Gate latch accessory aid

Abstract

A gate latch accessory aid is fashioned as an arcuate tube, tubes, half-pipe or half-pipes having a rectangular mounting plate or plates located at each end. The gate latch accessory aid is fence post-mountable and provides smooth operation of a gate latching mechanism. The aid provides protection of actuating rope/cable and wooden portions of the gate guide system.

Claims

1. A gate latch accessory aid, comprising: a first mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to a first top side edge of a fence post; a second mounting bracket adapted to be mounted to a second top side edge of said fence post opposite said first mounting bracket; a guide having a first end secured to a top side face of said first mounting bracket and a second end secured to a top side face of said second mounting bracket spanning a distance between said first mounting bracket and said second mounting bracket; a post eyelet adapted to be mounted to a fence post first side subjacent to said first mounting bracket capable of enabling routing a cable therethrough; a latching mechanism adapted to be mounted to a fence post second side opposite said post eyelet subjacent from said second mounting bracket further having a latch eyelet capable of retaining a distal end of said cable therein; a first gusset further securing said guide first end to said top side face of said first mounting bracket; and a second gusset further securing said guide second end to said top side face of said second mounting bracket; wherein said guide is adapted to support and allow free motioning of said cable there through.

2. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 1, wherein said guide comprises a tubular member having an upward arch configured to enable insertion of said cable there through.

3. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 1, wherein said first mounting bracket and said second mounting bracket each comprise an L-shape.

4. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 1, comprising: a first tongue secured upon a top side face corner of said first mounting bracket and subjacent said guide first end; and a second tongue secured upon a top side face corner of said second mounting bracket and subjacent said guide second end.

5. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 4, wherein said guide comprises a tubular member having an upward arch configured to enable insertion of said cable there through.

6. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 4, wherein said first mounting bracket and said second mounting bracket each comprise an L-shape.

7. A gate latch accessory aid, comprising: a mounting bracket having a first side and a second side adapted to be mounted to a first top side edge of a fence post; a guide having a first end secured to a top side face of said mounting bracket first side and a second end secured to a top side face of said mounting bracket second side; a post eyelet adapted to be mounted to a fence post first side, subjacent to said first mounting bracket capable of enabling routing a cable therethrough; and a latching mechanism adapted to be mounted to a fence post second side opposite said post eyelet subjacent from said second mounting bracket further having a latch eyelet capable of retaining a distal end of said cable therein; a first gusset further securing said guide first end to said top side face of said mounting bracket first side; a second gusset further securing said guide second end to said top side face of said mounting bracket second side; a first tongue secured upon a top side face corner of said mounting bracket first side and subjacent said guide first end; and a second tongue secured upon a top side face corner of said mounting bracket second side and subjacent said guide second end; wherein said guide is adapted to support and allow free motioning of said cable there through.

8. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 7, wherein said guide comprises a tubular member having an upward arch; wherein said cable is inserted therethrough.

9. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 7, wherein said mounting bracket comprises a C-shape.

10. The gate latch accessory aid of claim 7, wherein said mounting bracket, said guide, said first gusset, said second gusset, said first tongue and said second tongue are integrally molded.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which:

(2) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gate latch accessory aid 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(3) FIG. 2 is an environmental side view of the gate latch accessory aid 10, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

(4) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a gate latch accessory aid 11, according to a first alternate embodiment of the present invention;

(5) FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a gate latch accessory aid 12, according to a second alternate embodiment of the present invention;

(6) FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a gate latch accessory aid 13, according to a third alternate embodiment of the present invention;

(7) FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a gate latch accessory aid 14, according to a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention;

(8) FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a gate latch accessory aid 15, according to a fifth alternate embodiment of the present invention; and,

(9) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a gate latch accessory aid 16, according to a sixth alternate embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTIVE KEY

(10) 10 gate latch accessory aid 11 first alternate embodiment 12 second alternate embodiment 13 third alternate embodiment 14 fourth alternate embodiment 15 fifth alternate embodiment 16 sixth alternate embodiment 20a first mounting bracket 20b second mounting bracket 20c third mounting bracket 21a mounting bracket first side 21b mounting bracket second side 22 fastener aperture 30 guide tube 31a first guide tube 31b second guide tube 31c first guide tube first aperture 31d first guide tube second aperture 31e second guide tube first aperture 31f second guide tube second aperture 32a guide tube first aperture 32b guide tube second aperture 33 half-pipe guide 33a first half-pipe guide 33b second half-pipe guide 40a first tongue 40b second tongue 50a first gusset 50b second gusset 80 fastener 100 fence post 110 rope/cable 120 post eyelet 130 latch 132 latch eyelet 134 latch hook 136 latch mounting plate

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(11) The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within FIGS. 1 and 2. However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment (as detailed in FIGS. 3-8) and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one (1) particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

(12) The terms a and an herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one (1) of the referenced items.

