Reversible gate locking mechanism

Abstract

A locking mechanism assembly suitable for a fence gate, wherein the assembly is configured to be easily coupled and uncoupled from the gate, and is configured to be reversible allowing the same assemb

Description

Background The claim invention is related to a locking mechanism assembly suitable for use in a fence gate. When constructing a security or perimeter fence it is necessary for such fences to have access points to allow transport through the fenced area, these access points often have security gates that can secure the fenced area from intruders when lock while still allowing access to chosen personnel or vehicles. To ensure that the gate can protect the fenced areas they are required to have a suitable locking mechanism installed. The locking mechanism used in these gates can have a range of designs but most of these designs are restricted to a specific orientation, namely the mechanism can be left-handed or right-handed, with gates requiring a specific orientation based on which side of the gate the gate’s hinges are located. This means that the orientation of the gate can limit which locking mechanisms can be used. Further, gates that are required to allow vehicles to access the fenced area often require two-door gates, it is noted that several locking mechanisms are unsuitable for such gates also. Therefore, there is a need for a locking mechanism that can be adapted to a range of different security gate sizes and orientations. Additionally, many security gates, especially perimeter fences are located outside, this means that these gates are exposed to weather conditions such as rain and wind which can cause wear to the gate. More importantly overtime the locking mechanism attached to these gates can rust or be worn due to this exposure to harmful weather conditions, and as most locking mechanisms comprise small metal components it is likely these mechanisms would be worn faster than the rest of the gate. This results in many gates needing to have their locking mechanisms replaces. However, in some cases these locking mechanisms are built into the gate and cannot be removed, meaning when they are worn the entire gate must be replaced. Therefore, there is a need for a locking mechanism that can be easily attached to and removed from a security gate to allow easier maintenance by allowing the user to replace the gate locking mechanism without the need to remove or damage the gate, or the surrounding fence. 20 09 23 Relevant prior art disclosure can be found in EP 3626915 Al and JP H0414580 A. Therefore, the claimed invention seeks to provide an improved locking mechanism for a security gate by providing an assembly that can be easily replaced when necessary, and can be adapted to be used on a variety of different gate type and gate orientations. Summary The present invention is as set out in the appended claims. The claimed invention provides a secure locking mechanism configured to be used in the gate of a security or perimeter fence. More specifically, the invention provides a universal locking assembly that is configured to be adaptable to a range of different security fence gates, for example, gates of different sizes, different hinge orientations, and gates with single or double doors. Regardless of the type of gate each of the claimed assembles comprises a security plate configured to protect the various components of the locking mechanism which can be coupled to each of the gate types described above. Wherein the claimed locking assembly comprises a mounting frame and locking plate. Wherein the mounting frame is configured to be placed within an aperture in the fence gate where the locking mechanism is to be placed, with the frame following the edges of the aperture. The mounting frame comprises a plurality of mounting features, such as hooks, recesses, or apertures along its edges that the locking plate will couple to when assembled. In some cases, the mounting plate would comprise a plurality of apertures along its length, some of these apertures are configured to receive fastening means such as a bolt. In cases wherein the mounting frame covers the locking mechanism, the frame would also comprise an aperture configured to receive the locking means of the gate’s locking mechanism. In other cases, the mounting frame may be molded from, or built into the gate’s frame when the fence gate is constructed, thereby removing the need for a fastening means. In such cases the mounting frame would also be shaped to not cover the gate’s locking mechanism, as this side of the frame would now be replaced by the gate’s frame, thereby removing the need for the locking means aperture. 20 09 23 Once the mounting frame is in place the user can couple the locking plate to said mounting frame. It is noted that the locking plate would comprise mounting features along its edge which couples to the mounting features on one side of the mounting frame. It is noted that the mounting frame preferably has mounting features on both sides allowing the locking mechanism to be reversible so it can be mounted on either side of the security gate. This allows the locking mechanism to be mounted to the left or right side of the gate as required. Then one side of the locking plate is configured to be coupled to a suitable locking mechanism which can controllably lock the security gate. The present invention specifically provides a locking mechanism assembly configured to be mounted to the frame of a door or gate, comprising; a mounting frame, which comprises a rigid frame with one or more mounting features along its edge on each side of the frame; a locking plate which comprises mounting features that couples to the mounting features on one side of the mounting frame, and is configured to be coupled to a locking mechanism; and a locking mechanism configured to be mounted to the locking plate wherein the locking plate comprises a flat plate, with mounting features on flat edges of the plate; and wherein the sides of the plate are raised relative to the plane of the plate, wherein the raised sides include a plurality of apertures, wherein at least one of the apertures is configured to receive a fastening means, and at least one of the apertures