Extendable barrier latch

Abstract

An extendable barrier latch 105 configured to fasten a portion of an extendable barrier 100 comprises a pair of arms 110 extending parallel to one another along a first axis A and a connecting portion

Description

19 02 25 Field of the invention The present invention relates to an extendable barrier latch. The invention further relates to 5 a kit of parts comprising an extendable barrier latch and an extendable barrier. Background to the invention Extendable barriers, fences and gates provide temporary and versatile partitions in a number 10 of applications. A latch provided on such barriers enables two or more barriers to be fastened together, reducing the risk of accidental displacement and detachment. It is convention to store extendable barriers in an unextended configuration for compact transportation and storage. These barriers are often modular to enable a number of them to 15 be chained together and efficiently stored, however, a latch which protrudes from the barrier can be obstructive and prevent efficient storage or be damaged during transportation. As such, there is a need for an extendable barrier latch which can be configured to be nonobstructing. 20 Additionally, accidental extension of an extendable barrier may occur. As such, there is a need for a latch which enables the barrier to be securely fastened in the unextended configuration to prevent accidental extension. Objects and aspects of the present invention seek to alleviate at least these problems with the 25 prior art. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an extendable barrier latch 30 configured to fasten a portion of an extendable barrier, the latch comprising; a pair of arms extending parallel to one another along a first axis; a connecting portion connecting the pair of arms, the connecting portion being substantially U-shaped and comprising a pair of connecting portion arms and a joining member, the pair of connecting portion arms extending parallel to one another along a second axis, the second axis parallel and offset from the first 35 axis, and the joining member connecting the pair of connecting portion arms and extending substantially perpendicular to the second axis; and a pivot member located on the pair of arms adjacent to the connecting portion; wherein the latch is configured to be pivotally connected 19 02 25 to said extendable barrier at the pivot member such that the pair of arms extend a length of said extendable barrier when said extendable barrier is unextended; the pair of arms each comprising a first hook member located distal the connecting portion and a second hook member located proximate the pivot member; the first hook members each comprising a first 5 slot arranged substantially perpendicular to the first axis and the second hook members each comprising a second slot arranged substantially parallel to the first axis; wherein the latch is movable between: a retracted configuration, in which the second slots are arranged substantially perpendicular to an extension direction of said extendable barrier so as to enable fastening of said extendable barrier to a further extendable barrier, a fastened configuration, 10 in which the first slots are arranged substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of said extendable barrier so as to enable secure fastening of said extendable barrier when unextended, and a stowed configuration, in which the latch is stored compactly with respect to said extendable barrier. 15 In this way there is provided an extendable barrier latch which can be affixed to an extendable barrier, enabling the extendable barrier to be securely fastened to a second extendable barrier when the latch is in the retracted configuration. Such a latch further allows an extendable barrier to be stored compactly when the latch is in the stowed configuration and securely fastened in an unextended position when the latch is in the fastened configuration. In this 20 way, an adaptable, multifunction latch is provided for use on an extendable barrier. Herein, it is understood that an extendable barrier is not to be unduly limited and extends to any gate, fence, barricade, partition or other divider which allows extension and contraction in at least one direction. In many embodiments, the extendable barrier allows extension and contraction in one direction only. 25 It is envisaged that when the latch is in the fastened configuration, the first hook member can be removably retained on a portion of an extendable barrier distal to the area of the extendable barrier to which the latch is affixed. In this way, the latch prevents accidental extension of the extendable barrier. When the latch is in the retracted configuration, it is envisaged that the 30 second hook member can be removably retained on a portion of a second extendable barrier. In this way, the latch prevents accidental separation of the first and second extendable barriers. Preferably, when the latch is in the fastened configuration, the latch is pivoted relative to an 35 extendable barrier about the pivot member in a first direction such that the first axis in the fastened configuration is at an angle substantially 90 degrees to the first axis in the retracted configuration. It is envisaged in preferred embodiments that, when an extendable barrier is 19 02 25 positioned upright on a flat horizontal surface, the first axis is substantially parallel