AU2018256525B2 - Latches - Google Patents

Abstract

#$%^&*AU2018256525B220250911.pdf##### cPRO11105abstract30October2018 ABSTRACT An automatic latch assembly for latching a hinged gate to a gate post, including: a latch pin assembly adapted to be mounted to one of the hinged gate and the gate post, and an actuator assembly adapted to be mounted to the other of the gate and gate post, said latch pin assembly including a housing having a wall defining a passage and a latch pin mounted in said passage for sliding movement relative to said wall between a retracted position and an extended position, and locking means arranged to selectively lock said latch pin in the extended position; said actuator assembly including a magnet and means for moving said magnet between an active position in which it draws said latch pin to the extended position and an inactive position in which said latch pin is released and allowed to move to the retracted position; said latch pin having a shank with a head at one end adapted to engage said wall when in said retracted position, and biasing means on said shank arranged to bias said latch pin towards the retracted position; said locking means including a locking member and a selectively removable key, said locking member being arranged to move between a locked position in which it holds said latch pin in the latched position and an unlocked position in which said latch pin is permitted to move to the retracted position upon operation of said key; said latch pin including means for preventing movement of said locking member from said unlocked position beyond a predetermined position towards said locked position, said 20 18 25 65 25 3 0 O ct 2 01 8 ABSTRACT An automatic latch assembly for latching a hinged gate to a gate 2018256525 30 Oct 2018 post, including: a latch pin assembly adapted to be mounted to one of the hinged gate and the gate post, and an actuator assembly adapted to be mounted to the other of the gate and gate post, said latch pin assembly including a housing having a wall defining a passage and a latch pin mounted in said passage for sliding movement relative to said wall between a retracted position and an extended position, and locking means arranged to selectively lock said latch pin in the extended position; said actuator assembly including a magnet and means for moving said magnet between an active position in which it draws said latch pin to the extended position and an inactive position in which said latch pin is released and allowed to move to the retracted position; said latch pin having a shank with a head at one end adapted to engage said wall when in said retracted position, and biasing means on said shank arranged to bias said latch pin towards the retracted position; said locking means including a locking member and a selectively removable key, said locking member being arranged to move between a locked position in which it holds said latch pin in the latched position and an unlocked position in which said latch pin is permitted to move to the retracted position upon operation of said key; said latch pin including means for preventing movement of said locking member from said unlocked position beyond a predetermined position towards said locked position, said cPR011105abstract300ctober2018 cPRO11105abstract30October2018 locking member being arranged to engage said means for preventing movement and thereby prevent removal of said removable key unless said locking member has moved to the locked position; and wherein said latch pin includes stop means towards the other end from said head, and a spacer, washer or collar mounted on said shank beyond said stop means and extending radially therefrom, and securing means on said shank arranged to secure said spacer or washer on said shank, said stop means being arranged to prevent movement of said spacer or washer along said shank beyond a predetermined position, and said biasing means is mounted on said shank between said stop means and said spacer, washer, or collar and arranged to bias said spacer, washer or collar towards said other end. 20 18 25 65 25 3 0 O ct 2 01 8 locking member being arranged to engage said means for preventing movement and thereby prevent removal of said 2018256525 30 Oct 2018 removable key unless said locking member has moved to the locked position; and wherein said latch pin includes stop means towards the other end from said head, and a spacer, washer or collar mounted on said shank beyond said stop means and extending radially therefrom, and securing means on said shank arranged to secure said spacer or washer on said shank, said stop means being arranged to prevent movement of said spacer or washer along said shank beyond a predetermined position, and said biasing means is mounted on said shank between said stop means and said spacer, washer, or collar and arranged to bias said spacer, washer or collar towards said other end. cPR011105abstract300ctober2018 20 18 25 65 25 3 0 O ct 2 01 82018256525 30 Oct 2018 18 16 17 15 14 10 12 13 11 20 35 45 44 Fig. 1A

Description

locking member being being arranged arranged totoengage engage said means for for 30 Oct 2018 2018256525 30 Oct 2018

locking member said means preventing movement preventing movement and and thereby thereby prevent preventremoval removalof of saidsaid removable key unless removable key unlesssaid saidlocking locking member member hashas moved moved to the to the locked locked position; and position; and

wherein said latch wherein said latchpin pinincludes includes stop stop means means towards towards the the other other end end from from said said head, and a head, and a spacer, spacer, washer washer or or collar collar mounted mounted on on said said 2018256525

shank shank beyond said stop beyond said stop means means and and extending extending radially radially therefrom, therefrom, and securingmeans and securing meansononsaid said shank shank arranged arranged to secure to secure said said spacer spacer or washer on or washer on said saidshank, shank,said said stop stop means means being being arranged arranged to to prevent movementof prevent movement ofsaid saidspacer spacerororwasher washer along along said said shank shank beyond beyond a predetermined position, a predetermined position, and and said said biasing means biasing means is is mounted on mounted on said said shank between said shank between said stop stop means means and said and said spacer, spacer, washer, or washer, or collar and arranged collar and arrangedto tobias biassaid saidspacer, spacer, washer washer or or collar collar towards towards said other end. said other end.

