Gate latch assembly

A gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising: a latch mechanism, and a housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory to modify the gate latch.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to latches and latch assemblies associated with gates and components for use in such latch assemblies. The disclosure has particular application to but not limited to, gate latches for pool fencing and other safety enclosures.

Background to the Disclosure

To prevent young children from entering areas such as a swimming pool without supervision, safety enclosures are provided. In some cases such as for swimming pools, fences are usually required by law. These safety enclosures generally include a self-latching assembly which is arranged to operate automatically on closing of the gate of the enclosure and prevents the gate from being reopened without manual release of the mechanism.

One form of such a self-latching assembly includes a magnet to moves components of the assembly into a latched configuration, an example of which is described in WO92/03631. It is considered desirable to improve the functionality of latch assemblies and/or to reduce the costs associated with these products.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

According to one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising:a latch mechanism, anda housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory to modify the gate latch.

According to another embodiment, the present disclosure provides, a gate latch assembly comprising the gate latch as described in the above embodiment and at least one latch accessory receivable on the gate latch.

According to another embodiment, the present disclosure provides, a gate latch assembly comprising the latch as described in the above embodiment a plurality of different latch accessories configured to modify the gate latch by receiving a selected one or more of the latch accessories on the housing.

According to another embodiment, the present disclosure provides, a method of assembling a gate latch assembly, the method comprising providing a gate latch comprising a latch mechanism and a housing configured to receive a latch accessory; and mounting a latch accessory to the housing.

According to another embodiment, the present disclosure provides, a method of assembling a gate latch assembly, the method comprising:(a) providing a gate latch comprising a latch mechanism;(b) mounting at least one latch accessory to the gate latch to form the gate latch assembly, whereby when mounted the latch accessory interacts with the latch mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The present disclosure relates generally to gate latch assemblies. In the illustrated embodiment, the gate latch assembly is used to latch a gate such as that found in pool fencing or other safety enclosures.

A previous gate latch assembly is disclosed in PCT International Publication WO 92/03631 (WO '631). The assembly of WO '631 is particularly suitable for pool fencing and other safety enclosures and utilises magnetic force to affect operation of the latch. The latch assembly in WO '631 comprises a latch comprising a latching pin mounted within a latch housing and movable between a retracted (unlatched) and an extended (latched) position. The latch pin is biased into the retracted position. Normally the latch is attached to a gate post and is orientated so that the latch pin moves within the latch housing in a vertical direction. The latch operates in conjunction with a striker that forms part of the latch assembly and which is typically mounted on the gate. The striker comprises a recess which is arranged to receive the latch pin. A permanent magnet is also provided in the striker to draw the latching pin into the recess of the striker when the striker is moved into register with the latch (when the gate is moved to the closed position) so as to effect latching of the assembly to hold the gate closed.

It is to be appreciated that whilst embodiments of the present disclosure described herein involve modifications, additions and improvements in relation to the above described magnetic latching assembly, the embodiments could be applied to other magnetic and non-magnetic latching assemblies.

Disclosed in some embodiments is a gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising:a latch mechanism, anda housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory to modify the gate latch.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises at least one coupling portion configured to receive the at least one latch accessory having a complementary coupling portion so as to mount the at least one latch accessory to the housing.

In some embodiments, the at least one coupling portion of the housing is configured to enable engagement of the at least one latch accessory coupling portion with the housing coupling portion in a snap fit arrangement.

In some embodiments, the at least one coupling portion of the housing is configured to enable engagement of the least one latch accessory coupling portion with the housing coupling portion in a sliding arrangement.

In some embodiments, the at least one coupling portion of the housing is integrally formed with the housing.

In some embodiments, the at least one coupling component of the housing comprises one or more rails provided on the housing.

In some embodiments, each rail extends the substantial length of the housing.

In some embodiments, each rail comprises a plurality of rail segments.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises a body extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis and at least one of the coupling portions of the housing extends longitudinally along the body.

In some embodiments, the housing body is in the form of an extruded section.

In some embodiments, the housing comprises at least one housing end structure mounted to one or each end of the body.

In some embodiments, one or each of the housing end structures has formed thereon at least one of the coupling portions of the housing.

In some embodiments, the latch mechanism has an internally mounted latch member, the latch member being moveable between an engaging position and a retracted position, wherein when the latch member is in the retracted position it retracts into the housing.