is configured to receive a locking means of the locking mechanism. The locking plate itself would comprise a plate, with the mounting features coupled to the top and bottom edges. The sides of the plate are then raised relative to the plane of the plate, these raised sides would comprise a plurality of apertures. Wherein one or more of these apertures are configured to receive a fastening means for securing the mounting plate to the frame of the gate. With the other one or more apertures are configured to receive the securing means of the locking mechanism such as a sliding bolt or latch, this aperture helps to ensure that the locking mechanism is correctly aligned with the gate frame. As with the mounting features, these apertures would be present on both sides of the locking plate so that the plate may be reversible allowing the same plate to be used in a left or right-handed orientation. The flat plate of the locking may also comprise different features depending on the type of locking mechanism being used. In some cases, the locking mechanism would comprise a sliding bolt, which can be secured in place with an external lock, such as a padlock. In these cases, the locking plate may comprise an elongated aperture, which receives a handle coupled to the sliding bolt, to allow a user to actuate the sliding bolt from outside the security gate. Further, the locking plate may comprise an aperture for receiving the padlock that would secure the bolt in place. It is noted that the locking plate may comprise multiple apertures for receiving a padlock, with one aperture at each side of the locking plate, and may also have one in the center of the plate. Wherein the side apertures allow the user to lock the sliding bolt in a fully open or fully closed position and again allow the plate to be reversible. While the aperture in the center allows the user to lock the sliding bolt in a half-closed position, this position may be required when using a security gate with a single door instead of a double door, for in such situations there may not be sufficient space within the gates frame for the sliding bolt to slide completely across the length of the locking plate. In some cases where a sliding bolt is used as part of the locking mechanism, the sliding bolt may include an aperture for receiving the external lock, or another member to retain the position of the sliding bolt. The aperture of the sliding bolt would align with the apertures of the locking plate in order to secure the sliding bolt in play by inserting a locking member through both apertures. In some cases, instead of the sliding bolt comprising an aperture for receiving the locking means, there may a lock arm that comprises an elongated plate with an aperture at each end, wherein one aperture is coupled to the sliding bolt, usually by threading the bolts handle through the first aperture of the arm, the second aperture at the aft end of the arm then acts as the locking aperture. This method may be preferable as the user can use different size locking arms to adjust the system for different-sized gates, further this method can help ensure that the sliding bolt is reversible just like the locking plate, so that it may be used regardless of the orientation of the gate. 20 09 23 In other cases, the locking mechanism may comprise a traditional handle that has a lock and key mechanism. In these cases, the locking plate may comprise an aperture that the handle can be coupled to, with apertures for the handle latch and locking bolt on the raised side portions. It is noted that such mechanisms are not reversible which is why it is preferable that the mounting frame and locking plate are configured to be reversible so this type of locking mechanism can also be used in gates with different orientations. It is also noted that in some cases the locking plate may comprise a pair of plates, an inner plate, and an outer plate which can be coupled together using a suitable fastening means. Wherein the inner plate comprises the locking plate coupled to the locking mechanism as described above. While the outer plate acts as a protective cover that prevents intruders outside of the gate from accessing the locking mechanism coupled to the inner plate. This provides additional protection to the locking mechanism, at the cost of not being able to actuate the locking mechanism from outside the fence, though for perimeter fences this may be preferable. It is noted that in cases where a padlock is used to lock the locking mechanism the outer plate may be elongated to prevent access to the padlock, especially preventing an intruder’s ability to reach the padlock with tools such as a pair of bolt cutters. The claimed mechanism may further comprise a retaining plate. The retaining plate is configured to attach to the opposite side of the gate frame relative to the locking plate and is configured to receive the locking means of the locking mechanism, to ensure that the locking mechanism is correctly aligned. The retaining pate would configure a plate with the same apertures as the sides of the locking plate, specifically, one or more apertures for receiving a fastening means and an aperture for receiving the bolts and / or latches of the locking mechanism. In some cases, the retaining plate and the locking plate may be coupled to the gate frame by the same fastening means, such as a long bolt, this further ensures that the apertures of the locking plate and the retaining plate are aligned. In some cases, the gate which uses the above-mentioned locking mechanism may have a double door, wherein both doors would have a mounting frame and locking plate as described above and may have a respective retaining plate to ensure that the apertures of each locking plate are aligned with the plate on the other door. It is 20 09 23 noted that in these cases, only one of the locking plates is required to have a locking mechanism, so long as the locking means, such as a sliding bolt, is sufficiently long to be inserted into the locking plate of the opposite door. It should be noted that if the gate has only one door, there may be a retaining plate coupled to the fence post adjacent to the gate for receiving the locking mechanism’s locking means, ensuring that the gate