Compensating gate latch assembly

• US 6,679,530 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2002
• Issued: 01/20/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/14/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Michael Krynski
• Original Assignee: Michael Krynski
• Inventors: Krynski, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): ESTREMSKY, GARY WAYNE
• Application Number:
  US10/171,240
• Publication Number:
  US 20030230901A1
• Time in Patent Office: 585 Days
• Field of Search: 292/337, 292/136, 292/304, 292/57, 292/58, 292/238, 292/210
• US Class Current: 292/210
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 15/0006 Devices for aligning wing and frame; Anti-rattling devices for vehicle doors E05B83/367
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 65/0007 for gates for wire gates E06B11/021
• CPC Class Codes: E05C 3/047 rotating about an axis parallel to the surface on which the fastener is mounted
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1072 Rigid
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 292/1092 Swinging catch

Abstract

This application reveals a gate latch assembly in which a pivoting bolt permits substantial misalignment occur between the bolt and latch members and yet permit successful latching of the assembly.

Claims

1. A latching device comprising a pivoting latch bar assembly and a latch bar keeper assembly wherein:

said pivoting latch bar assembly comprises;

an elongated base plate having first and second ends and a mounting surface located between said ends of said plate suitable for mounting said latch bar assembly on a gate post;

a latch bar pivotably attached to a flat surface of said base plate at said first end of said base plate,

said base plate being bent at a first fold line at the second end of said base plate to provide a flat guide member extending orthogonally to said base plate,

said guide member having an elongated slot formed therein through which, said pivoting latch bar protrudes, said slot defining the extent of the pivoting motion provided to said latching bar by said guide member,

said flat guide member also being bent orthogonally at a second fold line coinciding with and extending along said slot in said guide to produce a third flat surface which folds back over said base plate and forms a bearing surface for said pivoting latch bar which presses said pivoting latch bar toward said base plate.

2. A gate latching device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base is provided with a slot therein for receiving a base engaging clasp member which when engaged with said base combines to secure said base to a rectangular post.

3. A gate latching device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said base is provided with a slot therein for receiving a base engaging clasp member which combines with said base to secure said base to a circular post.

4. A base plate for mounting a pivoting gate latch bar thereon comprising:

a flat elongated plate having a base portion having a raised dimple near a first end of said member, and a series of mounting holes produced in said base portion,

a first fold line remote from said first end,

a second fold line extending parallel to and spaced somewhat from said first fold line, to produce a second portion extending from said base portion;

an elongated slot formed in said second portion and having one edge of said slot fall on said second fold line;

a third portion of said plate extending a short distance beyond said second fold line to enjoy a parallel relationship with said base portion.

5. A base plate as claimed in claim 4 wherein said plate is folded at each fold line through an angle of about 90°

to produce a plate having three surfaces, wherein said third portion overlies and extends parallel to said base portion.

6. A base plate as claimed in claim 5 wherein a pivot bar is mounted on said base plate so that one end of said bar extends through said slot, and the opposite end is pivotally mounted on said raised dimple.