cPRO11105abstract30October2018 cPR011105abstract300ctober2018

2018256525 30 Oct 2018

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LATCHES 23 Apr 2025 2018256525 23 Apr 2025

LATCHES

Technical Field Technical Field The presentinvention The present inventionrelates relates to to latches. latches. 5 5 The invention has The invention has particular particular application application toto latches latches for for gates, gates, doors, windowsand andthe thelike likewhich which areare required to effectively be effectively 2018256525

doors, windows required to be "childproof", "childproof", such such as gates for as gates for swimming swimming pool pool enclosures, enclosures, kindergartens, preschools, primary kindergartens, preschools, primaryschools schools andand childminding childminding 10 0 centres and the centres and the invention inventionwill willbe be described described with with particular particular reference to such reference to suchapplications. applications. However, However, it will it will be appreciated be appreciated that the invention that the invention could could have have application application to tolatches latchesininother other fields where secure fields where secureautomatic automatic latching latching on closure on closure is desirable. is desirable.

15 Background 5 Background Gates for swimming Gates for swimmingpool poolenclosures enclosuresor or child child enclosures enclosures typically typically include a self-closing include a self-closing mechanism mechanism such such as asspring-loaded spring-loadedhinges hinges which bias the which bias the gate gate towards towards the the closed closed position position where where the the gate gate is latched by is latched by an an automatic automatic latch. latch.One Onesuch suchform form of of automatic automatic 20 latchisissometimes 0 latch sometimesreferred referredtotoasasa amagnetic magneticlatch latchwhich whichuses usesa a magnet to magnet to pull pull aa latch latch pin pin into into a alatching latchingposition positionagainst againsta a spring force to spring force to latch latch the the gate gate and and which whichallows allowsthe thelatch latchpin pin to be released to be releasedbybylifting lifting thethe magnet magnet awayaway fromfrom the the latchlatch pin so pin SO that the spring that the spring force force pushes pushes the the latch latch pin pin into into aa non-latching non-latching 25 position. 25 position.

Summary of the Summary of theinvention invention In some circumstances In some circumstances it it is is desirable desirabletotobebeable able to to lock lock thethe automatic latch in automatic latch in the the latched latched position, position, for for example example byby use use of of 30 30 a akeyed keyed locking locking mechanism mechanism whereby whereby the can the key key be canremoved be removed and put and put in in aa safe safe place place remote remote from from the the gate. gate. Some Somesuch suchkeyed keyedlocking locking mechanisms are mechanisms arranged to are arranged lock the to lock the magnet magnet in in the the locking locking position and others position and others are are arranged arranged to to lock lock the thelatch latchpin pinininthe the locking position. The locking position. The present presentinvention inventionprimarily primarilyrelates relatesto to

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mechanisms of of the the type type which which lock lock the the latch latch pin pin in in the the locking locking 23 Apr 2025 23 Apr 2025

mechanisms position althoughititcould position although could be be used used withwith other other mechanisms. mechanisms.

The applicant's co-pending The applicant's co-pending Australian Australianpatent patentapplication application No.No. 5 5 2016201778 describes a amagnetic 2016201778 describes magneticlatch latch with with a keyed a keyed locking locking mechanism. In mechanism. In that that mechanism, mechanism, aa spacer spacer oror washer, washer, particularly particularly a frustoconical spacer spacer or or washer, washer, is is mounted mountedon onthe thelatch latchpin pin 2018256525

a frustoconical 2018256525

and arranged to and arranged toprevent preventthe thelocking locking mechanism mechanism engaging engaging the the latch latch pin before pin before the the latch latch pin pin is is properly properly in in the the latching latching position. position. 10 0 Effectively, the washer Effectively, the washer prevents prevents the the key key and andthe theattached attachedkey key lock tail from lock tail from rotating rotatingtotoa a position position where where the the key key can be can be removed from the removed from thekey keylock lockuntil until the the latch latch pinpin is is in the in the latching latching position. position.

15 Thepresent 5 The presentinvention inventionalso alsoutilises utilisesa aspacer spaceroror washer washer mounted mounted on the latch on the latch pin pinbut butititisismounted mounted in in a way a way which which allows allows limited limited sliding sliding movement movement along the latch along the latch pin pin and and limited limited pivoting pivoting movement of movement of the the washer washerrelative relativetoto thethe latch latch pinpin about about axesaxes transverse transverse totothe thelongitudinal longitudinal axis axis of the of the pin pin whichwhich results results in in 20 0 a alocking lockingmechanism mechanismwhich whichisis easier easier to to use use and and consequently consequently more more likely to be likely to beused usedwhen whenitit should should be be used. used.