is correctly aligned with the adjacent fence post. It is noted that in some cases the gate which uses the above-mentioned locking mechanism may include adjustable hinges which may allow the user to adjust the alignment of the gate, and allow the same gate to be used in a range of different fences. More specifically, the gate may comprise an adjustable eye bolt, which is a bolt comprising a threaded shank with a loop or eye at one end which will couple to the fence surrounding the gate, these bolts will be inserted into apertures within the gate frame in the side adjacent to the fence post. This adjustable hinge would be held in place by one, or two nuts attached to the shank of the bolt, is two nuts are used they would be positioned on either side of the gate frame. It is noted that the threaded shank would be longer than the gate frame is wide to allow the bolts to be inserted or retracted from the gate frame to adjust the size of the gap between the fence post and the gate door, allowing the same door to be used in a wider range of fences. Further, in the preferred embodiment, there would be two of these adjustable bolts attached to the gate door, one proximate to the top of the gate, and one proximate to the bottom. Wherein the user may adjust the bolts at the top and bottom of the gate to different lengths to tilt the gate door to possibly realign the gate locking mechanism, it is also noted that the eye of the gate bolts would allow the gate to be adjusted laterally to realign the gate, using the means that couple the gate to the surrounding fence. Drawings: Figure 1: depicts an example of a mounting frame as per the claimed invention. Figure 2: depicts a first example locking plate. Figure 3: depicts a second example locking plate 20 09 23 Figure 4: depicts an example locking mechanism, comprising a sliding bolt and locking arm. Figure 5: depicts an example retaining plate. Figure 6: depicts an example fence gate suitable for using the claimed locking mechanism. Figure 7: depicts the front view of an example locking plate coupled to the mounting plate of figure 1. Figure 8: depicts the rear view of an example locking plate coupled to the mounting plate of figure 1. Figure 9: depicts a front view of the example locking mechanism of figure 3 coupled to a locking plate, and secured with a padlock. Figure 10: depicts a rearview of the example locking mechanism of figure 3 coupled to a locking plate, and secured with a padlock. Figure 11: depicts the front view of the example mechanism of figures 9 and 10 including a retaining plate. Figure 12: depicts the rear view of the example mechanism of figures 9 and 10 including a retaining plate. Figure 13: depicts the front view of an example of a two-door gate using the example locking mechanism assembly. Figure 14: depicts the rear view of an example of a two-door gate using the example locking mechanism assembly. Figure 15: depicts an example of the adjustable hinge used to mount the door of a gate. The figures comprise the following parts, it should be understood that like features use the same numerals throughout the figures: 10 - Mounting frame 11 - Frame 20 09 23 12a - First side mounting features 12b - Second side mounting features 20 - Locking plate 20’ - Alternative locking plate 21 - Locking plate mounting features 22 - Raised side 23 - Locking plate fastener aperture 24 - Locking plate sliding bolt aperture 25 - Locking plate handle aperture 26 - Locking means aperture (padlock) 27 - Alternative locking means aperture (lock and key) 28a - Latch aperture 28b - Bolt aperture 30 - example locking mechanism 31 - Sliding bolt 32 - Handle 33 - Locking arm 33a - Locking arm first aperture 33b - Locking arm second aperture 34a - First retaining protrusion 34b - Second retaining protrusion 40 - Retaining plate 41 - Retaining plate sliding bolt aperture 42 - Retaining plate fastener aperture 20 09 23 50 - Gate door 51 - Gate door frame 52 - Gate panels / wiring 53 - Locking mechanism assembly aperture 54 - Gate sliding bolt aperture 55 - Gate hinge apertures 56 - Gate catch / feature aperture 60 - Padlock 70 - Fastener (Bolt) 80 - Outer / cover plate 90 - Eye-bolt 91 - Eye-bolt loop 92 - Threaded shank 100 - Eye-bolt nut Detailed description: The claimed invention provides a modular locking mechanism assembly for use in the gates of a security fence, wherein the assembly is configured to be easily adapted to different gate orientations as well as being easily replaceable should faults occur, or if the locking mechanism is damaged. Wherein the claimed locking mechanism assembly comprises a mounting frame used to secure the mechanism to the fence gate, and a locking plate that couples to the mounting frame, and a suitable locking mechanism coupled to the surface of the locking plate. Figure 1 depicts an example of the mounting frame 10 used in the claimed invention. In general, the mounting frame 10 comprised a ridged frame 11 which may be inserted into a suitable aperture 53 formed in the door of the fence gate 50, once inserted the mounting frame 10 may be secured to the frame 51 of the fence gate 50 by a suitable fastening means, such as a bolt or screw. In some cases, the mounting 20 09 23 frame 10 may form part of the gate door 50, by being molded into the gate frame 51 itself thereby removing the need for the fastening means. It is noted that by using a molded mounting frame the user reduces the risk of the assembly decoupling from the gate door 50 and ensures that the gate can accommodate the locking mechanism assembly, as some mounting frames 10 may be too large, or too small for specific gates. Regardless of how the mounting frame 10 is coupled to the gate frame 51, the mounting frame 10 would comprise a plurality of mounting features 12a,b along its sides, these mounting features 12a,b can comprise recess, protrusion or hooks as shown in the example. These mounting features 12a,b are configured to be coupled with corresponding features present on the other components that make up the locking mechanism assembly, in particular the locking plate 20. It is important that these mounting features 12a, b be present on both sides of the mounting frame 10 as this will allow the assembly to be reversible, for the locking