(13) The present invention describes a gate latch accessory aid (herein described as the device) in the preferred embodiment 10 and alternate embodiments 11-16, which provide a post-mountable accessory to aid in the smooth operation of a latch mechanism 130 also mounted to the fence post 100. The devices in the preferred embodiment 10 and alternate embodiments 11-16, provide protection of wooden gate portions as well as protection of an actuating rope/cable portion 110 from sharp edges, thereby extending a life of the rope cable 110.

(14) Referring now to FIG. 1, a perspective view of the device 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device 10 includes a unitary plastic or metal structure including a first mounting bracket 20a, a mirror-image second mounting bracket 20b, and an interconnecting hollow guide tube 30. The mounting brackets 20a. 20b are envisioned to take on mirror-image L-shaped forms for convenient positioning and attachment along opposing top edge portions of an existing fence post 100. The parallel vertical portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b include a plurality of formed or machined fastener apertures 22 allowing the device 10 to be affixed to the fence post 100 using corresponding fasteners 80 such as wood screws, lag screws, or the like. The guide tube 30 is affixed to, and extends between opposing top corner portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b in an upwardly arcing manner, being welded or otherwise permanently joined thereto. The hollow guide tube 30 provides a pair of internal guide tube apertures 32a, 32b through its length, being sized so as to allow insertion and free motioning of a rope/cable 110 through the guide tube 30 during use (see FIG. 2). It is envisioned that the device 10 may be sold in different sizes having different widths between the brackets 20a, 20b to fit snuggly upon various standard sizes of fence posts 100 such as four by four inches (44 in.), four by six inches (46 in.), and the like.

(15) A pair of tongues 40a, 40b, each of which is located at the transition of the angle portion of each of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b, directly subjacent to a distal exit port of the guide tube 30. The tongues 40a, 40b exist to help further create a smooth and non-fraying contact point for the rope/cable 110. Also, a pair of gusset plates 50a, 50b, each of which is positioned to help support a distal end of the guide tube 30 to the upper horizontal portions for a respective mounting bracket 20a, 20b.

(16) It is envisioned that the guide tube 30 may also take on an arcuate half tube or half pipe form 33, 33a and 33b, having an open top portion to receive and cradle the rope/cable 110 with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device 10 (please see FIGS. 5-7).

(17) The device 10 is also envisioned to include post eyelet 120 and latching mechanism 130 portions (see FIG. 2).

(18) Referring now to FIG. 2, an environmental side view of the device 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. In use, the device 10 is to be mounted to opposing top edge portions of an existing fence post 100 using a plurality of fasteners 80. A rope/cable 110 is then routed through the guide tube portion 30 of the device 10. One (1) end of the rope/cable 110 is tied or otherwise affixed to a post eyelet 120 being screwed into, or otherwise secured to a side surface of the fence post 100 directly below one (1) end portion of the guide tube 30. The location of the post eyelet 120 should be such that a sufficient length of the rope/cable 110 may be exposed so as to enable grasping and extending the rope/cable 110. The other end of the rope/cable 110 is secured in like manner to a latching mechanism 130 mounted to a side surface of the fence post 100 opposite that of the post eyelet 120. An embodiment of the latching mechanism 130 is illustrated here, for example sake, being a pivoting-type design having an integral latch eyelet portion 132, a latch hook portion 134, and a latch mounting plate 136. However, it is understood that other latching mechanisms of various designs may be used with equal benefit, and as such should not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the device 10.

(19) Referring now to FIG. 3, a perspective view of the device 11, according to a first alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device 11 includes a unitary plastic or metal structure including a first mounting bracket 20a, a mirror-image second mounting bracket 20b, and severed guide tube having a first half 31a and a second half 31b. The mounting brackets 20a, 20b are envisioned to take on mirror-image L-shaped forms for convenient positioning and attachment along opposing top edge portions of an existing fence post 100. The parallel vertical portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b include a plurality of formed or machined fastener apertures 22 allowing the device 10 to be affixed to the fence post 100 using corresponding fasteners 80 such as wood screws, lag screws, or the like. The guide tubes 31a, 31b are affixed to, opposing top corner portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b in an upwardly arcing manner, being welded or otherwise permanently joined thereto. The hollow guide tubes 31a and 31b each provide a pair of internal guide tube apertures 31c, 31d, 31e and 31f across the length of both tubes 31a and 31b, being sized so as to allow insertion and free motioning of a rope/cable 110 through the guide tubes 31a and 31b during use. It is envisioned that the device 11 may be sold in different sizes having different widths between the brackets 20a, 20b to fit snuggly upon various standard sizes of fence posts 100 such as four by four inches (44 in.), four by six inches (46 in.), and the like.