With the With the foregoing foregoingininview, view, thethe invention invention in one in one aspect aspect resides resides broadly in broadly in an an automatic automatic latch latchassembly assemblyfor forlatching latching a hinged a hinged 25 gatetotoa agate 25 gate gatepost, post,including: including:

a latch pin a latch pin assembly assemblyadapted adapted to to be be mounted mounted to one to one of hinged of the the hinged gate and the gate and thegate gatepost, post, and and an an actuator actuator assembly assembly adapted adapted to be to be mounted to mounted tothe theother otherofof thethe gate gate and and gategate post, post, 30 30 said latch pin said latch pin assembly assembly including including aa housing housing having having aa wall wall defining a passage defining a passage and and aa latch latch pin pin mounted mounted in in said said passage passage for for sliding movement relative sliding movement relativetotosaid said wall wall between between a retracted a retracted position and an extended position, and locking means arranged 22 Aug 2025 to selectively lock said latch pin in the extended position; said actuator assembly including a magnet and means for moving 5 said magnet between an active position in which it draws said latch pin to the extended position and an inactive position in which said latch pin is released and allowed to move to the 2018256525 retracted position;

10 said latch pin having a shank including a first portion of a first diameter with a head at one end adapted to engage said wall when in said retracted position and a second portion of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second 15 portion, and first biasing means on said shank arranged to bias said latch pin towards the retracted position;

said locking means including a locking member and a selectively 20 removable key, said locking member being arranged to move between a locked position in which it holds said latch pin in the latched position and an unlocked position in which said latch pin is permitted to move to the retracted position upon operation of said key; 25 said latch pin including means for preventing movement of said locking member from said unlocked position beyond a first position towards said locked position, said locking member being arranged to engage said means for preventing movement and 30 thereby prevent removal of said removable key unless said locking member has moved to the locked position; and

wherein said latch pin includes stop means towards the other end from said head, and a substantially frustoconical washer mounted on said shank beyond said stop means and extending radially 22 Aug 2025 therefrom, and securing means on said shank arranged to secure said frustoconical washer on said shank, said stop means being arranged to abut the shoulder formed between the first portion 5 and the second portion of the shank so as to prevent movement of said frustoconical washer along said shank beyond a second position, and wherein second biasing means is mounted on said 2018256525 shank between said stop means and said frustoconical washer and arranged to bias said frustoconical washer towards said other 10 end.

In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a latch pin assembly for a magnetic latch including:

15 a housing adapted to be mounted to a gate, gate post or the like (hereafter encompassed by the term "gatepost"), said housing having a wall defining a passage for mounting therein a latch pin;

20 a latch pin mounted in said passage for sliding movement relative to said wall between a retracted position and an extended position, said latch pin having a shank including a first portion of a first diameter with a head at one end adapted to engage said wall when in said retracted position and a second portion 25 of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion, and stop means towards the other end;

a frustoconical washer mounted on said shank beyond said stop 30 means and extending radially therefrom and securing means on said shank arranged to secure said frustoconical washer on the shank, said stop means being arranged to abut the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion of the shank so as to prevent movement of said frustoconical washer along the 22 Aug 2025 shank beyond a position; and second biasing means mounted on said shank between said stop 5 means and said frustoconical washer and arranged to bias said frustoconical washer towards said other end. 2018256525

In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a latch pin for a magnetic latch including: 10 a shank including a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion; 15 a head at one end proximal the first portion of the shank;

a frustoconical washer mounted on the shank towards the other end proximal the second portion, and securing means also mounted 20 on the shank and arranged to secure the frustoconical washer thereon;

stop means mounted on the shank and arranged to abut the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion of the 25 shank for stopping movement of the frustoconical washer along the shank beyond a position; and

second biasing means between said stop means and said 30 frustoconical washer for biasing said frustoconical washer towards said other end.

Preferably, said stop means includes a flat washer. In such form, it is preferred that said frustoconical washer has opposed circular end faces with the larger end face facing the stop 22 Aug 2025 means (and the head of the pin) and the smaller end face facing the other end.

5 Preferably, said second biasing means is a spring mounted on said shank between said stop means and said frustoconical washer. In such form, it is also preferred that said frustoconical washer 2018256525

is a loose fit on said shank whereby said second biasing means) and said washer cooperate to allow pivoting movement of said 10 spacer, washer or collar about axes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pin. However, in less preferred forms, the biasing means is a ring or washer formed of a flexible and resilient material which is mounted between the stop means and the spacer or washer so as to apply a biasing force thereto. 15 Preferably, said first biasing means is between said wall and said spacer or washer and arranged to bias said latch pin to the retracted position. In such form it is preferred that said first biasing means is a spring mounted on said shank between said 20 wall and said stop means.