to the flat horizontal surface when the latch is in the fastened configuration. It is further envisaged in preferred embodiments that when an extendable barrier is positioned upright on a flat horizontal surface, the first axis is substantially perpendicular to the flat horizontal surface 5 when the latch is in the retracted configuration and the connecting portion is the region of the latch furthest distal from the flat surface. Preferably, when the latch is in the stowed configuration, the latch is pivoted relative to an extendable barrier about the pivot member in a second direction such that the first axis in the 10 stowed configuration is at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees to the first axis in the retracted configuration. More preferably, when the latch is in the stowed configuration, the latch is pivoted relative to an extendable barrier about the pivot member in a second direction such that the first axis in the stowed configuration is at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees to the first axis in the retracted configuration. In some embodiments, when the latch is in the stowed 15 configuration, the latch is pivoted relative to an extendable barrier about the pivot member in a second direction such that the first axis in the stowed configuration is at an angle of 45 degrees to the first axis in the retracted configuration. In preferred embodiments, the joining member of the latch contacts an extendable barrier to 20 which the latch is affixed when the latch is in the stowed configuration. In this way, the amount the connecting portion protrudes from the extendable barrier is minimised, providing a compact latch configuration which is particularly advantageous when transporting and storing the extendable barrier. 25 Preferably, the latch is configured to pivot in a smooth, continuous motion between the retracted configuration and the stowed configuration. In this way, the user can position and reposition the latch about the pivot member as desired. The latch can be rotated in both the first direction and the second direction until the connection portion is obstructed by the extendable barrier and further rotation of the latch is prevented. The type of pivot member is 30 not particularly limited but it is preferable that the pivot member is configured to affix the latch to an extendable barrier. For example, the pivot member may comprise a pin joint which simultaneously retains the pivot member on an extendable barrier in addition to allowing the pivot member to pivot. In some embodiments, the latch further comprises affixing means configured to affix the latch to an extendable barrier, in use, for example an adhesive or one 35 or more fastenings such as bolts, nails, pins and / or clasps, although the type of affixing means is not particularly limited. 19 02 25 Preferably, the joining member comprises an angled portion extending along a third axis. Preferably, the angled portion extends substantially the entire width between the pair of connecting portion arms. Preferably, the angle which the third axis intersects the first axis and second axis is substantially constant along the length of the angled portion. 5 Preferably, the third axis intersects the first axis and second axis at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees. More preferably, the third axis intersects the first axis and second axis at an angle of between 40 and 50 degrees. In some embodiments, the third axis intersects the first axis and second axis at an angle of 45 degrees. Preferably, when the latch is in the stowed 10 configuration, the angle between the first axis in the stowed configuration and the first axis in the retracted configuration is equal to the angle of intersection of the third axis with the first axis. Preferably, when the latch is in the stowed configuration the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis when the latch is in the retracted configuration. 15 Preferably, the angled portion comprises a first notch configured to engage with a portion of an extendable barrier, in use, when the latch is in the stowed configuration. Preferably, the first notch extends at least 50% of the width of the angled portion. More preferably, the first notch extends at least 70% the width of the angled portion. Still more preferably, the first notch extends at least the width of an extendable barrier to which the extendable barrier latch is 20 affixed. In many embodiments, the first notch extends substantially the width of the angled portion. In this way, the first notch is configured to be removably retained about the width of the extendable barrier. As such, the user can engage the first notch with the extendable barrier such that the angled portion is retained on the extendable barrier when the latch is in the stowed configuration, and the user can apply a separating force to disengage the angled 25 portion from the extendable barrier. It is understood that the width of the extendable barrier is the dimension of the extendable barrier across which the angled portion extends. Preferably, the first notch comprises a stepped profile. In some embodiments, the first notch comprises a curved profile. It is envisaged that the profile of the first notch is complimentary 30 to the shape of the extendable barrier to which the latch is to be stowed against. Preferably, the second hook member extends from the pair of arms along the second axis in a direction opposing the connecting portion. Preferably, the width of the second hook member and the width of the connecting portion arms are substantially identical. In this way, the second 35 hook member and the connecting portion arms form an uninterrupted, straight member and a compact latch is provided. 