Patent ID: 6058747
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: E05B,E05C,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A gravity latch and striker arm for releasably securing a swingable gate, fence, door or similar structure, the gravity latch comprising:(a) a housing adapted to be mounted on a structure;(b) a pivotal latch element pivotally mounted in the housing for rotation about a horizontal axis between an open position and a gravitationally biased closed position, the latch element defining an interior recess for retaining a portion of the striker arm when the latch element is in the closed position;(c) the housing having a lateral aperture to accept and guide the striker arm towards the horizontal axis and engagement with the latch element;(d) the latch element, in the closed position, having a striker surface exposed via the lateral aperture to be engaged by the striker arm compelling the latch element to rotate towards the open position thereby enabling entry of the striker arm into the interior recess;(e) the interior recess defining a profile to facilitate retention of the striker arm by the latch element once the gravitational bias closes the latch element;(f) a retraction element connected to the latch element extends from the housing permitting the latch element to be manually rotated from the closed position to the open position to release the striker arm;(g) the housing also includes guiding means for guiding the latch element during rotation between the open and closed positions, the guiding means being remote from the horizontal axis, and the housing further including a shroud portion for enshrouding a lower depending portion of the pivotal latch element and for mounting a lock structure accessible by a key through a front portion of the latch housing, the lock structure being arranged to lock the lower depending portion of the latch element at least in the closed position.