Bidirectional foot-operable latching mechanism for a swing gate

Abstract

15 Abstract A bidirectional foot-operable latching mechanism for a swing gate comprises a latch assembly affixed to a gate post and a pushrod attached along an upright of the gate frame. The latch assembly comprises a pair of latches pivotable between downward latched positions and upward unlatched positions. The latches define a gap for accommodating the gate frame, the gap being sufficiently wide relative to the frame to allow the pushrod to selectively engage one latch depending on the position of the frame within the gap. Foot operation of the pushrod lifts the selected latch to release the gate for opening in a corresponding direction. The latches may return to their latched positions under gravity and may comprise outwardly curved portions that ride over the returning gate frame, thereby permitting automatic re-latching. Oppositely extending kicks may permit operation from either side of the gate.

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