Patent Publication Number: US-2023136917-A1

Title: Gate latching system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a gate latching system, more specifically, but not by way of limitation, more particularly to a gate latching system for covert, one-handed operation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Any discussion of the related art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of common general knowledge in the field. 
     U.S. Pub. No. 2009/0146438 A1 (Viaud et al.) discloses a gate latch mechanism. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert, one-handed operation for added security and ease of use, an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges and contains an intricate latch assembly that may require maintenance. 
     U.S. Pub. No. 2017/0284136 A1 (Ramsey) discloses a gate hinge and latch with attachment to a support post and one-handed opening of latch and gate. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security, an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges and contains an intricate latch assembly that may require maintenance. 
     U.S. Pub. No. 2018/0238084 A1 (Weber) discloses a lever gate latch pull system with a pivoting Z shaped lever. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security and an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges. 
     U.S. Pub. No. 2020/0378158 A1 (Weber) discloses a lever gate latch pull system with a pivoting T-shaped lever. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security and an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,358,292 A (Van Wiebe et al.) discloses a gate latch including a latch bar mounted for movement with a hinged gate, a latch bracket secured to a stationary gate post, a pivotal latch lever mounted in the latch bracket and a cable secured to the pivotal latch lever and a handle in between a bored section of the stationary post. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security and an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,170,892 B1 (Lantiegne) discloses an improvement in a latch for a gate latch for a railing gate. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security and an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,679,530 B2 (Krynski) discloses a gate latch assembly. Shortcomings include an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security and an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,636,308 B2 (Calamia III) discloses an improved gate latch pull cable made of metal. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security, an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges and contains an intricate latch assembly that may require maintenance. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 8,764,076 B2 (Glover) discloses a gate latch release mechanism. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert operation for added security, an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges and contains an intricate latch assembly that may require maintenance. 
     WO Pat. No. 2018/132698 A1 (Grovender) discloses a latch for a railing gate. Shortcomings include an inability to prevent sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate, an inability to conceal the unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry, an inability to promote covert, one-handed operation for added security and ease of use and an inability to prevent the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges. 
     All documents cited herein are incorporated by reference. 
     It is clear that there exists a need for a gate latching system for covert, one-handed operation. There is a need for a gate latching system that provides added strength to the gate structure reducing the sag, wear and tear on the gate, prevents misalignment of the latching mechanism, prevents the gate from opening in an inward direction beyond the strength of the hinges and promotes covert, one-handed operation for added security and ease of use. 
     The disclosure proposes a gate latching system for covert, one-handed operation that overcomes disadvantages inherent in the existing gate latches and gate latching systems, such as, but not limited to, sag, wear and tear on the gate that often leads to misalignment of the latching mechanism and degradation of the gate and plainly seen unlatching mechanism enabling undesired entry. The present invention provides a gate latching system that may be used with many different embodiments. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved a gate latching system for covert, one-handed operation, which provides the advantages and overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     It is an object of the invention to provide a gate latching system. 
     In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a gate latching system installed onto a gate hinged to a stationary post for covert, one-handed operation, the gate latching system comprising a latch bar mounted to an interior side of the hinged gate via a plurality of fasteners where a first end of the latch bar rests against the stationary post preventing the gate from opening in an inward direction. The latch bar having a latch affixed next to the first end of the latch bar. An operator lever affixed at a midpoint of the latch bar and a stiff wire connector coupled to the latch and the operator lever and a latch coupling fastened to the stationary post in plane with the latch to optionally couple with the latch. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the gate latching system further comprises a self-closing gate spring affixed to the stationary post and to the interior side of the hinged gate. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the latch coupling is an eye bolt. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the gate latching system further comprises the gate having a hatchway providing access to the operator lever. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the hatchway comprises a hatchway cover. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the hatchway cover is decorative to conceal its function. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the decoration is a beware of dog sign. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the gate latching system further comprises an elongated member coupled to the latch lever for decoupling the latch and the latch coupling. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the elongated member extends through a bore formed through the gate. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the elongated member is a string. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the elongated member is a wire. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the elongated member is a cord. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, two gate latching systems may be employed together for larger openings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. 