In some embodiments, the latch further comprises an actuator for moving the latch member from the retracted to the engaging position within the housing.

In at least one embodiment a gate latch assembly is disclosed. The gate latch assembly may comprise the gate latch as described in any one of the above embodiments and at least one latch accessory receivable on the gate latch.

In some embodiments, the at least one latch accessory modifies the gate latch by interacting with the latch mechanism to affect a functional aspect of the gate latch.

In some embodiments, the or one of the latch accessories comprises a decorative latch accessory that is configured to modify the appearance of the gate latch when received thereon.

In some embodiments, the or one of the latch accessories comprises an electronic sensor that is configured to alert a user when the latch mechanism is in an unlatched condition when the electronic sensor is received on the gate latch.

In some embodiments, the latch mechanism comprises a primary actuator which is operative to unlatch the latch mechanism from a latched condition, and the or one of the latch accessories comprises an alternative actuator module that provides a second actuator at a different location to the primary actuator which is also operative to unlatch the latch mechanism from its latched condition.

In some embodiments, the alternative actuator module comprises a base component that is configured to interact with the latching mechanism and wherein the second actuator is coupled to the base component.

In some embodiments, the actuator is detachable from the base component to render the alternative actuator module inoperative.

In some embodiments, the second actuator and the base component comprise corresponding key formations to enable coupling of the actuator to the base component.

In some embodiments, the base component comprises an actable member that is located within the housing of the gate latch in engagement with the latch mechanism.

In some embodiments, the second actuator is located below the primary actuator.

In some embodiments, the latch assembly further comprising a striker that cooperates with the latch mechanism of the gate latch to effect latching.

In some embodiments, the striker includes a retaining element that is configured to receive a portion of the latch mechanism in the engaging position.

Disclosed in some embodiments is a gate latch assembly comprising the gate latch as described in any one of the above embodiments and a plurality of different latch accessories configured to modify the gate latch by receiving a selected one or more of the latch accessories on the housing.

Disclosed in some embodiments is a method of assembling a gate latch comprising providing a gate latch comprising a latch mechanism and a housing configured to receive a latch accessory; and mounting a latch accessory to the housing.

Disclosed in some embodiments is a method of assembling a gate latch assembly comprising:(a) providing a gate latch comprising a latch mechanism;(b) mounting at least one latch accessory to the gate latch to form the gate latch assembly, whereby when mounted the latch accessory interacts with the latch mechanism.

Referring toFIG. 1, an illustrative embodiment of a gate latch assembly10is shown and will now be described. Referring toFIGS. 1 to 3, the gate latch assembly10is shown installed for use on a safety enclosure gate11for example as incorporated into pool fencing or playground fencing. The gate latch assembly10is a magnetic type latch assembly, the operation of which is similar to that described above with respect to WO '631. An exploded view of the gate latch assembly10is provided inFIG. 4.

The illustrated form of the gate latch assembly10comprises a first component15mounted to a fixed post12of the safety enclosure fencing and a second component16mounted to the gate11. The first and second components15,16releasably engage to hold the gate11in a closed position as shown inFIG. 1. The first component15provides the main latch structure of the latch assembly10(including the latch mechanism and keeper) and the second component16provides the striker of the latch assembly.

AlthoughFIGS. 1-3show an embodiment where the first component15is mounted to the fixed post12and the second component16is mounted to the gate11, it is to be understood that the components15,16could be mounted the other way around.

The first component15comprises a latch mechanism17incorporating a number of latch members coupled together to extend along a longitudinal axis, and a housing21containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism. One of the latch members is an elongate latching pin20housed within the housing21. The housing21is mounted via mounting brackets22to the fixed post12and incorporates a keeper18disposed at a lower end of the housing21and which is arranged to receive the second (striker) component16. A spring23, which forms part of the latch mechanism17, provides an upward bias on the latching pin20so as to hold the pin20in an upward position above the keeper18when the latching pin20is released from the striker16and the gate11is opened, as will be described in further detail below.