In still yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a latch pin for a magnetic latch including:

25 a shank including a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion;

30 a head at one end proximal the first portion of the shank;

a protuberance extending laterally from the shank adjacent the other end proximal the second portion, the protuberance being limited in movement along the shank by stop means abutting the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion 22 Aug 2025 of the shank and adapted for engagement by a keylock tail to limit rotation of the keylock tail when said shank is in a position; and 5 first biasing means on said shank between said head and said protuberance, said first biasing means being adapted to engage 2018256525 a face of a wall in which said latch pin is mounted.

10 In another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a latch pin assembly for a magnetic latch including:

a housing adapted to be mounted to a gate or gate post, said housing having a wall defining a passage for mounting therein a 15 latch pin;

a latch pin mounted in said passage for sliding movement relative to said wall between a retracted position and an extended position, said latch pin having a shank including a first portion 20 of a first diameter with a head at one end adapted to engage said wall when in said retracted position and a second portion of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion and a protuberance extending laterally from the shank 25 adjacent the other end proximal the second portion, said protuberance being limited in movement along the shank by stop means abutting the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion of the shank and arranged for engagement by a keylock tail so as to limit rotation of the keylock tail when

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the shank is in a first position and to avoid engagement to 22 Aug 2025

allow further rotation of said keylock tail when the shank is in a second position; and

5 first biasing means on said shank between said head and said protuberance, said biasing means being adapted to engage an inner face of the wall in which said latch pin is mounted so as 2018256525

to bias said head away from said wall.

10 In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig.1A is a pictorial representation of an automatic latch 15 assembly according to the invention;

Fig.1B is a sectional front elevation of the automatic latch assembly illustrated in Fig. 1;

20 Fig. 2A is a sectional front elevation of the latch pin assembly of the automatic latch assembly of Fig. 1A with the latch pin in the unlocked position;

Fig. 2B is a sectional front elevation of the latch pin assembly 25 illustrated in Fig. 2A with the latch pin in the unlocked position showing the keylock tail being prevented from moving to the locked position;

Fig. 2C is a sectional front elevation of the latch pin assembly 30 illustrated in Fig. 2A with the latch pin in the locked position;

Fig.3 is a pictorial representation of the automatic latch assembly of fig.1 capital a with the main components in line for assembly;

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Fig.4 Fig. isisa apictorial pictorial representation representation of of the the actuator actuator assembly assembly component component of the of the automatic automatic latch latch assembly assembly ofof figure figure 11 from from the the rear; rear;

Fig.5 is aa sectional Fig.5 is sectionalelevation elevationofofthe theactuator actuator assembly assembly component component 5 illustrated in figure figure 4 4along along a vertical plane through the the 2018256525

2018256525

5 illustrated in a vertical plane through centre; centre;

Fig.6A Fig. 6A is is aa pictorial pictorial representation representation ofof a aslightly slightlydifferent different latch pin assembly latch pin assemblyaccording according to to thethe invention; invention;

Fig. 6B is Fig. 6B is aa front front elevation elevation of of the the latch latch pin pin assembly assembly of of Fig. Fig. 10 0 6A; 6A;

Fig. 6C is Fig. 6C is aa top topplan planview viewofof the the latch latch pinpin assembly assembly of Fig. of Fig. 6A; 6A;

Fig. 6D is Fig. 6D is an an end end elevation elevation of of the thelatch latchpin pinassembly assemblyofofFig. Fig. 6A; 6A;

Fig. 6E is Fig. 6E is the theopposite opposite end end elevation elevation of the of the latch latch pin assembly pin assembly 15 5 ofofFig. Fig.6A; 6A;

Fig. 6F is Fig. 6F is aa rear rear elevation elevation of of the thelatch latchpin pinassembly assemblyofofFig. Fig. 6A; 6A;

Fig. 6G is Fig. 6G is aa sectional sectional end end elevation elevation of of the the latch latch pin pin assembly assembly of Fig. 6A of Fig. 6A along alongline lineG-G; G-G;

20 Fig.6H6Hisisa asectional 20 Fig. sectional end end elevation elevation of of thethe latch latch pinpin assembly assembly of Fig. 6A of Fig. 6A along alongline lineH-H; H-H;

Fig. 6J is Fig. 6J is aa sectional sectionalfront front elevation elevation of of thethe latch latch pin pin assembly assembly of Fig. 6A of Fig. 6A along alongline lineJ-J; J-J;

Fig. Fig. 77 is is aa pictorial pictorial representation representation of of the the latch latch pin pin assembly assembly 25 25 ininthe theassembled assembledstate; state;and and

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Fig. Fig. 88 is is aa pictorial pictorialview viewofofthe thelatch latch pin pin assembly assembly of of thethe latch latch assembly assembly ofofFig. Fig.6A6Ainin line line forfor assembly. assembly.