mechanism assembly can be assembled with either a left-handed or right-handed orientation depending on which side of the mounting frame 10 the rest of the assembly is coupled to. This will allow the locking mechanism to be adapted to a range of different fence gates, as the same assembly can be used regardless of the gate’s orientation, which is determined by which side of the gate door the gate hinges are located. Figures 2 and 3 depict different examples of a locking plate 20,20’. In general, the locking plate 20,20’ is a flat plate that is coupled to the mounting frame 10, and is configured so that a suitable locking mechanism can be mounted to the locking plate’s surface. Regardless of the locking mechanism chosen, the locking plate 20,20’ would comprise one or more mounting features 21 along its edge, wherein the mounting features 21 correspond to the mounting features 12a,b of the mounting frame 10, thereby allowing the mounting features 21 of the locking plate 20,20’ to be coupled to the mounting features 12a,b of the mounting frame 10. In the depicted examples, the protrusions on the locking plate 20,20’ would be inserted into the hook shaped protrusions on one side of the mounting plate 10, though other types of mounting features 12a, 12b,21 may also be used, so long as the corresponding features can be coupled together. 20 09 23 In some cases, the locking plate 20,20’ may include apertures 23 that would allow the locking plate 20,20’ to be fastened directly to the gate door 50. In such cases, the locking plate would comprise raised sides 22, wherein the side edges of the locking plate 20,20’ are raised out of the plane of the flat plate, as shown in the depicted example. It is noted that such a plate would only having mounting features 21 on the remaining flat edges, in this case the top and bottom edges. Wherein in use one of the raised sides 22 would be placed against the gate frame 51, or the surface of the mounting frame 10 that rests on the gate frame 51, with at least one aperture 23 suitable for receiving a fastening means, such as a screw or bolt, that would fasten the locking plate 20,20’ directly to the gate 50. It is noted that in cases where the mounting frame 10 is fastened to the gate 50, the same fastening means may pass through both the mounting frame 10 and the locking plate 20,20’, securing both with a single fastener. The raised sides 22 would also comprise an aperture 24,28a, 28b for receiving the locking means of the attached locking mechanism. These locking means 24,28a,28b apertures can take different forms depending on the specific locking mechanism being used. Regardless of the shape the aperture 24,28a,28b, the aperture is configured to allowing the locking means of the locking mechanism to pass though the locking plate, where the locking means can then be revied by a respective aperture in the surround fence to lock the fence gate. It is noted that the gate frame 51 and mount frame 10 may have similarly shaped apertures to allow the locking means to pass through the gate frame 51 and mounting frame 10, when necessary, though in some cases the locking means may only pass over the surface of the mounting frame and gate door rather than passing through them, depending on how recessed the locking mechanism assemble is into the gate door 50. It is also important that the locking plate 20,20’ is symmetrical to allow the plate to be used in either a left-handed or right-handed orientation, therefore it is preferable for the locking plate 20,20’ to have a raised side 22 on opposing sides of the plate, with apertures 23,24,28a,28b on both sides 22, to ensure that the locking mechanism assembly is reversible by allowing either side of the locking plate 20,20’ can be coupled to the gate 50. 20 09 23 The example locking plates 20,20’ show how different types of locking mechanisms can be mounted to the assembly. Figure 2 depicts a locking plate 20 that can be used with a sliding bolt locking mechanism 30 as depicted in Figure 4. In this case, the locking plate 20 comprises an elongated aperture 25 for the sliding bolts handle 32, wherein the handle can extend through the aperture 25 and can be pulled along the length of the aperture 25, to allowing the handle 32 and by extension the sling bolt 31 to side the width of the locking plate 20. Further, this locking plate comprises three round apertures 26 along its bottom edge, these apertures 26 are configured to receive a locking member, such as a padlock 60, that would lock the sliding bolt 31 in its current position by being passed through the aperture 26 in the locking plate and through an aperture within the sliding bolt that is aligned with the aperture 26 of the locking plate 20. There would preferably be three of these apertures 26 evenly spaced along the width of the locking plate 20. Wherein the end apertures can be used to lock the sliding bolt 31 into the fully closed or fully open position, while the central aperture may be used to lock the bolt in a half-closed position which is necessary for smaller gates where there would not be sufficient room to fully close the sliding bolt 31, in such cases the half-closed position is sufficient to lock the fence gate 50. It is also noted that when this locking plate 20 has raised sides 22, each side requires an aperture 24 large enough to receive the sliding bolt 31, allowing it to pass through the side 22 of the locking plate 20 and into the surrounding fence. Figure 3 depicts an alternative locking plate 20’, this plate 20’ is configured to use a lock and key locking mechanism. Instead of the apertures described above, this plate 20’ features an aperture 27 that is suitably shaped so that the handle and keyhole of the locking mechanism can be housed within the locking plate 20’ in a suitable position so that the latch and locking bolt of the mechanism can lock the fence gate 50 in place. It is noted that when this alternate locking plate 20’ has raised sides 22, the side will require two apertures 28a, b, wherein one aperture 28a is configured for receiving the retractable latch, which is operated by the handle, and the other aperture 28b is configured for receiving the locking bolt, which is operated with a key. 20 09 23 Figure 4 depicts the preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 30. This mechanism comprises a sliding bolt 31 as described above; however, this bolt further comprises a detachable handle 32 and has a locking arm 33 instead of having a locking aperture on the sliding bolt itself. This type of sliding bolt 31 is preferable as it will be easier to couple to the locking plate 20, as the sliding bolt 31 will comprise an aperture that receives the detachable handle 32, allowing the user to align the bolt aperture with the elongated aperture 25 on the locking plate 20 before threading and fastening the handle 32 to the bolt, this handle can be configured to be wider than the elongated aperture 25 to secure the bolt in place in a manner similar to a bolt. This type of sliding bolt 31 may also comprise a bushing that fits within the elongated aperture 25, and would be coupled to the handle 32 in the same manner as the sliding bolt, to reduce the wear on the handle 32 and locking plate when the sliding bolt 31 is actuated. This type of mechanism 30 also allows the same bolt to be adapted to a range of locking plate sizes, by using different-sized locking arms 33. Each locking arm 33 comprises an elongated plate with an aperture 33a, b at each end. Wherein the first aperture 33a is aligned with the apertures of the bolt 31 and locking plate 22 when the handle 32 is attached so that the handle holds that end of the locking arm 33 in place. The second aperture 33b of the locking arm 33 would be positioned to align with the locking apertures 26 of the locking plate 20, so that it may receive the locking means to hold the sliding bolt 31 in a certain position. It is noted that different-sized locking plates would have a different length between the elongated aperture 25 and the locking apertures 26, so it is preferable to use this locking mechanism 30 wherein the locking arm 33 can be exchanged for one with the required length, allowing the same bolt to be used with each locking plate. It is also noted that the sliding bolt 31 may include protrusions 34a, b along its edge, more specifically these protrusions 34a.b would be on at least one of the top or bottom edges of the sliding bolt 31, proximate to one or both ends of the bolt. The purpose of these protrusions 34a,b are to limit the movements of the sliding bolt 31. For, when in use these protrusions 34a.b would cause the profile of the sliding bolt to be longer than the apertures within the locking plate 20, mounting frame 10, and / or gate frame 50, allowing the protrusion to catch the surface with the aperture. When the protrusion 34a.b is caught it will prevent the bolt from moving further in a specific 20 09 23 direction, thereby preventing the bolt from sliding out of the locking mechanism assembly. Figure 5 depicts an example retaining plate 40 that may be used as part of the assembly. The retaining plate 40 comprises an elongated plate that is usually mounted adjacent to the locking plate 20, on the opposite side of the gate’s frame 51. Wherein the retaining plate 40 comprises an aperture 41 for receiving the locking means of the assembly’s locking mechanism 30, and one or more apertures 42 for receiving a fastening means for securing the retaining plate 40 to the gate’s frame 51. The purpose of this plate 40 is to ensure that the locking means of the locking mechanism 30 is correctly aligned as it passes through the gate’s frame 51. In some cases, the retaining plate 40 may be fastened directly to the locking plate 20 and or mounting frame 10 through the gate frame 51, by inserting a single fastening means, such as a bolt 70 through the apertures 42,23 of both the retaining plate 40, the locking plate 20 and / or the mounting frame 10. By fastening the retaining plate 40 to the rest of the mechanism assembly the user can ensure that the locking mechanism 30 will be aligned with the rest of the fence, specifically an aperture in the fence that the locking means will enter to lock the fence gate 50. Further should the locking mechanism 30 become misaligned it may be possible to adjust the position of the locking mechanism 30 by adjusting the fastening means attached to the retaining plate 40 and locking plate 20. Figure 6 depicts an example of the type of gate 50 that would use the claimed mechanism assembly. In general, the gate 50 would comprise a ridged frame 51 outlining the gate door, with panels or wiring 52 within the frame 51 to form the body of the gate, in the case of the depicted example it is a wire gate. The gate frame 51 would include several apertures for attaching features to the gate 50. In particular on one side of the frame 51 there would be apertures 55 for connecting the gate hinges, on the other side of the frame there would be apertures 54 in the center for allowing the locking means to pass through the frame 51, and for any fastening means needed to couple the mechanism assembly to the gate door 50. The frame could comprise additional apertures 56 on the rear surface of the frame, wherein these apertures 56 are configured to mount features such as a catch or holding bolt which can be used to restrict the motion of the gate. Specifically, a catch can be coupled to the frame 51 to press against the fence surface and prevent the gate 50 from 20 09 23 opening in a specific direction, while still allowing the gate to open in the opposite direction. While the holding bolt would act as a further locking mechanism, with the bolt extending upwards or downwards relative to the gate 50 and would be inserted into the ground or a surrounding structure to prevent the gate from opening. In some cases, both a catch and locking bolt may be coupled to the frame 51, with each having a respective aperture 56. The gate 50 would also comprise an aperture 53 within the panels or wiring 52 of the gate 50 suitable for receiving the mounting frame 10 of the claimed mechanism. It is noted that in the depicted example the mounting frame 10 is molded into the gate frame 52, making the mounting frame 10 part of the gate door 50, this may be preferable as it removes the need for external fastening means for the mounting frame 10 thereby reducing the risk of the assembly becoming detached from the gate, and ensures the mounting frame is a suitable