       In the figures, embodiments are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expressly understood that the description and figures are only for the purpose of illustration and as an aid to understanding. 
       Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein the figures: 
         FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view  100  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view  200  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  3    illustrates a front view  300  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  4    illustrates a closeup view  400  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  5    illustrates a closed view  500  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  6    illustrates an opened view  600  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  7    illustrates a front view  700  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
         FIG.  8    illustrates a front view  800  of a gate latching system, in accordance with one embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims. 
     Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     The present invention provides a gate latching system that may be used with many different embodiments. As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved gate latching system for covert, one-handed operation, which provides the advantages and overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages. 
     The gate latching system is installed onto a gate hinged to a stationary post for covert, one-handed operation. The gate latching system comprises a latch bar mounted to an interior side of the hinged gate via a plurality of fasteners where a first end of the latch bar rests against the stationary post preventing the gate from opening in an inward direction. The latch bar has a latch affixed next to the first end of the latch bar, an operator lever affixed at a midpoint of the latch bar and a stiff wire connector coupled to the latch and the operator lever. A latch coupling is fastened to the stationary post in plane to the latch to optionally couple with the latch. 
       FIG.  1    illustrates a perspective view  100  of a gate latching system with the gate  106  in a closed position, according to some embodiments. A gate  106  is displayed between a primary post  102  and a secondary post  104 . The gate  106  is shown attached to a stationary post, displayed as the primary post  102 , via two hinges  112  such that the gate  106  is able to move outward from the secondary post  104 . In some embodiments, the secondary post  104  is a house, a garage, a greenhouse or any other structure, without damaging or defacing the adjacent structure. The free side of the gate, the side next to the secondary post  104 , doesn&#39;t require any latches, hooks, chains, stoppers, bumpers, or other impingements. 
     A latch bar, displayed as the angle iron push bar  110 , is shown mounted to the interior side of the gate  106 . The angle iron push bar  110  provides added strength to the gate  106  structure and support mechanisms, reducing sag, wear and tear on the gate, preventing misalignment of the latching mechanism. The angle iron push bar  110  stabilizes the gate  106  and provides added strength through the angle iron push bar  110  spanning the width of the gate  106  while being mounted to the interior side of the gate. Since the angle iron push bar  110  is mounted directly onto the gate  106 , as opposed to typically gate locking mechanisms in the art which are applied onto the outer surface of the gate  106  and primary post  102 , the gate  106 , primary post  102  and support mechanisms tend to shift over time and become misaligned. 
     Moreover, the angle iron push bar  110  aligns with the primary post  102  and extends out to prevent opening the gate  106  in an inward direction. This is further complimented by the restriction of the hinges  112  in the inward direction. A self-closing gate spring  108  is shown affixed to the gate  106  and the primary post  102  and provides tension between the spring within the self-closing gate spring  108  and the gate  106  in an inward direction, back towards the primary post  102 , while it is in the open position. Tension is relieved once the gate  106  and primary post  102  near the closed position and the spring within the self-closing gate spring  108  nears a collapsed state. The self-closing gate spring  108  functions to permit the gate  106  to close behind a user after exiting or entering through the gate  106 , preventing the user from accidentally leaving the gate  106  opened. 
     When a larger opening is desired or required, two gate latching systems can be employed together. In this embodiment, each gate  106  from the two gate latching systems operates independently and retains its ease of operation and lockup security. 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a perspective view  200  of a gate latching system with the gate  106  in an open position, according to some embodiments. The angle iron push bar  110  is shown with a latch, not currently visible, affixed next to a first end  216  of the angle iron push bar  110 , where the first end  216  of the perspective view  100  may come into contact with the primary post  102  when the gate  106  is in the closed position preventing the gate  106  from proceeding any further in an inward direction. A latch coupling, shown as an eye bolt  210 , is also shown fastened to the primary post  102  in plane to the latch to optionally couple with the latch when the gate  106  is in the closed position. Furthermore, an operator lever  208  is shown affixed at a midpoint of the angle iron push bar  110  with a stiff wire connector  206  coupled to the lever  202  and the operator lever  208 . In some embodiments, the stiff wire connector  206  may have a gauge in the range of 2-50. This system is employed to allow a user to detach the eye bolt  210  from the latch when the user wishes to open the gate  106 . 