The second component16comprises a body25having a retaining element in the form of a recess30within which is located a permanent magnet31. The body25is mounted to the gate11via a mounting portion32that couples to a mounting bracket33. The second component16, when the gate11is closed as shown inFIG. 1, is received within the keeper18of the first component15. In this configuration, the permanent magnet31acts on the latching pin20disposed within the housing body21above the keeper18, overcoming the bias of the spring23to draw the pin into the keeper18and then into recess30of the striker to capture the pin in the striker recess and thereby bring the latching pin into a latched condition.

To bring the latching pin20out of its latched condition (ie. into an unlatched condition) and enable the gate11to be opened, the latching mechanism17further comprises an actuator comprising a gripping portion for a user to grip in the form of a knob35. The knob35is provided on the end of an arm46, the opposed end of which is connected to the latching pin20via a link bar38of the latching mechanism17. The arm46and the link bar38are further latch members of the latching mechanism and are configured, with the latching pin20, to extend along the longitudinal axis. The knob35is located at and projects beyond the top of the housing21. To open the gate11, a user pulls the knob35upwards in the direction of the longitudinal axis, which raises the latching pin20out of the recess30and away from the magnet31which allows the gate to be opened. This usually requires a greater force (against that of the magnet) than can be applied by a small child, which in combination with the high location of the knob35, enables the magnetic latch assembly to inhibit young children from releasing the latch without supervision.

With the gate11open, the biasing spring23holds the latching pin20in its now elevated position, even when the user lets go of the knob35. Furthermore, the latch mechanism17comprises a lost motion arrangement incorporating a lost motion cage36which allows for the knob35to return to its rest position when the latching pin20is in its elevated position and also ensures that the weight of the upper portion37of the latch mechanism (which comprises the arm46, knob35and link bar38) does not bias the latching pin20into a lowered position which could otherwise prevent the latching pin20from adopting its latched condition when the gate is closed. Further details of the lost motion arrangement are disclosed in WO '631, the contents of which are incorporated by cross reference.

When the gate11is swung back to its closed position, the striker body25is brought back into alignment with the latching pin20and automatically draws the pin down back into the recessed member30under the influence of the magnetic force provided by the magnet31. As described above, the magnetic force is sufficiently great enough to overcome the bias provided by the spring23that holds the latching pin up when the gate is open. As a result the latching of the gate happens automatically upon closing.

The gate latch assembly10also comprises a key-operated lock mechanism40for locking the latching pin20in its latched condition where it is retained in the recess30. The lock mechanism40is also housed within the housing21of the first component. The lock mechanism40comprises a key barrel41having a key receiving opening42(seeFIG. 1) in an outer face43(seeFIG. 1) of the housing21. Rotation of the key barrel41using the key brings the lock mechanism40into a locking condition where it engages with one of the latch members of the locking mechanism17. More specifically, a first lock member44is rotated by rotation of the key barrel41, which causes a second lock member45to move from a retracted configuration to a projected configuration where it engages the arm46extending from the knob35. In this locking condition, the lock mechanism40prevents upward axial movement of the latch members including the latching pin20under manual operation of the knob35and thus locks the latching pin in its latched condition. In these conditions, the gate11cannot be unlatched and opened without the key to operate the lock mechanism40, providing an additional level of safety. This can be most important in security applications such as gates for swimming pools, playground areas and other safety enclosures designed to inhibit the unauthorised entry of young children.

The embodiment of the gate latch assembly10illustrated inFIGS. 1 to 4is an example of a basic assembly and is additionally capable of uses with the addition of at least one latch accessory. Alternative embodiments of the gate latch assembly with various attachable latch accessories and details of the coupling arrangements between the gate latch assembly and accessories will be discussed in more detail below.

The housing21is provided with one or more coupling portions enabling one or more latch accessories (seeFIG. 9for an example) to be mounted onto the housing21to modify the gate latch. In this way the gate latch assembly is of modular construction which enables various models (or customizable features) to be provided on the same base unit so as to modify the functionality of the gate latch. This has advantages both from a manufacturing perspective but also from a user perspective. In one form, a plurality of different latch accessories are provided to allow the gate latch assembly10to be modified by mounting a selected one or more of the latch accessories to the housing21, the selected one or more of the latch accessories being selected from the plurality of different latch accessories.

The housing21of the first component15comprises a housing body51which extends along a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latch members and housing end structures80,85at opposed ends of the body51.FIG. 5provides a cross-sectional view of the housing body51through its longitudinal axis.