shape and size for the gate door. However, a user may prefer a separate mounting frame 10 as such a frame can be used with a variety of gates, so long as the necessary apertures 53,54 are cut into the gate door and frame 51. Figures 7 to 15 depict examples of how the above-mentioned assembly pieces can be coupled together to form the preferred embodiment of the claimed assembly. Figures 7 and 8 depict how a locking plate 20 can be coupled to the mounting frame 10, in general, both the mounting frame edges and locking plate edges would comprise complimentary mounting features 12a, 12b,21, wherein said features are configured to be coupled together to secure the locking plate 20 to one side of the mounting frame 10. It is noted that both sides of the mounting frame 10 will comprise these mounting features 12a,b so that the assembly is reversible. In this case, an assembly where the locking plate 20 is coupled to features 12a on one side of the mounting frame 10 can be reversed by mounting the locking plate 20 to features 12b on the opposite side of the mounting frame 10. As the coupling features 12a,b on each side of the mounting plate are identical the corresponding features 21 of the locking plate can couple to each of them using the same coupling method. Figures 9 and 10 depict how the preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 30 can be coupled to the locking plate 20. In the case of the depicted example, the locking mechanism 30 comprises a sliding bolt 31 with a threaded handle 32, 20 09 23 specifically a handle that is in two parts, with one part having a threaded shank coupled to one end and the other part having a recess for receiving the threaded shank, allowing the two parts of the handle to be screwed together. Wherein the sliding bolt 31 would have an aperture that the threaded shank would pass through before joining the parts of the handle together to secure the handle 32 to the bolt 31. When constructing the mechanism, the aperture of the sliding bolt would be aligned with the elongated aperture 25 of the locking plate 20, once in position the handle can be threaded through both apertures as described above to secure the bolt 31 to the locking plate. It is noted that in the depicted example the locking plate 20 has raised sides 22 these sides have an aperture 24 for receiving the sliding bolt 31, to help ensure the sliding bolt 31 remains in the correct orientation relative to the mechanism and prevents the sliding bolt 31 from becoming misaligned, for example when the handle is loosened. This embodiment of the locking mechanism also comprises a locking arm 33, the locking arm 33 comprising an elongated plate with an aperture 33a,b at each end. The arm is fixed to the mechanism by aligning one of the arm’s apertures 33a with the aperture of the sliding bolt before affixing the handle 32, allowing the threaded shank to pass through the aperture of the locking arm 33, in addition to the apertures of the bolt 31 and locking plate 20, this way the handle will fix the position of the locking arm 33 relative to the rest of the locking mechanism 30. The locking arm is then orientated to align the second aperture 33b with the locking apertures 26 of the locking plate 20, these are the aperture that receives a locking member, such as the padlock 60 depicted in the figures, to lock the sliding bolt 31 in place, by passing the locking member through both the apertures 26,33b of both the locking plate 20 and the locking arm 33b. In some cases, the sliding bolt 31 will have a second aperture that serves the same purpose as the second aperture 33b of the locking arm 33. Note that in these depicted examples the padlock 60 used to lock the sliding bolt 31 in place is exposed, that is to say, an intruder can access the padlock 60 from the outside of the gate allowing them to tamper with, and possibly remove the padlock 60 from the gate 50. To address this some locking assemblies may comprise an outer locking plate 80, which may also be referred to as a cover plate. Wherein the outer locking plate 80 comprises a plate that couples to the mounting frame 10 or locking plate 20, via a suitable mounting feature or other fastening means, and is 20 09 23 shaped in order to cover the locking means of the locking mechanisms 30 to prevent access to the locking mechanism 30 from the outside of the gate. However, such a plate 80 may also make it difficult or impossible for a user to unlock the gate from the outside, therefore the inclusion of such an outer plate as part of the assembly is optional, and such outer plates would be configured to be removable after construction of the mechanism assembly. Figures 11 and 12, depict an example of how a retaining plate 40 can be coupled to the locking plate 20 of the mechanism assembly. In the depicted example the locking plate 20 has raised edges 22 that comprise a plurality of apertures 23,24, one aperture 24 for the locking means of the locking mechanism 30, in this case, the sliding bolt 31, and apertures 23 for fastening means 70 to fasten the locking plate 20 to the gate frame 51. Each of these apertures 23,24 can be aligned with a respective aperture 41,42 of the retaining plate 40 when the retaining plate 40 is placed on the opposite side of the gate frame 51 adjacent to the locking plate 22. Once the apertures 23,42 are aligned a single fastening means 70, in this case, a bolt, can be passed through the aperture 23 of the locking plate 20 and the respective aperture 42 of the retaining plate 40, thereby ensuring that the two plates are aligned with one another. Once the retaining plate 40 and locking plate 20 are fastened, the locking means of the locking mechanism 30 can be passed through the respective aperture 24,41 in each plate. It is noted that in the depicted example, the end of the sliding bolt 31 that passes through the retaining plate 40 has a protrusion 34b that catches the surface of the retaining plate 40. This protrusion 34b prevents the sliding bolt from sliding further back, meaning the end of the sliding bolt cannot fall backward out of the gate frame 51, and / or locking plate 20, this also helps prevent the locking mechanism 30 from becoming misaligned as the position of the locking mechanism 30 will