     In some embodiments, the gate latching system further comprises an elongated member coupled to lever  202  of the latch for decoupling the latch and the latch coupling or eye bolt  210  shown in  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, such as in  FIG.  2   , the elongated member is a string  204 . 
     The string  204  is shown attached to the lever  202  as an alternative method to detach the eye bolt  210  from the lever  202  when the user wishes to open the gate  106 . The string  204  is attached to the lever  202  and may be hooked through the gate  106  for opening the lever  202  from a front side of the gate  106 . In some embodiments, the elongated member is a wire. In some embodiments, the elongated member is a cord. 
     In some embodiments, the gate latching system may be installed onto the interior of a gate  106  via a plurality of fasteners applied across an inner beam  212  of the angle iron push bar  110  into the gate  106  and a plurality of fasteners applied at the top and bottom of the latch, not currently shown, into the gate  106 . In some embodiments, the latch is affixed, either screwed, welded, bolted or other methods of affixing known in the art, between the inner beam  212  and the outer beam  214  of the angle iron push bar  110 . At the midway point of the angle iron push bar  110 , the operator lever  208  may be affixed at the inner beam  212 , while being hooked by the stiff wire connector  206  which further hooks into the top of the lever  202  of the latch. An eye bolt  210 , or some other latch coupling known in the art, may be screwed into the primary post  102  such that the eye bolt  210  is optionally coupled to the latch for securing the gate  106  closed. 
       FIG.  3    illustrates a front view  300  of a gate latching system with the gate  106  in a closed position, according to some embodiments. The eye bolt  210  is shown coupled to the lever  202  with the gate  106  in plane between the primary post  102  and the secondary post  104 . 
       FIG.  4    illustrates a closeup view  400  of a gate latching system, according to some embodiments. This closeup view  400  details the coupling between the eye bolt  210  and the lever  202 . 
       FIG.  5    illustrates a closed view  500  of a gate latching system, according to some embodiments. When the gate  106  is closed and the latch is secured to the eye bolt  210 , the operating lever  504  is in a vertical position perpendicular to the angle iron push bar  110  as shown while coupled to the stiff wire connector  502  which is further coupled to the lever of the lever  202 . 
       FIG.  6    illustrates an opened view  600  of a gate latching system, according to some embodiments. When the gate  106  is opened and the latch is detached from the eye bolt  210 , the operating lever  504  rotates from the vertical position of closed view  500  away from the lever  202  as shown while still coupled to the stiff wire connector  502  which is further coupled to the lever of the lever  202 . This movement raises the lever of the lever  202  decoupling the eye bolt  210  and the lever  202  allowing for the gate  106  to move in an outward position. In some embodiments, the operating lever  504  contains a loose fitting connection to the angle iron push bar  110  to allow for movement between the opened and closed positions. The gate latching system enables single-hand operation of the gate  106 , latching or unlatching, by a user. 
       FIG.  7    illustrates a front view  700  of a gate latching system, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the elongated member extends through a bore formed through the gate. This is demonstrated by the string  204  which is threaded through a bore  702  formed through the gate  106  as shown in  FIG.  7   . The user can pull the string  204  from the front side of the gate  106  away from the gate  106  in order to lift the lever  202  and decouple the latch  302  and eye bolt  210  for opening the gate  106 . The string  204  can blend in with the surface of the gate  106  and be difficult to detect for users unaware of its existence. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates a front view  800  of a gate latching system, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, an opening is cut through the gate  106  or is manufactured into the gate  106  above the mid-way point where the operator lever  208  is accessible in order for a user to be able to open the gate  106  from the front side of the gate  106 . This opening is shown in  FIG.  8    by the hatchway  804 . In some embodiments, the hatchway  804  comprises a hatchway cover  802  in order to help conceal the access point to the operator lever  208 . In some embodiments, the hatchway cover  802  is decorated, such as a beware of dog sign, in order to better conceal its function as an access point to the operator lever  208 . 
     The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. As can be understood, the examples described above are intended to be exemplary only. 
     The embodiments described were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. 
     The term “connected”, “attached”, “affixed” or “coupled to” may include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). 
     As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.