The housing body51is an extruded section typically formed from a coated metal such as aluminium. The body51extends along a longitudinal axis that, when the gate assembly10is assembled, is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latch members in the latching mechanism17. This gives the housing body51agenerally elongate form to the first component15and allows the first component15to align with the fence post12on which is it mountable.

As shown in cross-section inFIG. 5, the housing body51comprises an internal cavity52arranged to receive components of the latch mechanism17. Internal guides53are provided to maintain the alignment of the latch members of the latch mechanism (such as the link bar38) within the cavity52. Jaws54also project into the cavity52on opposed sides of the cavity to define respective slots55for receiving fixing screws to secure one or more end structures of the housing21(as detailed below) onto either end of the housing body51. Because the housing body51is formed as an extrusion, the jaws54extend the length of the housing portion51. However, it is to be understood that for the purposes of securing the end structures to the ends of the housing body51, the jaws54may be formed only at each end of the housing body51.

The housing body51further comprises front and rear coupling portions60and70. The front coupling portion60is provided to enable one or more latch accessories50to be mounted to the housing21to modify the gate latch. The rear coupling portion70primarily provides a mounting section for coupling to the mounting brackets22, so as to mount the first component15to the post12(or similar structure).

The front coupling portion60comprises two opposed rails62that extend axially along the length of the housing body51. The rails62are located to opposed sides of the housing body51. These rails project from an arcuate front wall66of the housing body51such that a recess64is formed between each rail62and the wall66. A rearward facing shoulder68is provided on each rail which faces the front wall66to define a wall of the respective recess64. Although, each rail62extends the length of the housing body51, it is to be understood each rail62in other embodiments could extend only along part or parts of the housing body51and need not extend the full length. In one form, the front coupling portion comprises a plurality of rail segments spaced apart along the length of the housing body51. In a further embodiment, the two rails could be replaced by a single rail, such as a T-shaped rail as the front coupling portion. In further embodiments, rather than rails, the front coupling portion could comprise one or more grooves or slots formed in the front wall or a plurality of studs and/or apertures on or in the front wall of the housing body. However, the rails62of the embodiment shown in the Figures advantageously allows the housing body51to be formed by extrusion and cut to any length as required for particular installation of the gate latch assembly10.

The rear coupling portion70comprises a pair of rails71that extend from a rear wall72towards each other. These rear rails71are larger than the rails62of the front coupling portion60providing larger recesses73than the front recesses64. The rear wall further defines a central ridge74that in use provides a guide that maintains alignment on the mounting bracket22in the rear coupling portion70. The rear coupling portion70is not limited to solely mounting to the brackets22and may additionally or alternatively be used for mounting latch accessories to the first component15of the gate latch assembly10. For instance, in non-illustrated alternative embodiments, a latch accessory in the form of a compliance tag is mounted to the first component15by coupling the tag to the rear coupling portion70.

As shown inFIG. 4, the housing21comprises lower and upper end structures80and85which are mounted to opposed ends of the housing body51.FIGS. 6aand 6bshow these end structures in further detail. The lower end structure80comprises a body81which fits to the lower end of the elongate housing portion51. The lower end structure also incorporates the keeper18depending from the body81. The end structure80is fixed in position using fixing screws which locate within the slots55formed between the jaws54formed internally in the housing body61. The front surface of the body81further comprises a coupling portion in the form of a recess84which forms an extension of the front coupling portion60provided on the housing body51. A deeper portion82of the recess84defines a shoulder83, which provides an anchoring region for one or more of the latching accessories when mounting each latching accessory to the housing21, as will be described in further detail below.

The upper end structure85of the housing21contains the lock mechanism40of the latch and seats the knob35on top of the upper end structure85over a projection88extending upwardly from the top of the upper end structure85. The arm46extending from the knob35extends through an aperture89in the projection88and into a cavity86in the upper end structure85where it is coupled to the link bar38of the latch mechanism17. The upper end structure85also comprises a securing collar87which fits over an upper end of the front coupling portion60of the housing body21. The collar87is spaced from the housing body51. This space defines an anchoring region for one or more of the latching accessories when mounting each latching accessory to the housing21, as will be described in further detail below.