The The automatic automatic magnetic magnetic latch latch assembly assembly 10 10 illustrated illustrated inin Fig. Fig. 1A 1A is intended for is intended for latching latching aa hinged hinged gate gate 99 to toa agate gatepost post8.8.InIn 5 thiscase, case,the thegate gateisis arranged toto provide selective access to to 2018256525

2018256525

5 this arranged provide selective access a swimming pool a swimming pool enclosure enclosure and and the the gate gateisisa aself-closing self-closinggate gate relying on spring relying on springloaded loadedhinges hingesasas isis well well known known in in thethe artart which which provide sufficient provide sufficientforce force to to close close the the gate. gate.

The latch assembly The latch assembly includes includes aa latch latch pin pin assembly assembly 11 11 (sometimes (sometimes 10 referredtotoasasa astriker 0 referred strikeror orstriker striker plate plate or or striker striker assembly assembly in in the art) which the art) which is is mounted mounted to to the the gate gate and and an an elongate elongate actuator actuator assembly 12 which assembly 12 which is ismounted mountedtoto thethe gate gate post. post. The The opposite opposite arrangement arrangement may may be be used used if desired, that if desired, is, the that is, the latch latch pin pin assembly assembly may may bebe mounted mounted onon the the gate gate post post and andthetheactuator actuator 15 assembly 5 assembly on on thethe gate. gate. Although Although in its in its preferred preferred use, use, the actuator the actuator assembly is mounted assembly is mountedvertically, vertically,it it is is notnot limited limited to use to use in only in only that orientation. that orientation.

The actuator assembly The actuator assembly is is the same the same as as the the actuator actuator assembly assembly illustrated in application illustrated in application No. 2016201778 No. 2016201778 and and reference reference may may bebe 20 madetotothat 20 made thatapplication applicationwhich whichisisincorporated incorporatedherein hereinbybyway wayofof reference forananunderstanding reference for understandingof of thethe operation operation of actuator of the the actuator assembly. assembly.

In brief, the In brief, theactuator actuatorassembly assembly 12 12 includes includes an elongate an elongate housing housing 13 with mounting 13 with mounting brackets brackets 14 14 extending extendingtherefrom therefromforformounting mounting 25 theactuator 25 the actuatorassembly assemblytotothe thegate gatepost postby by way way of of bolts bolts extending extending through holes15. through holes 15.A Alifting lifting rodrod 16 16 is mounted is mounted in housing in the the housing 13 13 for up and for up and down down movement movement relative relativethereto theretoand andextends extendsthrough through the upper end the upper endcapcap1717ofof the the housing housing 13 and 13 and terminates terminates in a in knoba knob or handle 18 or handle 18 adapted adaptedtotobebegripped grippedbyby a a person’s person's hand hand forfor lifting lifting 30 thelifting 30 the liftingrod. rod.Suitably Suitablya mounting a mounting ring ring or case or case 19 is 19 is

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screwthreadedly connected screwthreadedly connected to to thethe lifting lifting rod rod 16 its 16 at at its lowerlower end end and and aa magnet magnet2121isismounted mounted in in thethe ring ring so that so that it be it can canlifted be lifted and lowered with and lowered with the the lifting lifting rod rod and and rest rest in in the the lower lower end end cap cap 20 of the 20 of the housing. housing.

5 5 AsAscan canbebe more clearly seen in in Fig.Fig. 1B, 1B, a passage 23 extends 2018256525

2018256525

more clearly seen a passage 23 extends horizontally into the horizontally into the lower lower end end cap cap 20 20 of of the the housing housing which which is is intended to selectively intended to selectivelyreceive receive therein therein an an endend portion portion oflatch of a a latch pin 31 pin 31 as as will willbebedescribed described below. below.

The latch pin The latch pinassembly assembly1111includes includes a housing a housing 32 having 32 having a wall a wall 33 33 10 defininga apassage 0 defining passage3434and andlatch latch pin pin 31 31 which which is is mounted mounted in in thethe passage for passage for sliding sliding movement movementrelative relativetotosaid said wall wall between between a a retracted position retracted position as can as canbebeseen seenin in FigFig 2A 2A and and an extended an extended position as position as can can be be seen in seen in Fig Fig 2C. 2C. The The housing housing also also includes includes aa striker plate35 striker plate 35which whichisisengaged engagedby by thethe lower lower end end cap cap 20the 20 of of the 15 actuatorhousing 5 actuator housing1313and andallows allowsthethelatch latch pin pin passage passage 3434 to to align align with the with the latch latch pin pin 31 31 so so that that the the latch latch pin pin can can slide slide into into the the passage as passage as desired desiredfor for latching latching thethe gate. gate.

