GB2366324A

GB2366324A - Self-closing gates with rotatable sleeve

Info

Publication number: GB2366324A
Application number: GB0021216A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stanley Edward Snelgrove
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-30
Filing date: 2000-08-30
Publication date: 2002-03-06
Also published as: AU2001284164A1; GB0021216D0; WO2002018737A1

Abstract

A self-closing gate assembly has an elongate hanging post 12 and a gate-forming barrier 20 movably mounted on the hanging post 12. A sleeve 14 is mounted co-axially and rotatably over the hanging post 12 with the barrier 20 connected to the sleeve 14. The assembly is provided with closure means 30 to urge the barrier 20 and sleeve 14 to a predetermined rotational position relative to the hanging post 12. Rate control means are used, and may be integrated with the closure means, to control rotational velocity of the barrier relative to the hanging post. The assembly may also include, a closing post 16 connected to the hanging post in such a way as to prevent relative movement. The connecting means 18 could be beneath the barrier and in use could be buried below a surface above which the barrier swings.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> Self-Closing- Gates The invention relates to self-closing gate assemblies.

Self-closing gates and support posts are well known but suffer from several important disadvantages. Firstly, they require both a hanging post and a closing post to be positioned accurately prior to the hanging of a gate using separate hinges fixed both to the hanging post and the gate. In addition, some form of latch or stop must be fixed to the closing post so as to locate the gate in the closed position. Such gates need to be actively opened and closed. It is known to provide an external or separate opening and/or closing device such as a spring or electric motor that can be fixed to the gate structure in order independently and automatically to operate the gate. The second disadvantage of such gates is that when in use, there are a number of exposed moving parts. These create hazards such as shear-actions and crush-points which can cause injuries, especially to children. Thirdly, the hanging and closing posts may move out of position due to the weight of the gate or vandalism, thereby causing the assembled structure to malfunction. Finally, it is essential for correct operation that the hanging and closing posts are correctly positioned relative to each other and their surroundings. Therefore when installing a gate the two posts must separately be connected to the ground, often by digging a hole and concreting around their bases, with the posts in the correct position. The gate is subsequently hung on the hanging post, but cannot be so hung until the fixing has hardened, which means the process is time consuming.

The object of the invention is to provide a self-closing gate which is substantially free from shear-actions, crush-points and exposed working parts making it safer for the user. A second object is to provide a self-closing gate

which incorporates an integral closing device. A third preferred object is to provided a combined self-closing gate and closing post, to prevent the hanging and closing posts from moving independently and causing malfunction.

Therefore according to the present invention there is provided a self- closing gate assembly comprising: an elongate hanging post having a longitudinally-extending axis; a sleeve mounted co-axially with and rotatably around the hanging post; a gate-forming barrier connected to the sleeve and extending at least partially radially of the axis; closure means interposed between the hanging post and the sleeve and co-acting therewith to urge the sleeve to a predetermined rotational position relative to the hanging post when displaced therefrom; and rate control means adapted to control rotational velocity of the sleeve relative to the hanging post.

The present invention is particularly, but not exclusively, intended for use as a gate assembly across a passage way or other opening through which people pass. For such arrangements the hanging post will be disposed substantially vertical with upper and lower ends, and with the sleeve positioned at or adjacent the upper end thereof. The sleeve then may advantageously be closed at its upper end and be positioned over the upper end of the hanging post. This conceals the working parts such as the closure means and the rate control means, as well as the upper end of the hanging post. In this way, they are protected from damage or weathering and risk of injury therefrom is eliminated.

In order to permit access to the working mechanism inside the sleeve the sleeve may be closed by a removable cap, possibly held in place by security fixings.

Whilst by suitable design the hanging post and sleeve could have a variety of different shapes, it is highly preferred that the hanging post is cylindrical in external profile and that the sleeve is tubular, and of slightly larger diameter. The outer diameter of the hanging post should be smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve, with a suitable clearance to permit the device to function.