The latch accessory may be a decorative feature, such as a replaceable cover or decorative banner that allows the aesthetic of the gate latch assembly to be modified, or may interact with the latch mechanism to modify the function of the gate latch, such as an electronic sensor or alternative access latch accessory. The electronic sensor alerts the user when the gate latch is in an unlatched condition for a predetermined period of time. The alternative latch accessory enables the operation of the latching mechanism to bring the latching pin20out of its latched condition to be actuated by an alternative actuator to the primary actuator (i.e. knob35).

Various latch accessories which can be mounted to the coupling positions of the housing21, as described above, are shown inFIGS. 7 to 15.

FIGS. 7 and 8illustrate a latch accessory in the form of a cover strip90, mounted to the housing21by coupling the strip90to the front coupling portion60of the housing body51.

The cover strip (which may be solely decorative or may contain product information or warnings) is held along its side edges91,92by the rails62. The cover strip90may be coupled to the front coupling portion60by sliding from one end of the housing body51prior to mounting one of the upper or lower housing end structures80,85on to the housing body51. Alternatively, the cover strip90may be retrofitted in place92after assembly of the latch15by being resiliently deformed so that the edges91of the cover strip90can locate behind the rails62. The cover strip90can then be allowed to return to its natural state where the edges90extend into the recess64thereby ensuring the strip90is held in place. In a further embodiment, the cover strip may be provided with resiliently deformable hook portions which “snap-fit’ to the rails in order to couple the cover strip to the rails.

Another type of latch accessory, an electronic alarm module100is shown inFIGS. 9 to 12.

The electronic alarm module100can be mounted to the first component15of the gate latch assembly10by coupling to the front coupling portion60on the housing body51. The purpose of the electronic alarm module100is to sound a warning alarm if the gate is not properly latched. The alarm module100may be retro-fitted to the gate latch without any disassembly of the gate latch assembly10.

The electronic alarm module100operates by sensing the magnetic field of the latching pin20. The operation of the electronic sensor is described in the Applicant's co-pending application entitled “Sensor Configuration for a Latching Assembly”, the contents of which are herein incorporated by cross-reference.

The electronic alarm module100is shown inFIGS. 10a-bfitted to the housing21. The module comprises a body101which houses the electrical components of the module, a facing strip102which extends from the body and a light indicator103located at a distal end104of the body101from the strip102. The module100comprises a lower retaining tab105which projects from the distal end of the body101from the strip102, an upper retraining tab108at the distal end of the strip102from the body101, and a plurality of protrusions106distributed along the length of strip. In the illustrated form, the protrusions106are in the form of resiliently deformable hook portions.

The retaining tabs105,108and the protrusions106form coupling portions to couple to coupling portions of the housing21. Specifically, the retaining tab105is arranged to be received in the lower anchoring region provided by the shoulder83defined by the deeper recess portion82in the lower housing end structure80. The protrusions106(seeFIG. 11) couple by snap-fitting to the rails62of the housing body51(as best shown inFIG. 12). The upper tab108fits in the upper anchoring region between the securing collar87of the upper end structure85of the housing21and the housing body51. The protrusions106are pushed into the recesses64by a user and the module100is held in mounting engagement behind the shoulder68against the front wall66of the housing body51. By coupling to the upper and lower anchoring regions, the electronic alarm module100is firmly and securely fixed vertically, relative to the housing21of the gate latch assembly10.

When a user is mounting the electronic alarm module100to the housing21, the following steps may be performed:a) the upper tab108is positioned in the upper anchoring region by sliding the tab108under the securing collar87between the collar87and the front wall66of the housing body51;b) the module100is rotated and the protrusions106are forced into engagement with the rails62of the housing body51by the resilient deformation and release of a snap fit coupling;a) the tab105is located in the anchoring region defined under shoulder83formed by the recess82in the lower end structure80;

Removal of the electronic alarm module100is achieved by reversing the steps performed for mounting;

In non-illustrated alternative embodiments, the coupling portion of the electronic alarm module may be in the form of ribs which are configured to slide into the recesses64formed by the rails62of the housing body51(i.e. similar to the cover ship90). In other embodiments the electronic alarm module may couple to the housing21by an interference fit, or may utilise mechanical fasteners.

Referring toFIGS. 13-15, the gate latch assembly is shown incorporating, as a latching accessory an alternative actuator module200mounted to the housing21of the housing body51. The purpose of the alternative actuator module200is to enable a person to operate the latching mechanism if they are unable to reach the primary actuator i.e. knob35. The alternative actuator module200is particularly suitable for providing disabled access through the gate of the safety enclosure on which the gate latch assembly is installed. For example for a wheel-chair bound person it may not be possible for them to reach the top of the housing, and an actuator is required at a lower position for them to operate.

