Patent ID: 7963575

Claim:
A gate latch assembly comprising: a biased latchbolt moved between a retracted position and an extended position; a latchbolt catch to receive the latchbolt; and a two-stage mechanism for repositioning the latchbolt from the extended position to the retracted position, the two-stage mechanism comprising a button structure, a clutch member having, first and second contacting surfaces, a biasing member, and an inner operating member having a follower therein and moved between a non-operating position and an operating position; wherein the first stage the mechanism is operated by pushing the button structure to engage the first contacting surface of the clutch member with the latch bolt and, the second stage of the mechanism is operated by moving the inner operating member toward the operating position so as to allow the follower to move along the second contacting member of the clutch member to allow the latch bolt to be retracted; wherein when the inner operating member is returned to the non-operating position, the first contacting surface of the clutch member is biased to disengage the latch bolt.