Gate with foot-operated latching mechanism

Abstract

A gate for selectively restricting passage through a passageway includes a frame having a sill and first and second door jambs adapted for mounting within the passageway. A door is mounted by hinges to the first door jamb while a latch receptacle is mounted to the second door jamb. A pedal is movably mounted to the door as is a latch element. The latch element is slidable between an extended position, where the latch element engages the latch receptacle so that the door of the gate is locked in a closed position, and a retracted position, where the latch element is removed from the latch receptacle so that the door may be moved into an open position. A sliding linkage is connected between the pedal and the latch element so that the latch element is moved into the retracted position when the pedal is actuated. A magnet is positioned in the latch element and in the latch receptacle so as to pull the latch element into the extended position when the latch element is not engaged by the sliding linkage.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.