The alternative actuator module200comprises a base component201that is mounted to the housing21of the gate latch assembly10such that it interacts with the latching mechanism17to enable operation of the latching mechanism via the alternative actuator module200. The module200also comprises an actuator204that couples to the base component201. The actuator204has a gripping portion, which inFIGS. 13-15is in the form of a handle, by which a user can operate the latching mechanism17to bring the latching pin20out of its latched condition. The actuator204of the alternative actuator module200provides an alternative actuator for operating the latching mechanism17to the knob35at the top of the housing21. The knob35remains the primary actuator which is operable when the alternative actuator module200is installed in the gate latch assembly10.

As shown inFIG. 15a, the actuator204of the alternative actuator module200is readily attachable and detachable from the base component201. This enables the actuator204to be removed from the gate latch assembly10to render the alternative actuator module200inoperative whilst leaving the base component201mounted thereon. The actuator204can then be quickly and easily reattached to the base component201in order to operate the latching mechanism17via the alternative actuator module200. This is advantageous where the alternative actuator module200is located in a lower region of the gate latch assembly200to enable a wheelchair bound adult to open the gate. In such applications, the lower location of the alternative actuator module200may be accessible by children. However, by enabling the actuator204to be readily detached, undesirable opening of the gate by children via the alternative actuator module200can be mitigated.

To incorporate the alternative actuator module200into the gate latch assembly10, modification of some of the assembly components is required. This modification includes providing an aperture208a, bthrough each of the front and rear walls66,72of the housing body51. The apertures208a, bare aligned to define a passage through the housing body51transverse to its longitudinal axis. The apertures208a, bon either side of the housing body51enable the alternative actuator module200to be operable from either side of the gate. It is to be appreciated, however, that in embodiments where it is desired for the alternative actuator module is to be operable from only one side of the gate, only a single aperture is formed through one of the walls of the housing body.

A further modification of the gate assembly to incorporate the alternative actuator module200is that one or more engagement portions each in the form of a projection202is provided on the link bar38or one of the other latch members in the latch mechanism17. Two projections are provided in the embodiment shown in the Figures to enable operation of the alternative actuator module on a right hand opening or left hand opening gate. However, in other embodiments, only a single projection may be provided, which in at least some of those embodiments limit the use of the alternative actuator module on only a right hand or left hand opening gate.

The base component201of the alternative actuator module200comprises a module cover210that is fitted to the external surface of the housing body51. The module cover210closes over the apertures208a, bin the housing body21to mitigate the ingress of moisture and particles. The base component201also comprises an actable member205that is located, at least in part, in the housing body51. The actable member205comprises a rotatable body211with engagement portions in the form of lever arms206a, bextending from the body211for engaging the projection202on the link bar38in the latch mechanism17. The rotatable body211extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the housing body21and the latch members of the latching mechanism17between the apertures208a, bformed in the housing body51.

The body211extends out of the apertures208a, band the module cover210on either side of the housing21. The body211is generally cylindrical and has respective end surfaces212that face outwardly. Each end surface212is provided with a keying formation213shown in the form of a hexagonal recess (although any suitably shaped recess, projection or other formation may be provided). The keying formations213provide locations for a correspondingly shaped keying formation214on the actuator204(in the illustrated embodiment, a hexagonal projection) to engage the body211of the actable member205to thereby operate the latching mechanism17.

As shown inFIG. 15b, where the housing21is mounted on one side of a post12, to operate the alternative actuator module200from the other side of the post12, an extension member215, coupled to the body211of the actable member205, extends through the post12. The extension member215is provided with a keying formation216to enable engagement thereto of the keying formation214of the actuator204.

The lever arms206a, bof the actable member205are located on either side of the body211to enable the alternative actuator module200to be used on a right hand opening or left hand opening gate. In other embodiments, the actable member may be provided with only a single lever arm or other engagement portion although such embodiments could only be used on either a right hand opening or left hand opening gate.

Each lever arm206a, bis bent so as to maintain engagement with the projection202on the link bar38and smooth movement of the latching mechanism17as the alternative actuator module200is operated, as will be described below.