(20) A pair of tongues 40a, 40b, each of which is located at the transition of the angle portion of each of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b, directly subjacent to a distal exit port 31c, 31f of the guide tubes 31a, 31b respectively. The tongues 40a, 40b exist to help further create a smooth and non-fraying contact point for the rope/cable 110. Also, a pair of gusset plates 50a, 50b, each of which is positioned to help support a distal end of the guide tubes 31a, 31b to the upper horizontal portions for a respective mounting bracket 20a, 20b.

(21) Referring now to FIG. 4, a perspective view of the device 12, according to a second alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device 12 includes a unitary plastic or metal structure including a single mounting bracket 20c having a first mounting bracket side 21a, a mirror-image second mounting bracket side 21b, and a guide tube 30 having a first aperture 32a and a second aperture 32b. The sides of the mounting brackets 21a. 21b are envisioned to take on mirror-image L-shaped forms for convenient positioning and attachment along opposing top edge portions of an existing fence post 100. The parallel vertical portions of the mounting bracket 20c sides 21a, 21b include a plurality of formed or machined fastener apertures 22 allowing the device 10 to be affixed to the fence post 100 using corresponding fasteners 80 such as wood screws, lag screws, or the like. The guide tube 30 is affixed to, and extends between opposing top corner portions of the mounting brackets 21a, 21b in an upwardly arcing manner, being welded or otherwise permanently joined thereto. The guide tube 30 is affixed to, and extends between opposing top corner portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b in an upwardly arcing manner, being welded or otherwise permanently joined thereto. The hollow guide tube 30 provides a pair of internal guide tube apertures 32a, 32b through its length, being sized so as to allow insertion and free motioning of a rope/cable 110 through the guide tube 30 during use (see FIG. 2). It is envisioned that the device 10 may be sold in different sizes having different widths between the brackets 20a, 20b to fit snuggly upon various standard sizes of fence posts 100 such as four by four inches (44 in.), four by six inches (46 in.), and the like.

(22) A pair of tongues 40a, 40b, each of which is located at the transition of the angle portion of each of the mounting brackets sides 21a, 21b, directly subjacent to a distal exit port of the guide tube 30. The tongues 40a, 40b exist to help further create a smooth and non-fraying contact point for the rope/cable 110. Also, a pair of gusset plates 50a, 50b, each of which is positioned to help support a distal end of the guide tube 30 to the upper horizontal portions for a respective mounting bracket sides 21a, 21b.

(23) Referring now to FIG. 5, a perspective view of the device 13, according to a third alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device 13 includes a unitary plastic or metal structure including a first mounting bracket 20a, a mirror-image second mounting bracket 20b, and a first guide half-pipe 33a and second guide half-pipe 33b. The mounting brackets 20a. 20b are envisioned to take on mirror-image L-shaped forms for convenient positioning and attachment along opposing top edge portions of an existing fence post 100. The parallel vertical portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b include a plurality of formed or machined fastener apertures 22 allowing the device 10 to be affixed to the fence post 100 using corresponding fasteners 80 such as wood screws, lag screws, or the like. The guide half-pipes 33a, 33b are affixed to, opposing top corner portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b in an upwardly arcing manner, being welded or otherwise permanently joined thereto. It is envisioned that the device 13 may be sold in different sizes having different widths between the brackets 20a, 20b to fit snuggly upon various standard sizes of fence posts 100 such as four by four inches (44 in.), four by six inches (46 in.), and the like.

(24) A pair of tongues 40a, 40b, each of which is located at the transition of the angle portion of each of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b, directly subjacent to a distal exit port of the first half-pipe guide 33a and second half-pipe guide 33b. The tongues 40a, 40b exist to help further create a smooth and non-fraying contact point for the rope/cable 110. Also, a pair of gusset plates 50a, 50b, each of which is positioned to help support a distal end of the first half-pipe guide 33a and second half-pipe guide 33b to the upper horizontal portions for a respective mounting bracket 20a, 20b.

(25) Referring now to FIG. 6, a perspective view of the device 14, according to a fourth alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device 10 includes a unitary plastic or metal structure including a first mounting bracket 20a, a mirror-image second mounting bracket 20b, and an interconnecting guide half-pipe 33. The mounting brackets 20a. 20b are envisioned to take on mirror-image L-shaped forms for convenient positioning and attachment along opposing top edge portions of an existing fence post 100. The parallel vertical portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b include a plurality of formed or machined fastener apertures 22 allowing the device 10 to be affixed to the fence post 100 using corresponding fasteners 80 such as wood screws, lag screws, or the like. The half-pipe guide 33 is affixed to, and extends between opposing top corner portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b in an upwardly arcing manner, being welded or otherwise permanently joined thereto. It is envisioned that the device 14 may be sold in different sizes having different widths between the brackets 20a, 20b to fit snuggly upon various standard sizes of fence posts 100 such as four by four inches (44 in.), four by six inches (46 in.), and the like.