A key A key lock lock assembly assembly 41 41 is is mounted mountedtotothe thelatch latchpin pinhousing housing 3232 and is arranged and is arranged totoselectively selectivelylock lockthe the latch latch pinpin 31 the 31 in in the 20 extendedposition 20 extended positiontoto thereby thereby lock lock thethe latch latch pinpin in the in the locked locked position so position so that thatthe thelifting lifting rod rod cannot cannot be be lifted lifted to unlatch to unlatch the the gate. The key gate. The keylock lockassembly assembly hashas a housing a housing 42 which 42 which is secured is secured to to the latch pin the latch pin housing housing by by aa lock lock washer washer43. 43.A Akey keybarrel barrel4444isis mounted in mounted in the the housing housing for for rotation rotation relative relative thereto thereto by by way wayof of 25 25 a akey key (not (not shown) shown) when when inserted inserted intointo key key holehole 45 rotated 45 and and rotated through through aa 90 90 degree degreearc arcorora a 180 180 degree degree arcarc depending depending on key on the the key assembly selectedand assembly selected anda akey key lock lock tail tail 46 46 which which is secured is secured to the to the inner end of inner end ofthe thebarrel barrel rotates rotates with with the the barrel. barrel. OtherOther suitable suitable key lock barrels key lock barrelscould couldbebe selected selected if desired. if desired.

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As will As will bebe appreciated appreciated from fromFigs Figs2A2Atoto2C, 2C, when when thethe keykey locklock tail 46 is tail 46 is remote remotefrom fromthe the latch latch pinpin 31,31, thethe latch latch pin pin isthe is in in the unlocked position and unlocked position and when when it it moves moves through through 180 180 degrees, degrees, it it is is in the locked in the locked position position in in which which it itis isengaged engagedagainst againstthe theendend 5 face3636ofof 5 face thethe latch latch pinpin as as willwill be described be described in more in more detail detail 2018256525

2018256525

later. later.

In In this embodiment, as this embodiment, as can can bebe seen seen more more clearly clearly in in Fig. Fig. 7, 7, the the latch pin 31 latch pin 31has hasa ashank shank 52 52 having having a large a large diameter diameter portion portion 52a 52a with a with head 53 a head 53 at at one one end end and and an an end end portion portion 54 54 of of smaller smaller 10 0 diameter at diameter at the theother otherend endwhich which thereby thereby forms forms a shoulder a shoulder 56 with 56 with the portion of the portion of larger larger diameter. diameter.TheThehead headofof thethe latch latch pinpin is is adapted to engage adapted to engage the the outer outer face face of ofhousing housingwall wall33a 33awhen whenthe the latch pin is latch pin isininthe theunlatched unlatched position. position. A compression A compression spring spring 61 61 is mounted on is mounted on the themain mainportion portion of of thethe shank shank andand arranged arranged to bias to bias 15 thelatch 5 the latchpin pintotothe the unlatched unlatched position position by by engagement engagement with with thethe inner face 33b inner face 33bofofthe thehousing housing wall wall 33. 33.

A flat A flat washer washer57 57isismounted mountedonon thethe small small diameter diameter portion portion of the of the shank and abuts shank and abuts the the shoulder shoulder 56, 56, the the shoulder shoulder stopping stopping or or preventing movement preventing movement of of the the flat flat washer washer towards towards the the head head end end of of 20 the _0 the shank. shank. A second A second compression compression spring spring 58 is58mounted is mounted onsmall on the the small diameter portion outside diameter portion outside or or beyond beyond the the flat flat washer washer 57 57 which which is is followed by aa steel followed by steelfrustoconical frustoconical washer washer 59 59 which which is aisloose a loose fit fit on the shank. on the shank.A Acirclip circlip55 55 which which engages engages in ain a circlip circlip groove groove 62 62 formed on the formed on the shank shankholds holdsthethe flat flat washer, washer, thethe second second spring spring and and 25 thefrustoconical 25 the frustoconicalwasher washer on on thethe small small diameter diameter portion portion of the of the shank. shank.

It will be It will be appreciated appreciated that thatthe thesecond secondspring spring is is arranged arranged to to bias the bias the frustoconical frustoconicalwasher washer towards towards thethe circlip circlip and and as aasresult a result the frustoconical washer the frustoconical washer can caneffectively effectively pivot pivot to to a limited a limited 30 extent 30 extent on on thethe shank shank about about multiple multiple lateral lateral axes axes extending extending through through the shank thereby the shank thereby providing providing an an advantage advantage which which will will become become

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apparent later. Suitably, apparent later. Suitably,the theamount amount of of lateral lateral pivoting pivoting is is determined to allow determined to allow movement movement to to be befelt feltbybythe theperson personturning turning the key whereby the key wherebythe theperson person knows knows that that thethe keykey has has not not locked locked and and that the latch that the latch pin pinhas hasnot notmoved movedtotothe thelocked locked position. position. Further, Further, 5 thediameter 5 the diameterofofthe thefrustoconical frustoconicalwasher washerisisselected selectedtotoprovide provide 2018256525

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a range of a range of angles angles where where the the key key cannot cannot be be removed removed from from the the key key lock barrel while lock barrel while the the key key lock locktail tailis is engaged engaged withwith the the frustoconical washer. frustoconical washer.