With the actuator204engaged to the body211of the actable member205, use of the alternative actuator module200to operate the latching mechanism17to unlatch the latching pin20involves rotating the actable member205using the actuator204. By the engagement of one of the lever arms206a, bon the projection202on the link bar34, the link bar34and the latching pin20coupled thereto are moved axially in a vertically upward direction. This lifts the latching pin20out of the recess30of the second striker component15to unlatch the gate latch and enable opening of the gate.

Although, the embodiments of the gate latch assembly disclosed herein are shown with respect to the magnetic latching arrangement, it is to be understood that various embodiments of latch accessories can be used with any type of latching arrangement.

Some advantages of embodiments of the gate latch assembly according to the present disclosure are as follows.a) The assembly10is versatile in application. Various modular components with different add-on features can be mounted to the housing21of the first component15. This enables maximum opportunity for modification, adaptability and applicability of the assembly10across a broad range of uses.b) Manufacturers benefit from the versatility through the implementation of a more streamlined production. For example, the housing body51may be formed as an extrusion which can be produced at any length required. Inventory costs would also be reduced because the base model is common.c) Individual users benefit from the versatility through personalisation of the modular component being highly adaptable.d) The latch accessories may provide technical upgrades or improvements and as a result, an opportunity to upgrade without re-purchasing a new base latch assembly.e) The gate latch assembly is robust. The housing may be made from extruded sections of aluminium and the latch accessory may be made from moulded plastic. These are highly durable materials designed to withstand inclement weather and frequent use.