19 02 25 Preferably, the pair of arms extend a distance greater than the length of an extendable barrier when the extendable barrier is in an unextended configuration, in use. In this way, the first hook member may be hooked to a portion of the distal end of an extendable barrier from the 5 end of the extendable barrier to which the pivot member is affixed. As such, the first hook member retains the extendable barrier in the unextended configuration, which is particularly advantageous during transportation and storage of the extendable barrier. Preferably, each arm of the pair of arms comprises a second notch extending from the first 10 slot to the second slot. In this way, the pair of contact arms are further removed from the second hook member and the connecting portion arms. As such, when the latch is in the retracted configuration, the pair of contact arms do not extend outside the member of the extended barrier to which the latch is affixed. It is envisaged that the width of the second notch may be determined by dimensions of the extendable barrier to which the latch is affixed. 15 Preferably, the width of the second notch is substantially constant along the length of the second notch. In this way, the pair of contact arms comprise a substantially rectangular portion. Preferably, the second notch comprises a guiding portion at an end adjacent to the second slot. The guiding portion aids in guiding a portion of a second extendable barrier into 20 the second slot. Preferably, each arm of the pair of arms comprises a first curved surface located adjacent the pivot member and a second curved surface located adjacent the first hook member. In this way, the latch comprises few sharp corners. This is advantageous in that there is a lower risk 25 that the latch may become accidently caught, such as on the user’s clothing, during rotation. Preferably, the length of the pair of arms is at least double the length of the connecting portion. Preferably, the connecting portion is configured to extend beyond the end of an extendable barrier, in use, when the latch is in the fastened configuration. In this way, the user may handle 30 or carry the extendable barrier by gripping the connecting portion of the latch when the latch is in the fastened configuration. Preferably, the second slot is located between the pivot member and the second axis. Preferably, the first slot extends between 30% and 70% of the width of the pair of arms. More 35 preferably, the first slot extends between 40% and 60% of the width of the pair of arms. In this way, the risk of the contact arms breaking about the first slot is reduced. 19 02 25 Preferably, the second slot is substantially rectangular. Preferably, the width of the first slot and the width of the second slot are identical. It is envisaged that the width of the first slot and second slot are configured to aid engagement with the respective portions of the extendable 5 barrier and second extendable barrier, in use. Preferably, the first slot is configured to engage with a portion of an extendable barrier to which the latch is affixed to obstruct extension of the extendable barrier. Preferably, the second slot is configured to engage with a second extendable barrier to fasten a first extendable barrier to which the latch is affixed to a second extendable barrier. 10 Preferably, the latch is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the latch. Preferably, the pair of arms are substantially straight. Preferably, the pair of arms are of substantially constant thickness along their length. 15 According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a kit of parts comprising the extendable barrier latch of the first aspect of the invention and an extendable barrier. The second aspect of the invention can comprise any of the preferred or optional features of the first aspect of the invention. 20 In some embodiments, the extendable barrier is modular. In some embodiments, the extendable barrier allows extension and contraction in at least one direction. In many embodiments, the extendable barrier allows extension and contraction in one direction only. Detailed Description 25 Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 depicts a side view of the extendable barrier latch of the first aspect of the present 30 invention in the fastened configuration, the latch affixed to an extendable barrier; Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of the extendable barrier latch of Figure 1 in the fastened configuration; 35 Figure 3 depicts a side view of the extendable barrier latch of Figure 1 in the stowed configuration; 19 02 25 Figure 4 depicts a side view of the extendable barrier latch of Figure 1 in the retracted configuration; 5 Figure 5 depicts a perspective view of the extendable barrier latch of Figure 1 in the retracted configuration; and Figure 6 depicts a second perspective view of the extendable barrier latch of Figure 1 in the retracted configuration, wherein the first extendable barrier is fastened to a second extendable 10 barrier. