Gate Hinge and Latch With Direct Attachment to a Support Post and One-Handed Opening of Latch and Gate

A fence system, where the system comprises:

• first and second fence portions;
• a gap between the first and second fence portions, with an edge of each fence portion adjacent the gap and forming a plane;
• and
• a gate assembly positioned in the gap, wherein at least first and second hinges rotatably mount the gate assembly to a first post of the first fence portion, and
• a latch system that comprises:
• a latch actuator attached to the second portion,
• a latch retainer attached to the gate assembly,
• and a handle attached proximate the latch retainer on the gate assembly,
• wherein the latch retainer engages the latch actuator and latches the gate in a closed position, and
• wherein the handle is configured to allow a user to grip the handle and manipulate the actuator with one hand, which disengages the latch retainer from the latch actuator.

A method of opening a gate assembly between first and second portions of a fence system, the method comprising:

• mounting a hinge between a gate assembly and the first portion, thereby rotatably mounting the gate assembly to the first portion;
• mounting a latch retainer to an opposite side of the gate assembly from the hinge;
• mounting a latch actuator to the second portion;
• retaining the latch retainer with the latch actuator, thereby holding the gate assembly in a closed position;
• and
• positioning a handle on the gate assembly proximate the latch actuator, thereby allowing a user to grip the handle and manipulate the actuator using only one hand.