Rotating Latch-Pawl Rack Mount for Dirty or Icy Anchors

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical tightening system (clamps with wrenches) with a latch mechanism that uses a simple lever action. The latch rotates about a pivot point to engage with the striker bar, eliminating the need for threading and tightening operations. This substitution of mechanical systems directly resolves the contradiction by making attachment faster while maintaining ease of operation.

The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional components: the latch body, the pivot point, the striker bar, and the engagement surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently - the latch rotates independently to engage or disengage from the striker bar, enabling quick attachment without the need for complex tightening operations.

The latch mechanism is designed to engage with the striker bar in a way that prevents the harmful effect of contaminants. The engagement surfaces are configured so that the latch wraps around or clamps onto the striker bar, creating a secure mechanical interlock that maintains attachment security even if dirt or ice falls away from the contact points. This preliminary design consideration addresses the harmful effect before it can compromise the attachment.

The patent converts the potential harm of contaminants into a benefit by designing the latch-striker engagement to be insensitive to surface conditions. The mechanical interlock created by the rotating latch engaging the striker bar ensures that even if contaminants are present, the attachment remains secure. The design transforms the vulnerability to environmental factors into a robust attachment system that works reliably in various conditions.