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, there is illustrated an extendable barrier latch 105 affixed to an extendable barrier 100. The latch 105 is movable between a retracted configuration, shown in Figures 4-6, a fastened configuration, shown in Figures 1 and 2, and a stowed 15 configuration, shown in Figure 3. In this embodiment, the latch 105 is affixed to an affixed member 170 of the extendable barrier 100, wherein the affixed member 170 is located on a first end 175 of the extendable barrier 100 and the extendable barrier 100 is configured to extend in a direction perpendicular to and away from the affixed member 170. As show in Figure 6, the latch 105 is affixed to the affixed member 170 at the end of the affixed member 20 170 which is located distal to the surface on which the extendable barrier 100 is located, during use. In this way, user access to the latch 105 is improved. The extendable barrier 100 further comprises a second end 180 distal from the first end 175. The latch 105 comprises a pair of arms 110 extending parallel to one another along a first axis 25 A. The latch 105 further comprises a connecting portion 115 connecting the pair of arms 110. The connecting portion 115 is substantially U-shaped and comprises a pair of connecting portion arms 120 and a joining member 125. The U-shape is formed by the pair of connecting portion arms 120, which extend parallel to one another along a second axis B, and the joining member 125 connecting the pair of connecting portion arms 120 and extending substantially 30 perpendicular to the second axis B. The second axis B is parallel and offset from the first axis A, as illustrated in Figure 1. The joining member 125 comprises an angled portion 155 extending along a third axis C and extending across substantially the entire width between the pair of connecting portion arms 35 120. The angle which the third axis C intersects the first axis A and second axis B is substantially constant along the length of the angled portion 155. In this embodiment, the third axis C intersects the first axis A and second axis B at an angle of about 45 degrees. 19 02 25 The latch 105 further comprises a pivot member 130 located on the pair of arms 110 adjacent to the connecting portion 115. The latch 105 is configured to be pivotally connected to the affixed member 170 of the extendable barrier 100 at the pivot member 130. In this 5 embodiment, the pivot member comprises a shaft extending between each contact arm 110, although the type of pivoting means is not particularly limited. The pivot member 130 facilitates rotation of the latch 105 relative to the extendable barrier 100 as well as providing means to affix the latch 105 to the barrier 100. The latch 105 is configured to pivot in a smooth, continuous motion between the retracted configuration and the stowed configuration, allowing 10 the user to position and reposition the latch 105 about the pivot member 130 as desired. The latch 105 can be rotated in both a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 until the connection portion 115 is obstructed by the extendable barrier 100 and further rotation of the latch 105 is prevented. 15 The pair of arms 110 each comprise a first hook member 135 located distal the connecting portion 115 and a second hook member 140 located proximate the pivot member 130. The first hook member 135 comprises a first slot 145 substantially perpendicular to the first axis A and the second hook member 140 comprises a second slot 150 substantially parallel to the first axis A so as to enable fastening of the extendable barrier 100 in the unextended 20 configuration. The pair of arms 110 extend a distance greater than the length of the extendable barrier 100 when the extendable barrier 100 is in an unextended configuration, as shown in Figure 1. When the latch 105 is in the fastened configuration and the extendable barrier 100 is in the 25 unextended configuration, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first hook member 135 is configured to engage with a portion of the second end 180 of the extendable barrier 100 to obstruct extension of the extendable barrier 100. The second hook member 140 extends from the pair of arms 110 along the second axis B in 30 a direction opposing the connecting portion 115. The width of the second hook member 140 and the width of the connecting portion arms 120 are substantially identical, with the second hook member 140 and the connecting portion arms 120 forming an uninterrupted, straight member along the second axis B. 35 When the latch 105 is in the fastened configuration, the latch 105 is pivoted relative to an extendable barrier about the pivot member in the first direction D1 such that the first axis A in 19 02 25 the fastened configuration is at an angle substantially 90 degrees to the first axis A in the retracted configuration. When the latch 105 is in the stowed configuration, the latch 105 is pivoted relative to an 5 extendable barrier 100 about the pivot member 130 in the second direction D2 such that the first axis A in the stowed configuration is at an angle of 45 degrees to the first axis A in the retracted configuration. The joining member 125 of the latch contacts the extendable barrier 100 to which the latch 105 is affixed when the latch 105 is in the stowed configuration, as shown in Figure 3. 