CA2782435A1 - Gate frame and tensioning apparatus therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

A gate frame for installation on a fence comprises at least a first stile, a second stile, a first rail and a second rail. A first male-threaded member is received and retained by the first stile such that its head portion is in force transmitting relation with respect to the first stile. A second male-threaded member is received and retained by the second stile such that its head portion is in force transmitting relation with respect to the second stile. An interconnecting apparatus has a throughpassage to receive the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member in threaded relation.
Rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member moves the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member with respect to each other along their respective axes, to thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame.

Description

CANADA
TITLE: GATE FRAME AND TENSIONING APPARATUS THEREFOR
INVENTOR: RICHARD BOROVIAK

RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a provisional application and does not claim priority from any other patent applications.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to gate frames for use in the installation of gates on a fence, and more particularly to tensioning apparatuses for assembling such gate frames.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is well known in the field of fence construction, and in the industry that supplies hardware for fence construction and for gate assembly in particular, that it is significantly more difficult to construct a gate for installation on a wooden fence, than it is to construct a wooden fence itself.
Indeed, many people who construct wooden fences actually purchase a pre-constructed gate, or at least a gate frame bracket kit, for ready installation on a fence.

[0004] Many prior gate frames bracket kits and hardware for gate assembly exist, including ones by the present inventor.
While known prior art gate frame bracket kits work well in many cases, improvements are always possible, as with any invention.

[0005] One such prior art patent, namely United States patent 5,628,149 to Kraczek, entitled Gate Tensioning System, discloses a gate for a fence or the like. The gate is preferably formed from hollow plastic elements interconnected by bolts or other fastener devices at or adjacent their ends. A tensioning device is located inside a hollow diagonal cross-brace to correct misalignment between the vertical and horizontal elements of the gate. A removable panel on the cross-brace provides access to a turnbuckle, the ends of which are oppositely threaded to elongated steel straps or the like which are anchored, respectively, at the ends of the cross-brace to the vertical members. One end of the cross-brace is fixedly secured to one of the vertical members. The other end of the cross-brace is slidingly received over a bolt or the like fixedly secured to the other vertical member. Rotation of the turnbuckle shortens or lengthens the tensioning device to "square" the gate with respect to the adjacent supports through which the gate swings.
Small gaps are provided at the connection points to preclude binding as the gate elements are adjusted.

[0006]
Another such prior art patent, namely United States patent 7,992,842 to Boroviak, entitled Gate Bracket Systems And Methods, discloses a bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprising at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system.

[0007]
Additionally, the present inventor has five co-related prior art patents, namely United States patent 7,992,842;
7,448,599; 7,249,755; 7,032,892; and 6,896,244, all to Boroviak, and all entitled Gate Bracket Systems And Methods. These patents disclose a bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprising at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system.

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gate frame and tensioning apparatus.

[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gate frame and tensioning apparatus that permits the assembly of a gate of arbitrary height and width while mechanically fastening the hinge apparatus to the gate frame.

[00010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a gate frame and tensioning apparatus that allows for infinitesimal and instantaneous adjustment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[00011] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel gate frame for installation on a fence. The gate frame comprises at least a first stile and a second stile and at least one rail, wherein the first stile, the second stile, and the at least one rail are secured together to form the main body of the gate frame; a first male-threaded member having a head portion and an elongate threaded portion, and defining a first longitudinal axis along its length; wherein the first male-threaded member is received and retained by the first stile for rotation about the first longitudinal axis and such that the head portion is in force transmitting relation with respect to the first stile in a first direction generally along the first longitudinal axis towards the second stile; a second male-threaded member having a head portion and an elongate threaded portion, and defining a second longitudinal axis along its length; wherein the second male-threaded member is received and retained by the second stile for rotation about the second longitudinal axis and such that the head portion is in force transmitting relation with respect to the second stile in a second direction generally along the second longitudinal axis towards the first stile; an interconnecting apparatus having at least one opening to receive the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member in securely retained yet rotatable relation; wherein the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member moves the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member with respect to each other along their respective axes, to thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame.

[00012] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is disclosed a novel tensioning apparatus for use in a gate frame for installation on a fence. The tensioning apparatus comprises a first male-threaded member having a head portion and defining a first longitudinal axis along its length;
a second male-threaded member having a head portion and defining a second longitudinal axis along its length; an interconnecting apparatus having at least one opening to receive the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member in securely retained yet rotatable relation; wherein the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member moves the first male-threaded member and the second male-threaded member with respect to each other along their respective axes, to thereby permit adjustment of the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame.

