Abstract: The present invention provides a gate latch, comprising: a drop bolt mounted to a first gate member, the drop bolt mounted to a first gate member, the drop bolt moveable along a locking axis; a striker block mounted to a second gate member, the striker block comprising: a first striker surface extending away from the locking axis at a first angle; and a second striker surface extending away from the locking axis at a second angle; and a third striker surface having a tangent line substantially parallel to the locking axis; and a housing for receiving the striker block; wherein the gate latch is locked when the striker bolt is received in the housing and the drop bolt is positioned adjacent to the third striker surface of the striker block. The gate latch has use with swing gates, of the type commonly used in cattle pens.

Abstract: A swing gate (30) enables safe locking and unlocking of the gate (30) in the face of a beast (24) captured between rails (36, 38). The gate (30) has a pivot end (32) connected to the rail (36) by hinges (40) and a distal end (34) remote from the pivot end (32). The gate (30) includes a centre hinge (42) between the pivot end (32) and the distal end (34). The centre hinge (42) effectively divides the gate (30) into two sections, namely, a primary section (44) between the pivot end (32) and the centre hinge (42) and a safety section (46) between the centre hinge (42) and the distal end (34). When the beast (24) attacks the gate (30), the primary section (44) can swing open while the safety section (46) folds away to protect an operator (22).