be held in place by both the locking plate aperture 24 and the retaining plate aperture 41. Figures 13 and 14 depict an example gate using the locking mechanism 30 wherein the gate comprises two doors. In this system, each door of the gate will have a respective locking mechanism assembly as described above, however, one of the assemblies will not have a locking mechanism 30, as one of these assemblies will instead receive the locking means of the adjacent assembly to lock the doors of the 20 09 23 gate together. In this case, the assembly without the locking mechanism comprises a cover plate 80 as described above to hide the unused locking plate apertures which may be used as weak points by an intruder to damage the locking mechanism assembly. In the depicted example each of the gate doors 50 has a respective aperture 53 for holding their respective locking mechanism assemblies, with a mounting frame 10 within said apertures 53. These doors are then orientated in opposite directions as their hinges need to be on the opposite sides of the gate when constructed, this also means that the mounting frames 10 of the doors will be adjacent when the gate is constructed. This is another reason why it is preferable for the assembly to be reversible, as it does not matter which of the gate doors is the left-side door, or rightside door, the same assembly can be used for both by simply mounting the locking plate 20 onto the opposite side of the mounting frame 10. Once the locking plates 20 are mounted to the mounting frame 10, the user can couple a suitable locking mechanism 30 to one of the locking plates 20. It is noted that the locking means of this locking mechanism 30, in this case, a sliding bolt 31, is sufficiently long to extend from the first locking mechanism assembly and be inserted into an aperture in the second locking mechanism assembly. Thereby locking the assemblies together, and in turn locking the gate. It is noted that both locking mechanisms may comprise a retaining plate 40 as described above to help prevent the locking mechanism from becoming misaligned. When these gates are constructed, it is essential that the apertures 53,54 in the gate frame 51 align so that the locking mechanisms assembly in each door will align with the adjacent assembly when the gate is constructed. For this reason, it may be preferable to manufacture the gate itself as part of the mechanism. More specifically, as described earlier the gates may be formed with the mounting frame 10 molded as part of the gate itself, thereby ensuring that the mounting frames 10 and apertures 54 for the locking mechanism 30 is in the same position for each of the gates produced, as the mounting frame 10 is reversible each of the gates formed in this process can be identical, as the same gate can be used for both the left door or the right door, so long as the hinge which couples the gate to the surrounding fence is suitably reversible as well. 20 09 23 An example of such a reversible hinge is depicted in figure 15. More specifically figure 15 shows an eye-bolt 90 that is inserted into the frame 51 of the gate door 50 to form a hinge that can be coupled to a post of the surrounding fence. More specifically, the eye bolt 90 comprised a threaded shank 92 with an eye 91, or loop at one end. Wherein the shank 92 would be inserted into an aperture 56 in the top or bottom of the gate frame 51 so that the looped end 91 of the eye bolt 90 is on the outside of the frame 51. Once inserted the eye bolt 90 can be secured by attaching a nut 10 to the end of the bolt inside the gate frame 51. In some cases, this bolt may be secured using a pair of nuts 100, one on either side of the gate frame 51 to hold the eye bolt 90 more securely. In other cases, the aperture 56 through the gate frame 51 may be threaded to remove the need for the securing nut 100, however, in these cases, it would be more difficult to orientate the eye 91 at the end of the bolt 90 as there would be no way to freely rotate the eye bolt 90, so the systems that use an external nut 10 to secure the eye bolt 90 is preferable. Once the eye bolt is in place, a peg mounted to the fence can be inserted into the eye 91 to couple the gate 50 to the fence, it is noted that the peg would allow the hinge to pivot in both the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions. By using these eye bolts 90 to form the gate hinges the user is able to pivot the hinges in both the clockwise and anti-clockwise directions, meaning the gate 50 can be open regardless of whether these hinges are posited on the left or right side of the gate door when connected to the fence post. This way the gate doors are reversible just like the locking mechanism assembly allowing the same gates 50 to be used in either a left-handed or right-handed orientation. To make the construction of the above-mentioned mechanism easier for a user, the claimed mechanism may be provided as a kit of parts. At a minimum, such kits would include the mounting frame 10, the locking plate 20 and a suitable locking mechanism 30 to be mounted to the locking plate 20. Optionally, this kit may also include a retaining plate 40 and may include the fastening means 70 required to attach these components to the gate frame 51. In some cases, the gate door 50 may also form part of the kit, with the apertures for the mounting frame 10, locking plate 20, retaining plate 40 and locking mechanism 30 already formed within the gate’s frame 51. Further, kits that include the gate may also have the mounting frame 10 molded as part of the gate 50 and may include the eye bolts 90 that attach the gate door to the rest of the fence. This way the claimed invention provides an assembly that can be used to form the locking mechanism of a security gate. Wherein the locking mechanism assembly is easily constructed and can be easily removed and replaced by a user without the need for specialized skills or specialized tools. Further, the claimed mechanism is completely reversible allowing the same mechanism to be used in left-handed or right-handed orientation, or as part of a two-door gate. Thereby providing an improved locking mechanism that can be used in a variety of applications and is easily maintained. 20 09 23 20 09 23