10 The angled portion 155 comprises a first notch 160 configured to engage with a portion of an extendable barrier 100 when the latch 105 is in the stowed configuration. The first notch 160 extends substantially the width of the angled portion 155 and is configured to be removably retained about the width of the extendable barrier 100. The first notch 160 comprises a 15 stepped profile complimentary to the shape of the extendable barrier 100. As illustrated in Figure 2, the extendable barrier 100 comprises a first notch retention portion 195 located on either side of the affixed member 170 configured to removably retain the joining member 125 on the barrier 100. 20 In the stowed configuration, the user can engage the first notch 160 with the first notch retention portion 195 by applying a force in the second direction D2 such that the angled portion 155 is retained on the extendable barrier 100. The user can then apply a separating force in the first direction D1 to disengage the angled portion 155 from the extendable barrier 100. 25 Each arm of the pair of arms 110 comprises a second notch 165 extending from the first slot 145 to the second slot 150. When the latch 105 is in the retracted configuration, the pair of contact arms 110 do not extend outside the affixed member 170 of the extended barrier 100. The width of the pair of contact arms 110 is substantially identical to the width of the affixed 30 member 170, as illustrated in Figure 4. In this way, the second notch 165 further distances the contact arms 110 from the second hook member 140 such that the second hook member 140 protrudes beyond the width of the affixed member 170 when the latch is in the retracted configuration. The width of the second notch 165 is substantially constant along its length and the second notch 165 comprises a guiding portion 185 adjacent to the second slot 150. The 35 guiding portion aids in guiding a portion of a second extendable barrier 200 into the second slot 150. 19 02 25 The second hook member 140 acts as a hook to engage the latch 105 with the second extendable barrier 200 to securely fasten the first extendable barrier 100 to the second extendable barrier 200, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. In this way, a plurality of extendable barriers 100, 200 can be fastened together in a chain in series, allowing the user to vary the 5 length of the partition. It is envisaged that the extendable barrier 100 may instead or additionally be configured to be fastened to a non-extendable barrier or partition. The second slot 150 is configured to engage with the second extendable barrier 200 to fasten the first extendable barrier 100 to which the latch 105 is affixed to the second extendable barrier 200. 10 Each arm of the pair of arms 110 comprises a first curved surface 185 located adjacent the pivot member and a second curved surface 190 located adjacent the first hook member 135. In this way, the latch 105 comprises fewer sharp corners which may get caught on the surroundings during use. The first curved surface 185 extends to the connecting portion arms 120. The second curved surface 190 extends about the first hook member 135. 15 In this embodiment, the length of the pair of arms 110 is 2.5 times the length of the connecting portion 115. The connecting portion 115 is configured to extend beyond the first end 175 of the extendable barrier 100 when the latch 105 is in the fastened configuration. In this way, the user may carry the extendable barrier 100 by gripping the connecting portion 115 of the 20 latch 105 when the latch 105 is in the fastened configuration. A carrying force applied by the user in the first direction D1 will further assist in keeping the first hook member 135 fastened to the second end 180 of the extendable barrier 100. The second slot 150 is located between the pivot member 130 and the second axis B. In this 25 embodiment, the width of the first slot is a width extending 50% of the width of the pair of arms 110 to provide a suitable slot length while reducing the risk of the contact arms 110 failing, such as by breaking or fracturing, about the first slot 145. Both the first slot 145 and the second slot 150 are substantially rectangular and have substantially identical widths. The first slot 145 is configured to engage with a portion of the second end 180 of the extendable barrier 30 100 to which the latch 105 is affixed to obstruct extension of the extendable barrier 100. The latch 105 is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the latch 105. In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the latch 105 dissects the extendable barrier 100 such that the latch 105 is substantially symmetrical about the extendable barrier 100. The pair of 35 arms 110 are substantially straight such that motion of the latch 105 in the first direction D1 and second direction D2 is not inhibited by the pair of arms 110 contacting the extendable barrier 100. The pair of arms 110 are of substantially constant thickness along their length. Further embodiments within the scope of the present invention may be envisaged that have not been described above, for example, there may be different shapes and / or relative dimensions of the latch. In particular, the first slot, second slot, first curved surface and second 5 curved surface may be of alternative shape to better suit the application. The invention is not limited to the specific examples or structures illustrated, a greater number of components than are illustrated in the Figures could be used, for example. 19 02 25 19 02 25