It is preferred that the range of rotational movement of the sleeve about the hanging post may be limited. Therefore the present invention may be further provided with abutments adapted to limit the range of rotation of the sleeve about the hanging post. These abutments may be provided on the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the hanging post, in such a way that movement of the sleeve within the permitted range is possible, but at the pre-set limits, at least one pair of abutments come into contact with each other to prevent further rotation.

For ease of construction and other reasons, the closure means and the rate control means may be integrated as parts of a single rotational control means. This rotational control means may comprise a first part connectable to the hanging post, a second relatively-rotatable part connectable to the sleeve, and damping means adapted to regulate the relative rotation of the first and second parts. The first part of the rotational control means may be connected to one end of the hanging post, and the second part may be attached to the sleeve adjacent one end. A radially-extending bearing plate may be used to interconnect the second part and the sleeve.

To ensure smooth rotation of the sleeve about the hanging post, a bearing or bearings may be provided between the inner surface of the sleeve

and the outer surface of the hanging post. In particular, if the sleeve is operatively connected to the hanging post at the upper end it is preferable to provide a bearing at the lower end to keep the parts in the correct axial alignment when, for example, a turning moment is applied by a downward or upward force on the barrier.

The barrier of the gate assembly according to the present invention does not require a closing post as it will independently locate at the closed position, under the influence of the closure means. However, in many applications a closure post may still be desirable. Therefore the gate assembly may be further provided with a closing post adjacent the outer end of the barrier when the sleeve is at the single predetermined position relative to the hanging post (the closed position). To prevent relative movement of the closing and hanging post, the closing post may be connected to the hanging post. Preferably the closing post is connected to the hanging post by an interconnecting bar or bars, which, in use, are buried beneath the surface above which the self-closing gate is positioned. In this way they do not obstruct the gateway.

If the closing post is connected to the hanging post, independent relative movement of the two is prevented. This will prevent misalignment and consequent malfunction. In addition a gate assembly having an integral closing post can be located in a suitable position by burying the lower ends of the closing and hanging posts as well as any interconnecting parts beneath the surface of the ground.

The closing post may be provided with a stop against which the barrier abuts, or alternatively the barrier may have a stop which abuts on the closing post. These may serve to limit the range of rotational movement, and may be

used to lock the gate. Alternatively selective locking means could be provided between the hanging post and the sleeve.

The closure means, rate control means and the rotation-limiting abutments, as well as any other components such as opening devices, stops and locks are very preferably located internally of the sleeve, thereby preventing injury or tampering. Accordingly, this invention provides a gate assembly free from shear actions, crush points and exposed working parts.

The gate and posts are preferably made of metal or plastics however some component parts may be made from wood. The rate control means and the closure means preferably use one or a combination of springs, and hydraulic or pneumatic damping mechanisms.

The invention and further preferred features thereof can be seen from the accompanying drawings. By way of example only one preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front elevation of gate assembly structure with the barrier in a closed position; Figure 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1, but with the barrier in an open position; Figure 3 is a partially cut away perspective view of the hanging post and sleeve showing the internal working parts; Figure 4 is a vertical section through the hanging post and sleeve showing the internal working parts; and, Figure 5 shows two possible embodiments of latch stop, one attached to the closing post, and another attached to the barrier.

Figure 1 shows a self-closing gate assembly generally indicated 10 comprising a hanging post 12,a sleeve 14 rotatably mounted on the hanging post 12 and a closing post 16 connected to the lower end of the hanging post 12 by connecting bars 18. A barrier generally indicated 20 formed from a three sided perimeter bar 22 connected to and extending horizontally from the sleeve 14, and vertical grille bars 24 connected between the opposed sides of the perimeter bar 22. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the outer edge 26 of the barrier 20 is adjacent the closing post when in a closed position. The barrier may be swung by someone passing through the gate assembly to an open position (best seen in Figure 2). Such movement of the barrier causes the sleeve 14 to rotate about the hanging post 12 against the force of the closure means. When the barrier is released the closure means within the sleeve (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) urges the barrier to return to the closed position.