Claims

1. A locking mechanism assembly configured to be mounted to the frame 51 of a door or gate 50, comprising;a mounting frame 10, which comprises a rigid frame 11 with one or more mounting features 12a, 12b along its edge on each side of the frame 11;a locking plate 20 which comprises mounting features 21 that couples to the mounting features 12a, 12b on one side of the mounting frame 10, and is configured to be coupled to a locking mechanism 30; anda locking mechanism 30 configured to be mounted to the locking plate wherein the locking plate 20 comprises a flat plate, with mounting features 21 on flat edges of the plate; andwherein the sides 22 of the plate are raised relative to the plane of the plate, wherein the raised sides 22 include a plurality of apertures 23,24, wherein at least one of the apertures 23 is configured to receive a fastening means 70, and at least one of the apertures 24 is configured to receive a locking means of the locking mechanism 30.

2. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein either the mounting frame 10, locking plate 20, or both comprise a plurality of apertures configured to receive a fastening means 70; andwherein the mounting frame 10, locking plate 20, or both are coupled to a fence gate frame 51 via the fastening means 70.

3. The assembly of any preceding claim wherein the assembly further comprises a retaining plate 40;wherein the retaining plate 40 is configured to be mounted to the opposite side of a fence gate frame 51, compared to the mounting plate 10; and20 09 23wherein the retaining plate 40 comprises an aperture 41 for receiving the locking means of the locking mechanism 30, and at least one aperture 42 for receiving a fastening means 70.

4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the retaining plate 40 is coupled to the gate 50 using the same fastening means 70 that is coupled to the mounting frame 10, locking plate 20, or both.

5. The assembly of any preceding claim wherein the locking mechanism 30 comprises a sliding bolt 31, which controllably locks the gate 50 by sliding across the lock plate 20;the sliding bolt 31 comprises a handle 32 and an aperture for receiving an external locking means 60.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanism 30 further comprises a locking arm 33, which comprises an elongated plate with an aperture 33a,33b at each end, wherein the first aperture 33a is coupled to the handle 32 of the sliding bolt 31, and the second aperture 33b is configured to receive the external locking means 60.

7. The assembly of claims 5 and 6, wherein the external locking means 60 comprises a padlock.

8. The assembly of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking mechanism 30 comprises a lock and key mechanism, and wherein the locking means comprise a retractable latch actuated by a handle of the lock and key mechanism, and a retractable bolt actuated by a key of the lock and key mechanism.

9. The assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the locking plate 20 further comprises an outer plate 80, which is configured to cover the locking20 09 23mechanism 30, to restrict access to the locking mechanism 30 from the outside of the gate 50.

10. A gate 50 suitable for use in a fence, comprising the assembly of claims 1 to 9wherein the gate door comprises a frame 51, which is covered with panels or wiring 52 to form a door;an aperture 53 in the door for receiving the assembly;wherein the gate frame 51 around the gate door comprises a plurality of apertures 54 for receiving the fastening means 70 to couple the assembly to the door and for receiving the locking means of the locking mechanism 30, allowing these means to pass through the frame. 5111 .The gate 50 of claim 10, wherein the gate further comprises adjustable hinges that couples the gate 50 to a fence.

12. The gate 50 of claim 11, wherein the adjustable hinges comprise an eye bolt 90 inserted into an aperture 56 in the gates frame 51, and secured in place with one or more bolt nuts 100.

13. The gate 50 of claims 10 to 12 wherein the gate comprises a pair of adjacent gate doors.

14. The gate 50 of claim 13 wherein the assembly of one gate door is configured to receive the locking means of the assembly of the adjacent door.

15. A kit of parts for constructing the assembly of claims 1 to 9, comprising:One or more mounting frames 10;A locking plate 20 for each mounting frame 10;At least one locking mechanism 30 suitable to be coupled to thelocking plate 20; andFasteners 70 for securing the assembly to a fence gate 50.20 09 2316. The kit of part of claim 15, further comprising a retaining plate 40 for each of mounting frames 10.

17. The kit of part of claims 15 or 16, further comprising an outer plate 80 for each locking plates 20.

18. The kit of parts of claims 15 to 17, further comprising one or more gates 50 of claims 11 to 15.

19. A method for constructing the assembly of claims 1 to 9 comprising:securing a mounting frame 10 to a gate frame 51, via an aperture in the gate frame 51;coupling a locking plate 20 to the mounting frame 10, by coupling the mounting features 21 of the locking plate 20 to the corresponding mounting features 12a, 12b on one side of the mounting frame 10; and coupling a locking mechanism 30 to the locking plate 20 via apertures 25,26,27 in the surface of the locking plate.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the step of fastening the locking plate 20 to the gate frame 51, via a fastening means 70 inserted into one or more apertures 23 in the sides 22 of the locking plate 20.21 .The method of claim 20, further comprising coupling a retaining plate 40 to the gate frame 51 adjacent to the locking plate 20, so that the apertures 41,42 of the retaining plate 40 align with the apertures 23,24 in the side 22 the locking plate 20, fastening the retaining plate 40 and locking plate 20 by inserting the same fastening means 70 through the aligned apertures.

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