1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of latching mechanisms, and more particularly, to striker designs for use with latching mechanisms for fence gates and the like.
2. Description of the Related Art
Gate latches provide a simple method for securing fence gates from unwanted opening while allowing the gate to be opened, closed and locked at will with a minimum amount of effort.
A typical gate latch is comprised of a main body having a latch mechanism on one gate post and a striker bar which aligns with the latch mechanism on the other gate post. In the closed position, the striker bar is held in place by the latch mechanism, which, when released, allows the gate to be opened.
Many currently available gate latches utilize a fixed main body having a latch that uses the force of gravity to pull the latch plate down on a protruding striker bar. Alternatively, the latch mechanism may include a lock to prevent opening of the gate without a key. Thus, the latch may be opened either normally by a user or through the operation of the lock to release the striker bar to open the gate. A typical gate latch including a lock is illustrated in
It is an object of the invention to provide a striker bar assembly which is easier to grasp for opening and closing a gate or the like.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a striker bar assembly which includes a handle to assist in grasping the gate for operation.
Thus, in accordance with the invention, a novel striker bar assembly is provided which can be used with a wide variety of latch body assemblies. In particular, the striker bar assembly includes a mounting portion for securing the striker bar assembly to a gate post, a handle portion which preferably includes an opening to receive an operator's hand, and a striker bar extending outwardly from the striker bar assembly to cooperate with a latching tongue of a gate latch assembly mounted on an opposing gate post. In a most preferred embodiment, the mounting portion and handle are an integrally formed, one-piece construction including a striker bar mounting opening therein. A separately formed striker bar is secured in the mounting opening to complete the striker bar assembly.
Referring to
To overcome the disadvantages of the gate latch assembly illustrated in
The striker bar assembly 20 also includes a handle portion 26 extending outwardly toward the operator for ease of grasping. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the handle portion 26 can be formed in any shape desired, including shapes having openings to receive an operator's hand such as a loop-type handle or a knob-type handle for ease of grasping. In the preferred embodiment as illustrated in
The striker bar assembly body 23 also includes a striker bar mounting means for fixedly holding the striker bar 30. The striker bar mounting means is preferably a boss 28 having an opening therein for receiving a mounting end of the striker bar 30. The boss 28 preferably includes an elongated opening extending completely therethrough so that the striker bar 30 may be securely mounted to extend from either side of the striker bar assembly, depending upon the application. Moreover, the striker bar assembly is designed to be mounted either with the striker bar at a top or bottom position depending upon the application yet still provide the advantages of a grippable handle.
The striker bar assembly 20 of the present invention can be used in conjunction with a variety of main body assemblies mounted to a stationary fence post or the like. The only requirement of the main body assembly is that it have a latch mechanism which can receive and selectively hold the striker bar. Accordingly, the striker bar assembly of the present invention has many applications as will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art.
Having illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention and certain possible modifications thereto, it should be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention may be further modified in arrangement and detail without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the gate latch striker bar assembly could be made from a variety of materials including plastic and/or metal provided the function is maintained. Furthermore, the striker bar assembly of the present invention may be adapted to also be used to work on screen doors, doors for sheds, barns, etc. All such modifications are contemplated and fall within the scope of the invention.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/699,119 filed on Jan. 29, 2007. This application also claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/763,561 filed on Jan. 31, 2006.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60763561 | Jan 2006 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 11699119 | Jan 2007 | US |
Child | 12607609 | US |