(26) A pair of tongues 40a, 40b, each of which is located at the transition of the angle portion of each of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b, directly subjacent to a distal exit port of half-pipe guide 33. The tongues 40a, 40b exist to help further create a smooth and non-fraying contact point for the rope/cable 110. Also, a pair of gusset plates 50a, 50b, each of which is positioned to help support a distal end of the half-pipe guide 33 to the upper horizontal portions for a respective mounting bracket 20a, 20b.

(27) Referring now to FIG. 7, a perspective view of the device 15, according to a fifth alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The device 12 includes a unitary plastic or metal structure including a single mounting bracket 20 having a first mounting bracket side 20a, a mirror-image second mounting bracket side 20b, and a guide half-pipe 33. The sides of the mounting brackets 20a. 20b are envisioned to take on mirror-image L-shaped forms for convenient positioning and attachment along opposing top edge portions of an existing fence post 100. The parallel vertical portions of the mounting bracket 20 sides 20a, 20b include a plurality of formed or machined fastener apertures 22 allowing the device 10 to be affixed to the fence post 100 using corresponding fasteners 80 such as wood screws, lag screws, or the like. The guide half-pipe 33 is affixed to, and extends between opposing top corner portions of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b in an upwardly arcing manner, being welded or otherwise permanently joined thereto. It is envisioned that the device 15 may be sold in different sizes having different widths between the brackets 20a, 20b to fit snuggly upon various standard sizes of fence posts 100 such as four by four inches (44 in.), four by six inches (46 in.), and the like.

(28) A pair of tongues 40a, 40b, each of which is located at the transition of the angle portion of each of the mounting brackets 20a, 20b, directly subjacent to a distal exit port of the guide half-pipe 33. The tongues 40a, 40b exist to help further create a smooth and non-fraying contact point for the rope/cable 110. Also, a pair of gusset plates 50a, 50b, each of which is positioned to help support a distal end of the guide half-pipe 33 to the upper horizontal portions for a respective mounting bracket 20a, 20b.

(29) Referring now to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the device 16, according to a sixth alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. This embodiment is essentially the same as that of the preferred embodiment FIG. 1, but that device 16 has a tube 30 which is secured to the first mounting bracket 20a and second mounting bracket 20b without use of a tongue 40a, 40b and a gusset 50a, 50b. In this embodiment, it is envisioned that the tube 30 would be secured to the first mounting bracket 20a and second mounting bracket 20b beneath first aperture 32a and second aperture 32b by means of a weldment, industrial adhesive or any other means commonly employed by those in the industry.

(30) It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope.

(31) The preferred embodiment 10, and alternate embodiments 11-16, of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training After initial purchase or acquisition of the device 10, it would be installed as indicated in FIG. 2.

(32) The method of installing and utilizing the preferred embodiment 10, and alternate embodiments 11-16, may be achieved by performing the following steps: procuring a model of the device 10-16 having a width which corresponds to a size of an intended fence post 100; positioning the bracket 20c or bracket portions 20a, 20b upon a top face or opposing top corner portions of the fence post 100; utilizing the bracket aperture portions 32a, 32b or 31c, 31d, 31e, and 31f when applicable and the provided fasteners 80 to mount the bracket 20c or brackets 20a, 20b to the opposing side surfaces of the fence post 100; screwing or otherwise installing the post eyelet 120 upon a side surface of the fence post 100 directly below one (1) end of the guide tube 30, or half-pipe 33, 33a and 33b, at a height which will result in a sufficient length of the rope/cable 110 to be exposed for grasping and extending during use; mounting the latching mechanism 130 in like manner upon an opposing side surface of the fence post 100 at a desired height and directly below the other end of the guide tube 30, or half-pipe 33, 33a and 33b using the provided fasteners 80; inserting and routing a length of rope/cable 110 through the guide tube 30 or on the half-pipe guide 33, 33a or 33b; tying or otherwise affixing one (1) end of the rope/cable 110 to the post eyelet 120; tying or otherwise affixing the other end of the rope/cable 110 to the latching mechanism eyelet 132; allowing the latching mechanism 130 to secure an existing gate portion of the gate system in a normal manner; grasping the rope/cable 110 immediately above the post eyelet 120; pulling and extending the rope/cable 110 out through the guide tube 30, coincidentally lifting the latching mechanism 130 and releasing the gate portion; and, benefiting from protection of gate and rope/cable 110 portions of a gate system afforded a user of the preferred embodiment 10, and alternate embodiments 11-16.

(33) The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.