Claims

1. An extendable barrier latch configured to fasten a portion of an extendable barrier, the latch comprisinga pair of arms extending parallel to one another along a first axis;5 a connecting portion connecting the pair of arms, the connecting portion beingsubstantially U-shaped and comprising a pair of connecting portion arms and a joining member, the pair of connecting portion arms extending parallel to one another along a second axis, the second axis parallel and offset from the first axis, and the joining member connecting the pair of connecting portion arms and extending substantially10 perpendicular to the second axis; anda pivot member located on the pair of arms adjacent to the connecting portion; wherein the latch is configured to be pivotally connected to said extendable barrier at the pivot member such that the pair of arms extend a length of said extendable barrier when said extendable barrier is unextended;15 the pair of arms each comprising a first hook member located distal theconnecting portion and a second hook member located proximate the pivot member;the first hook members each comprising a first slot arranged substantially perpendicular to the first axis and the second hook members each comprising a second slot arranged substantially parallel to the first axis;20 wherein the latch is movable between: a retracted configuration, in which thesecond slots are arranged substantially perpendicular to an extension direction of said extendable barrier so as to enable fastening of said extendable barrier to a further extendable barrier, a fastened configuration, in which the first slots are arranged substantially perpendicular to the extension direction of said extendable barrier so as25 to enable secure fastening of said extendable barrier when unextended, and a stowedconfiguration, in which the latch is stored compactly with respect to said extendable barrier.

2. The extendable barrier latch of claim 1, wherein when the latch is in the fastened 30 configuration, the latch is pivoted relative to an extendable barrier about the pivotmember in a first direction such that the first axis in the fastened configuration is at an angle substantially 90 degrees to the first axis in the retracted configuration.

3. The extendable barrier latch of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein when the latch is in the35 stowed configuration, the latch is pivoted relative to an extendable barrier about thepivot member in a second direction such that the first axis in the stowed configuration is at an angle between 30 and 60 degrees to the first axis in the retracted configuration.

4. The extendable barrier latch of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the joining member 5 comprises an angled portion extending along a third axis.

5. The extendable barrier latch of claim 4, wherein the third axis intersects the first axis and second axis at an angle of between 30 and 60 degrees.10 6. The extendable barrier latch of claim 5, wherein when the latch is in the stowedconfiguration, the angle between the first axis in the stowed configuration and the first axis in the retracted configuration is equal to the angle of intersection of the third axis with the first axis.15 7. The extendable barrier latch of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein when the latch is inthe stowed configuration the third axis is perpendicular to the first axis when the latch is in the retracted configuration.19 02 258. The extendable barrier latch of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the angled portion20 comprises a first notch configured to engage with a portion of an extendable barrier, inuse, when the latch is in the stowed configuration.

9. The extendable barrier latch of claim 8, wherein the first notch comprises a stepped profile.2510. The extendable barrier latch of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the first notch extends substantially the width of the angled portion.

11. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the second hook 30 member extends from the pair of arms along the second axis in a direction opposingthe connecting portion.

12. The extendable barrier latch of any claim 11, wherein the width of the second hook member and the width of the connecting portion arms are substantially identical, such19 02 25that the second hook member and the connecting portion arms form an uninterrupted, straight member.

13. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the pair of arms 5 extend a distance greater than the length of an extendable barrier when the extendablebarrier is in an unextended configuration, in use.

14. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein each arm of the pair of arms comprises a second notch extending from the first slot to the second slot.1015. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein each arm of the pair of arms comprises a first curved surface located adjacent the pivot member and a second curved surface located adjacent the first hook member.15 16. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the length of the pairof arms is at least double the length of the connecting portion.

17. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the second slot is located between the pivot member and the second axis.2018. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the first slot extends between 30% and 70% of the width of the pair of arms19. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the width of the first 25 slot and the width of the second slot are identical.

20. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the latch is substantially symmetrical about the longitudinal axis of the latch.30 21. The extendable barrier latch of any one preceding claim, wherein the pair of arms aresubstantially straight.

22. A kit of parts comprising the extendable barrier latch of any one of claims 1 to 21 and an extendable barrier.

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