AU2017100990A4

AU2017100990A4 - An improved gate

Info

Publication number: AU2017100990A4
Application number: AU2017100990A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brian Gray
Original assignee: WHITES GROUP Pty Ltd
Current assignee: WHITES GROUP Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2017-07-20
Filing date: 2017-07-20
Publication date: 2017-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2025-07-20

Abstract

A gate (10) comprises a frame (12) defining an aperture and a mesh infill (24) extending across the aperture. The mesh infill comprises a plurality of first strands (30) extending horizontally across the gate and a plurality of second strands (28) extending vertically from a lowermost part of the gate to an uppermost part of the gate, in use. A plurality of additional strands (32) are provided extending vertically from a lowermost part of the gate which terminate before the uppermost part of the gate, typically at about or less than half the vertical height of the gate. o 022- Figure 1 io2.o Figure 2 _ /_

Description

1 2017100990 20 Μ 2017 "An improved gate"

Technical Field [0001] This invention relates to an improved gate, particularly but not exclusively to farm gates and the like.

Background [0002] Gates can be a weak point in a fence as they are often weaker than the surrounding fencing, and are often less restrictive than the surrounding fence also. Most modem farm gates comprise a generally rectangular frame made of a round pipe with a wire mesh infill. It is common to provide additional lengths of pipe in different configurations which may extend from the top of the frame to the base or zigzag across the frame, to provide added strength.

[0003] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

[0004] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

Summary [0005] According to the present invention there is provided a gate comprising a frame defining an aperture and a mesh extending across the aperture, the mesh comprising a plurality of first strands extending horizontally across the gate and a plurality of second strands extending vertically from a lowermost part of the gate to an uppermost part of the gate, in use, wherein a plurality of additional strands are provided extending vertically from a lowermost part of the gate which terminate before the uppermost part of the gate, typically at about or less than half the vertical height of the gate. 2 2017100990 20 Μ 2017 [0006] It is preferred that the additional wires terminate at less than or about 40% of the vertical height of the gate, in use.

[0007] Typically the frame is made from a round pipe, typically steel, but other metals such as aluminium, or other suitable materials may be used.

[0008] The strands will typically be wires, typically steel such as galvanised steel, stainless steel or the like., [0009] All horizontal wires are preferably uniformly spaced from one another.

[0010] The gate has a smaller denser mesh spacing at the bottom of the gate. This provides increased protection against animals and pests trying to get through the gate. The denser mesh pattern at the base of the gate also provides a stronger mesh at the bottom of the gate. The stronger mesh supports the frame of the gate better and is less prone to damage or distortion. This increases the serviceability and lifespan of the gate.

Brief Description of Drawings [0011] Specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:-

Figure 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of a gate;

Figure 2 is a front view of a second embodiment of a gate;

Figure 3 is a front view of a third embodiment of a gate; and

Figure 4 is a front view of a fourth embodiment of a gate.

Description of Embodiments [0012] Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a gate 10. The gate comprises a generally rectangular frame 12 made from lengths of steel pipe which have been bent to shape and welded together. The frame comprises a first lower member 14 which in 3 2017100990 20M2017 use, as shown is lowermost and horizontally extending and an opposed second upper member 16 which in use, as shown is uppermost and horizontally extending. Two opposed sides 18, 20, which in use are vertically extending connect members 14 and 16. The frame also includes a bracing member 22 located in the centre of the frame which extends between the upper and lower members.

[0013] The frame of the gate is closed by a mesh infill 24 which is typically formed prior to insertion into the frame. The mesh typically comprises strands of wire, typically galvanised steel, welded together to form the mesh.

[0014] As shown in Figure 1, the mesh infill 24 defines a series of rectangular cells 26 defined by the intersection of a grid of vertical strands 28 and horizontal strands 30. In the upper part of the gate, the cells are approximately 200 mm wide by 100 mm high. In the lower third of the gate it can be seen that additional vertical strands 32 are provided in each cell which extend up about 1/3 or 40% of the height of the gate (about 400 mm) across the lowermost four cells. As shown in Figure 1, each lower cell is bifurcated by one of the additional strands 32, so that the cell size is approximately 100 mm by 100 mm.

[0015] Figure 2 shows a gate 100 which is similar to the gate of Figure 1 except that the vertical bracing member is not present and a zig-zag or “N shaped” bracing member 102 extending from one side of the frame to the other, known as a N stay gate. The mesh infill is the same as that of the gate of Figure 1.

[0016] Figure 3 shows a gate 200 which has the same external frame as the gate of Figure 2, except that the vertical bracing member is not present and a zig-zag or “N shaped” bracing member 202 extends across the frame but which is inverted relative to the bracing member 102 shown in Figure 2. The mesh infill 224 is different to that of Figure 2. The mesh in the upper part of the gate is the same configuration as that of Figure 2. However in the lower part of the gate each cell includes two additional vertical strands 232 which extend upwards.

[0017] Figure 3 shows a gate 300 which has the same external frame 12 as the gate of Figure 1, including the vertical bracing member 22, and incorporates the same mesh infill 224 as that of the gate of Figure 3. 2017100990 20 Μ 2017 4 [0018] The gates shown in Figures 1 to 4 all have a smaller denser mesh spacing at the bottom of the gates. This provides increased protection against animals and pests trying to get through the gate. The denser mesh pattern at the base of the gates also provides a stronger mesh at the bottom of the gates. The stronger mesh supports the frame of the gates better and is less prone to damage or distortion. This increases the serviceability and lifespan of the gates.

[0019] In a variant, the length of the additional vertical members may vary i.e. some may extend upwards through three cells, some for four, some for five etc.

[0020] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A gate comprising a frame defining an aperture and a mesh extending across the aperture, the mesh comprising a plurality of first strands extending horizontally across the gate and a plurality of second strands extending vertically from a lowermost part of the gate to an uppermost part of the gate, in use, wherein a plurality of additional wires are provided extending vertically from a lowermost part of the gate which terminate before the uppermost part of the gate, typically at about or less than half the vertical height of the gate.
2. A gate as claimed in claim 1 wherein the additional wires terminate at less than or about 40% of the vertical height of the gate, in use.
3. A gate as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the frame is made from a round pipe, made from metal, typically steel.
4. A gate as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the strands are wires, typically made from steel such as galvanised steel, stainless steel or the like.
5. A gate as claimed in any preceding claim wherein all horizontal wires are uniformly spaced from one another.