at least a portion of the pivot connect bar extends out from between the base plate and the cover plate;

a first pivot bar movably connected to the first lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the first lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position; and

a second pivot bar movably connected to the second lock bar and the pivot connect bar, wherein pivoting movement of the pivot connect bar moves the second lock bar between the locked position and the unlocked position.

18. The dual direction latch of claim 17, further comprising:

a first channel located in the first lock bar;

a second channel located in the second lock bar;

a first pivot pin movable within the first channel and connected to the pivot connect bar, the first pivot pin movably connects the first lock bar to the pivot connect bar; and

a second pivot pin movable within the second channel and connected to the pivot connect bar, the second pivot pin movably connects the second lock bar to the pivot connect bar.

19. The dual direction latch of claim 18, further comprising:

wherein the pivot connect bar is movable to a first position in which the first lock bar is moved into the open position in which the first lock bar is retracted between the base plate and the cover plate and the second lock bar is secured in the locked position; and

wherein the pivot connect bar is movable to a second position in which the first lock bar is secured in the locked position and the second lock bar is moved into the open position in which the second lock bar is retracted between the base plate and the cover plate.

20. The dual direction latch of claim 19, wherein the pivot connect bar is movable to a third position in which the first lock bar is in the locked position by a first bias force of the first spring and the second lock bar is in the locked position by a second bias force of the second spring, wherein the first lock bar is moveable to the open position if the first bias force is overcome and the second lock bar is movable to the open position if the second bias force is overcome.