Kennel latching mechanism

Abstract

A latching mechanism for a kennel includes a first vertically extending latching bar, a second vertically extending latching bar, a latch bolt and a handle. The second bar extends substantially parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar. The latch bolt is biased in a first direction by a spring. The handle is coupled to the first vertically extending latching bar, the second vertically extending latching bar, and the latch bolt, and is configured such that when rotated, the handle moves the first vertically extending latching bar and the second vertically extending latching bar.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A latching mechanism for a kennel, comprising:
 a first vertically extending latching bar;   a second vertically extending latching bar, the second bar extending substantially parallel to the first horizontally extending latching bar;   a latch bolt biased in a first direction by a latch spring; and   a handle coupled to the first vertically extending latching bar, the second vertically extending latching bar, and the latch bolt, and being configured such that when rotated, the handle moves the first vertically extending latching bar and the second vertically extending latching bar.   
     
     
         2 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , further comprising
 first and second latch hooks configured to receive the first and second vertically extending latching bars, respectively.   
     
     
         3 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 each of the first and second vertically extending latching bars include an elongate portion and an end lock portion.   
     
     
         4 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the latch spring is configured to bias the latch bolt radially outwardly.   
     
     
         5 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the latch bolt is configured to be selectively moved such that the first and second vertically extending latching bars are in a locked position disposed within a respective latch hook, or moved to an unlocked position disposed outside of the respective latch hook.   
     
     
         6 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the handle is plastic.   
     
     
         7 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the latch bolt is configured to rotate to selectively establish a locked position and an unlocked position.   
     
     
         8 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the latch bolt is configured to retracted in a direction the first direction caused by the biasing of the latch spring.   
     
     
         9 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the latch bolt includes a recess.   
     
     
         10 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the handle is circular.   
     
     
         11 . The latching mechanism according to  claim 1 , wherein
 the latching mechanism is configured to be mounted on a plastic kennel.