The cutaway view in Figure 3 and the vertical section in Figure 4 show the internal workings of the sleeve 14, hanging post 12 and interconnecting mechanisms. The hanging post 12 is generally tubular as is the sleeve 14. A damper 30 is located inside the upper end of the hanging post 12. The damper 30 has a first part 32 connected to the hanging post 12 and a second part 34 connected to the upper end of the sleeve 14. The first and second parts are rotatably interconnected through a damping mechanism 36 which controls their relative positions and rate of rotation.

The upper end of the second part 34 has a horizontal bearing plate 38, to which dowels 40 are fixed. These locate in holes in flanges 42 fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve 14 thereby allowing vertical positioning of the sleeve, but

locking it horizontally. The bottom face of the bearing plate provides a horizontal bearing surface for location of a ball bearing race 44.

Abutments in the form of outer stops 46 are selectively fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve, and these abut inner stops 48 located on the hanging post 12. The range of rotational movement of the gate is set by the relative positioning of the stops. A bearing 50 is located at the bottom of the sleeve 14 to provide lateral support, it also restrains the sleeve vertically by means of a stop screw 52 positioned directly above on the hanging post 12.

The sleeve is tubular, and the upper end is closed by a cap 54 which attaches over the open end. Fixing screws 56 are used to hold the cap in place. Access for construction and maintenance of the working parts is provided by removal of the cap 54.

Although not required, there may be a latch stop provided on the closing post or the outer edge of its barrier. Figure 5 shows two possible embodiments of latch stop; in one, the outer edge 26 of the barrier 20 could abut on the stop 30 when in the closed position. In the other, the stop 32 is attached to the outer edge 26 of the barrier and abuts on the closing post 16 when in the closed position.

The invention may be incorporated in gates and posts of any size, and the sleeve may accommodate a variety of gate controls, locks, timers and counters. Energy from the opening cycle may be converted to charge batteries to power controls. Alternatively, an external power supply can be connected.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A self-closing gate assembly comprising: an elongate hanging post having a longitudinally-extending axis; a sleeve mounted co-axially with and rotatably around the hanging post; a gate-forming barrier connected to the sleeve and extending at least partially radially of the axis; closure means interposed between the hanging post and the sleeve and co-acting therewith to urge the sleeve to a predetermined rotational position relative to the hanging post when displaced therefrom; and, rate control means adapted to control rotational velocity of the sleeve relative to the hanging post.
2. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hanging post is adapted to be positioned substantially vertical, and the sleeve is positioned at or adjacent the upper end thereof.
3. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the sleeve is closed at one end and is positioned over the upper end of the hanging post.
4. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the end of the sleeve is closed by a removable cap.
5. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the hanging post is cylindrical in external profile and the sleeve is tubular, and the outer diameter of the hanging post is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve.

<Desc/Clms Page number 9>
6. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which is further provided with abutments adapted to limit the range of rotation of the sleeve about the hanging post.
7. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the abutments are provided on the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the hanging post.
8. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the closure means and the rate control means are part of a single rotational control means.
9. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the rotational control means comprises a first part connectable to the hanging post, a second relatively rotatable part connectable to the sleeve and damping means adapted to regulate the relative rotation of the first and second parts.
10. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first part of the rotational control means is connected to one end of the hanging post, and the second part is attached to the sleeve adjacent one end.
11. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a bearing is provided between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the hanging post.
12. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which is further provided with a closing post adjacent the outer end of the barrier when the sleeve is at the single predetermined position relative to the hanging post.
13. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the closing post is connected to the hanging post.

<Desc/Clms Page number 10>
14. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 13, wherein the closing post is connected to the hanging post by a connecting bar which, in use, is buried beneath the surface upon which the self-closing gate is positioned.
15. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the closing post is provided with a latch stop against which the barrier abuts.
16. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.