Thus, the arrangement Thus, the arrangement provides provides aamechanism mechanismwhereby wherebyremoval removalofof 10 0 the key from the key from the the key key lock lockbarrel barrelcan canonly only occur occur when when thethe keykey lock tail is lock tail is in inthe thefully fullyengaged engaged position position against against the the end end 36 of36 of the latch pin the latch pin while while the thelimited limitedpivoting pivotingmovement movementofofthethe frustoconical washerprevents frustoconical washer prevents wear wear thereof thereof and and the the second second spring spring maintains aa suitable maintains suitableforce forceagainst againstthethe frustoconical frustoconical washer washer 15 whereby 5 whereby thethe keykey tail tail cannot cannot engage engage between between anythe any of of components. the components. Further, while a Further, while a cylindrical washer, cylindrical washer, spacer spacer or or collar collar could could be be used instead of used instead of aa frustoconical frustoconical washer washer to to good good effect, effect, the the frustoconical wasaherhas frustoconical wasaher hasthe the advantage advantage that that the the sloping sloping surface surface assists the key assists the keylock locktoto apply apply a longitudinal a longitudinal force force to latch to the the latch 20 pin. 0 pin. In In use, when use, when a person a person closes closes the the gate, gate, the the magnet magnet 21 21 draws draws the the latch pin 31 latch pin 31 towards itself towards itself against against the thebias biasofofthe thespring spring6161 such such that the head that the head end end portion portion of of the the latch latch pin pin engages engages in in the the passage 23 passage 23 thereby therebylatching latchingthe the gate gate to to thethe gate gate post. post. TheThe person person 25 canthen 25 can thenlock lock the the latch latch if if desired desired by by turning turning the the key key through through 180° in this 180° in thiscase casetotothe the latched latched position. position. However, However, if some if for for some reason the gate reason the gatehas hasnot notproperly properly latched, latched, forfor example, example, if aif a twig twig or some other or some other foreign foreign body bodyofofsome somekind kind has has become become lodged lodged in in passage 23 passage 23 or or against against the thestriker strikerface, face,oror thethe post post hashas beenbeen 30 bentthereby 30 bent therebypreventing preventingproper properengagement engagementof ofthe the latch latch pin pin 31 31 in in passage 23, passage 23, the the frustoconical frustoconicalwasher washer5959will will prevent prevent thethe keykey

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tail tail 46 46 from rotating from rotating to tothe thefully fullylatched latched position position shown shown in in Fig. Fig. 2C 2C and consequently and consequently the the person person will will not not be be able able to to remove remove the the key key from from the the key key lock lock and and will will know know that that there there is is a a problem problem and and that the that thegate gatehas hasnot not properly properly latched. latched.

5 While the theforegoing foregoingdescription description has hasbeen beengiven given by by way way of of 2018256525

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5 While illustrative example of illustrative example of the the invention, invention,ititwill will be be understood understood that the invention that the invention may may be be embodied embodied in in many many other other forms forms and and all all such such forms are deemed forms are deemed to to fall fall within within the the broad broad scope scope and and ambit ambit of the invention of the invention as as defined defined by by the theappended appendedclaims claimsororas as 10 0 described herein. described herein.

pPRO11105description30October2018 pPR011105description300ctober2018

Claims (11)

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS: 22 Aug 2025

1.An automatic latch assembly for latching a hinged gate to a gate post, including: 5 a latch pin assembly adapted to be mounted to one of the hinged gate and the gate post, and an actuator assembly adapted to be 2018256525

mounted to the other of the gate and gate post,

10 said latch pin assembly including a housing having a wall defining a passage and a latch pin mounted in said passage for sliding movement relative to said wall between a retracted position and an extended position, and locking means arranged to selectively lock said latch pin in the extended position; 15 said actuator assembly including a magnet and means for moving said magnet between an active position in which it draws said latch pin to the extended position and an inactive position in which said latch pin is released and allowed to move to the 20 retracted position;

said latch pin having a shank including a first portion of a first diameter with a head at one end adapted to engage said wall when in said retracted position and a second portion of a 25 second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion, and first biasing means on said shank arranged to bias said latch pin towards the retracted position;

30 said locking means including a locking member and a selectively removable key, said locking member being arranged to move between a locked position in which it holds said latch pin in the latched position and an unlocked position in which said latch pin is permitted to move to the retracted position upon 22 Aug 2025 operation of said key; said latch pin including means for preventing movement of said 5 locking member from said unlocked position beyond a first position towards said locked position, said locking member being arranged to engage said means for preventing movement and 2018256525 thereby prevent removal of said removable key unless said locking member has moved to the locked position; and 10 wherein said latch pin includes stop means towards the other end from said head, and a substantially frustoconical washer mounted on said shank beyond said stop means and extending radially therefrom, and securing means on said shank arranged to secure 15 said frustoconical washer on said shank, said stop means being arranged to abut the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion of the shank so as to prevent movement of said frustoconical washer along said shank beyond a second position, and wherein second biasing means is mounted on said 20 shank between said stop means and said frustoconical washer and arranged to bias said frustoconical washer towards said other end.

