MAGNETIC GATE LATCH

摘要

A magnetic gate latch comprises magnetic materials and a latching mechanism attracted into a keeper when the gate latch is closed by a first magnetic force and retained in a unlatched position by a second magnetic force. For example, the latching mechanism comprises a pin without a spring or other biasing mechanism biasing the spring in a direction opposite of a magnet in the keeper assembly. In one example, the pin comprises a magnet on an end of the pin opposite from the keeper assembly, which is attracted toward a ferromagnetic material when the pin is retracted into the housing.

主权项

1. A device for latching and unlatching a gate comprises:
a first magnet disposed in a keeper; and a gate latch assembly, wherein the gate latch assembly and the keeper are arranged to work cooperatively in latching and unlatching the gate, and the gate latch assembly comprises:
a second magnet disposed within the gate latch assembly;a latching mechanism; anda housing, wherein the latching mechanism is coupled to the housing, such that, when the gate latch assembly and the keeper are installed on the gate, the latching mechanism is capable of latching the gate in a latched position by extending from the housing, engaging the keeper when the keeper and the gate latch assembly are installed on the gate, and of unlatching the gate in an unlatched position by withdrawing the latching mechanism from engagement with the keeper, when the keeper and the gate latch assembly are installed on the gate, andwherein the second magnet is arranged within the gate latch assembly such that the latching mechanism is retained in the unlatched position by a force of magnetic attraction provided by the second magnet, when the gate latch assembly is not in the latched position.