ALTERNATIVE STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

Alternative statements of invention are recited in the following numbered clauses.1. A magnetic gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising:a latch mechanism, anda housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory to interact with the latch mechanism to affect a functional aspect of the gate latch.2. A gate latch according to clause 1, wherein the housing is configured so the at least one latch accessory adds an additional feature and/or function to the gate latch.3. A gate latch according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the housing is configured so the at least one latch accessory is mountable to a front wall or an outer facing wall of the housing.4. A gate latch according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the housing comprises at least one coupling portion configured to receive the at least one latch accessory having a complementary coupling portion so as to mount the at least one latch accessory to the housing.5. A gate latch according to clause 4, wherein the at least one coupling portion of the housing is configured to enable engagement of the at least one latch accessory coupling portion with the housing coupling portion in a snap fit arrangement.6. A gate latch according to clause 4, wherein the at least one coupling portion of the housing is configured to enable engagement of the least one latch accessory coupling portion with the housing coupling portion in a sliding arrangement.7. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 4 to 6, wherein the at least one coupling portion of the housing is integrally formed with the housing.8. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 4 to 7, wherein the at least one coupling component of the housing comprises one or more rails provided on the housing.9. A magnetic gate latch arranged to be mounted to either a gate or gate post and adapted to co-operate with a component mounted on the other of the gate or gate post to hold the gate closed, the gate latch comprising:a latch mechanism, anda housing containing at least a portion of the latch mechanism, the housing being configured to receive at least one latch accessory,wherein the housing comprises a rear face, and at least one outer face, the at least one outer face comprising one or more rails configured to receive the at least one latch accessory having a complementary coupling portion so as to mount the at least one latch accessory to the housing.10. A gate latch according to clause 8 or 9, wherein each rail extends the substantial length of the housing.11. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 8 to 10, wherein each rail comprises a plurality of rail segments.12. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 4 to 11, wherein the housing comprises a body extending between a first end and a second end along a longitudinal axis and at least one of the coupling portions of the housing extends longitudinally along the body.13. A gate latch according to clause 12, wherein the housing body is in the form of an extruded section.14. A gate latch according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the housing comprises at least one housing end structure mounted to one or each end of the body.15. A gate latch according to clause 14, wherein one or each of the housing end structures has formed thereon at least one of the coupling portions of the housing.16. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, the latch mechanism having an internally mounted latch member, the latch member being moveable between an engaging position and a retracted position, wherein when the latch member is in the retracted position it retracts into the housing.17. A gate latch according to clause 16, wherein the latch further comprises an actuator for moving the latch member from the retracted to the engaging position within the housing.18. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the housing is configured so the at least one latch accessory is removably securable to the housing.19. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the at least one latch accessory is removably secured to the housing that operates independently to the latch mechanism, such that the at least one latch accessory can be removed from the housing without disassembly of the latch mechanism.20. A gate latch according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the at least one latch accessory comprises at least an electronic alarm unit removably secured to the housing that operates independently to the latch mechanism, such that the electronic alarm unit can be removed from the housing without disassembly of the latch mechanism.21. A gate latch assembly comprising the gate latch according to any one of clauses 1 to 20 and at least one latch accessory receivable on the gate latch.22. A gate latch assembly according to clause 21, wherein the at least one latch accessory adds an additional feature and/or function to the gate latch.23. A gate latch assembly according to clause 21 or 22, wherein the at least one latch accessory is mounted on a front wall or outer facing wall of the housing.24. A gate latch assembly according to any one of clauses 21 to 23, wherein one of the at least one latch accessories further comprises a decorative latch accessory that is configured to modify the appearance of the gate latch when received thereon.25. A gate latch assembly according to clause 24, wherein the decorative latch accessory comprises a replaceable cover or decorative banner.26. A gate latch assembly according to clause any one of clauses 21 to 25, wherein one of the at least one latch accessories comprises an electronic sensor that is configured to alert a user when the latch mechanism is in an unlatched condition when the electronic sensor is received on the gate latch.27. A gate latch assembly according to clause any one of clauses 21 to 26, wherein the latch mechanism comprises a primary actuator which is operative to unlatch the latch mechanism from a latched condition, and one of the at least one latch accessories comprises an alternative actuator module that provides a second actuator at a different location to the primary actuator which is also operative to unlatch the latch mechanism from its latched condition.28. A gate latch assembly according to clause 27, wherein the alternative actuator module comprises a base component that is configured to interact with the latching mechanism and wherein the second actuator is coupled to the base component.29. A gate latch assembly according to clause 28, wherein the actuator is detachable from the base component to render the alternative actuator module inoperative.30. A gate latch assembly according to clause 28 or 29, wherein the second actuator and the base component comprise corresponding key formations to enable coupling of the actuator to the base component.31. A gate latch assembly according to any one of clauses 28 to 30, wherein the base component comprises an actable member that is located within the housing of the gate latch in engagement with the latch mechanism.32. A gate latch assembly according to any one of clauses 28 to 31, wherein the second actuator is located below the primary actuator.33. A gate latch assembly according to any one of clauses 21 to 32, the latch assembly further comprising a striker that cooperates with the latch mechanism of the gate latch to effect latching.34. A latch assembly according to clause 33 when dependent on clause 16, wherein the striker includes a retaining element that is configured to receive a portion of the latch mechanism in the engaging position.35. A magnetic gate latch assembly comprising:the gate latch according to any one of clauses 1 to 19; anda plurality of different latch accessories interact with the gate latch to affect a functional aspect of the gate latch by receiving a selected one or more of the latch accessories on the housing.36. A gate latch assembly according to clause 35, wherein the at least one of the plurality of different latch accessories provides one additional feature and/or function for the gate latch.37. A method of assembling a magnetic gate latch assembly, the method comprising providing a gate latch comprising a latch mechanism and a housing configured to receive a latch accessory that interacts with the latch mechanism to affect a functional aspect of the gate latch; and mounting a latch accessory to the housing.38. A method of assembling a magnetic gate latch assembly, the method comprising:(a) providing a gate latch comprising a latch mechanism;(b) mounting at least one latch accessory to the gate latch to form the gate latch assembly, whereby when mounted the latch accessory interacts with the latch mechanism.39. A method of assembling a magnetic gate latch assembly according to clause 37 or 38, wherein the at least one latch accessory is removably secured to the housing that operates independently to the latch mechanism, such that the at least one latch accessory can be removed from the housing without disassembly of the latch mechanism.40. A method of assembling a magnetic gate latch assembly according to clause 37 or 38, wherein the at least one latch accessory comprises at least an electronic alarm unit removably secured to the housing that operates independently to the latch mechanism, such that the electronic alarm unit can be removed from the housing without disassembly of the latch mechanism.41. A kit comprising:a magnetic gate latch in accordance with any one of clauses 1 to 20; andat least one latch accessory configured to be installed on the housing of the gate latch, the at least one accessory being able to be installed on the housing without disassembly of the gate latch.42. A kit according to clause 41, wherein the at least one latch accessory is an electronic alarm unit.