2.A latch pin assembly for a magnetic latch including: 25 a housing adapted to be mounted to a gate, gate post or the like, said housing having a wall defining a passage for mounting therein a latch pin;

30 a latch pin mounted in said passage for sliding movement relative to said wall between a retracted position and an extended position, said latch pin having a shank including a first portion of a first diameter with a head at one end adapted to engage said wall when in said retracted position and a second portion 22 Aug 2025 of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion, and stop means towards the other end; 5 a frustoconical washer mounted on said shank beyond said stop means and extending radially therefrom and securing means on 2018256525 said shank arranged to secure said frustoconical washer on the shank, said stop means being arranged to abut the shoulder formed 10 between the first portion and the second portion of the shank so as to prevent movement of said frustoconical washer along the shank beyond a position; and second biasing means mounted on said shank between said stop 15 means and said frustoconical washer and arranged to bias said frustoconical washer towards said other end.

3.A latch pin for a magnetic latch including:

20 a shank including a first portion of a first diameter and a second portion of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second portion;

25 a head at one end proximal the first portion of the shank;

a frustoconical washer mounted on the shank towards the other end proximal the second portion, and securing means also mounted on the shank and arranged to secure the frustoconical washer 30 thereon;

stop means mounted on the shank and arranged to abut the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion of the shank for stopping movement of the frustoconical washer along 22 Aug 2025 the shank beyond a position; and

5 second biasing means between said stop means and said frustoconical washer for biasing said frustoconical washer towards said other end. 2018256525

4.A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein 10 said stop means includes a flat washer.

5.A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said frustoconical washer has opposed circular end faces with the larger end face facing the stop means and the smaller 15 end face facing the other end.

6.A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said second biasing means includes a spring mounted on said shank 20 between said stop means and said frustoconical washer.

7.A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said frustoconical washer is a loose fit on said shank whereby said second biasing means) and said washer cooperate to allow 25 pivoting movement of said spacer, washer or collar about axes transverse to the longitudinal axis of the pin.

8.A device according to claims 1 and 4-7 (when dependent on claim 1) wherein 30 said first biasing means is between said wall and said frustoconical washer .

9.A device according to claim 8 wherein said first biasing means 22 Aug 2025

is a spring mounted on said shank between said wall and said stop means.

5 10.A latch pin for a magnetic latch including:

a shank including a first portion of a first diameter and a 2018256525

second portion of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion 10 and the second portion;

a head at one end proximal the first portion of the shank;

a protuberance extending laterally from the shank adjacent the 15 other end proximal the second portion, the protuberance being limited in movement along the shank by stop means abutting the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion of the shank and adapted for engagement by a keylock tail to limit rotation of the keylock tail when said 20 shank is in a position; and

first biasing means on said shank between said head and said protuberance, said first biasing means being adapted to engage a face of a wall in which said latch pin is mounted. 25 11.A latch pin assembly for a magnetic latch including:

a housing adapted to be mounted to a gate or gate post, said housing having a wall defining a passage for mounting therein a 30 latch pin;

a latch pin mounted in said passage for sliding movement relative to said wall between a retracted position and an extended position, said latch pin having a shank including a first portion of a first diameter with a head at one end adapted to engage 22 Aug 2025 said wall when in said retracted position and a second portion of a second diameter, smaller than the first diameter, thereby forming a shoulder between the first portion and the second 5 portion and a protuberance extending laterally from the shank adjacent the other end proximal the second portion, said protuberance being limited in movement along the shank by stop 2018256525 means abutting the shoulder formed between the first portion and the second portion of the shank and arranged for engagement by 10 a keylock tail so as to limit rotation of the keylock tail when the shank is in a first position and to avoid engagement to allow further rotation of said keylock tail when the shank is in a second position; and

15 first biasing means on said shank between said head and said protuberance, said biasing means being adapted to engage an inner face of the wall in which said latch pin is mounted so as to bias said head away from said wall.

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35 45 44

Fig. 1A

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Fig. 2A 45 41 113 57 61 58 42 35 32 43 11

44 33a 53 31 46 34 33 36 109 55

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Fig. 2C

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Fig. 4

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1 2 45 41

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Fig. 6A

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32 61 57 3 35 Fig. 6G 8 7 41

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Fig. 6D

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7 2 K K 4 Fig. 6K Fig. 6F

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