[00013] Other advantages, features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the latter of which is briefly described herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[00014] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus therefore according to the present invention, as to its structure, organization, use and method of operation, together with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better understood from the following drawings in which a presently preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by way of example. It is expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. In the accompanying drawing:

[00015]
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus according to the present invention, about to be installed on a fence;

[00016]
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;

[00017] Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;

[00018] Figure 4 is an exploded front elevational view of the first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;

[00019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first preferred embodiment of the tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;

[00020] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the first preferred embodiment of a portion of the tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;

[00021] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the interconnecting member found in the first preferred embodiment of the tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;

[00022] Figure 7B is an end elevational view of the interconnecting member of Figure 7A;

[00023] Figure 7C is a side elevational view of the interconnecting member of Figure 7A;

[00024] Figure 7D is a top plan view of the interconnecting member of Figure 7A;

[00025] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus according to the present invention;

[00026] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of Figure 8;

[00027] Figure 10 is a front elevational view of the second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of Figure 8;

[00028] Figure 11 is an exploded front elevational view of the second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of Figure 8; and, [00029] Figure 12 is a front elevational view of the second preferred embodiment of the tensioning apparatus of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00030]
Referring to Figures 1 through 12 of the drawings, it will be noted that Figures 1 through 7D illustrate a first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus according to the present invention, and Figures 8 through 12 illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus according to the present invention.

[00031]
Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 7D, which show a first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of the present invention. In brief, in one aspect of the present invention, in a first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention comprises a gate frame, as indicated by the general reference numeral 100, for installation on a fence 102, a first stile 110, a second stile 120, a first rail 130, a second rail 140, a first male-threaded member 150, a second male-threaded member 160, and an interconnecting apparatus 170. In another aspect of the present invention, in the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention further comprises a tensioning apparatus 180 for use in the gate frame 100 for installation on the fence 102.

[00032] More specifically, the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention comprises the gate frame 100 for installation on a fence 102. In the first preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the gate frame 100 comprises at least the first stile 110 and the second stile 120 and at least one rail. Accordingly, the first stile 110, the second stile 120, and the at least one rail are secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 100. More specifically, the at least one rail comprises the first rail 130 and the second rail 140. The first stile 110, the second stile 120, the first rail 130, and the second rail 140, are secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 100. There is a tensioning apparatus 180 associated with the first rail 130, and also a tensioning apparatus 180 associated with the second rail 140.

[00033] A
first male-threaded member 150 has a head portion 152 and an elongate threaded portion 154 that together substantially define its length "141". The first male-threaded member 150 also defines a first longitudinal axis "Al" along its length "Ll". In the first preferred embodiment, the first male-threaded member 150 is received and retained by the first stile 110 for rotation about the first longitudinal axis "Al" and such that the head portion 152 is in force transmitting relation with respect to the first stile 110 in a first direction "Dl"
generally along the first longitudinal axis "Al" towards the second stile 120.

[00034] A
second male-threaded member 160 has a head portion 162 and an elongate threaded portion 164 that together substantially define its length "L2". The second male-threaded member 160 defines a second longitudinal axis "A2" along its length "L2". In the first preferred embodiment, the second male-threaded member 160 is received and retained by the second stile 120 for rotation about the second longitudinal axis "A2" and such that the head portion 162 is in force transmitting relation with respect to the second stile 120 in a second direction "D2"
generally along the second longitudinal axis "A2" towards the first stile 110.

[00035] The pitch of the thread of the elongate threaded portion 154 of the first male-threaded member 150 and the pitch of the thread of the elongate threaded portion 154 of the second male-threaded member 160 should be the same one as the other.

[00036] In the first preferred embodiment as illustrated, the gate frame 100 comprises not just an interconnecting apparatus 170, but a first interconnecting apparatus 170a and a second interconnecting apparatus 170b.
Further, the first interconnecting apparatus 170a comprises a first interconnecting member 170a, and the second interconnecting apparatus 170b comprises a second interconnecting member 170b.

[00037] As illustrated and described, the first interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting member 170b are substantially identical one to the other. If desired, the first interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting member 170b could be dissimilar one from the other. For the sake of clarity, the specific structure of the first interconnecting member 170a will be described. The same description of the specific structure also applies to the second interconnecting member 170b.

(00038]
Preferably, each interconnecting member 170 comprises a solid block of material having a slightly elongate cuboid shape, and most preferably comprises a solid block of metal such as aluminium, or an aluminium alloy. Any suitable size, shape and material could be used.
The first interconnecting member 170a has at least one opening 172 to receive both the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 in securely retained yet rotatable relation. As can be best seen in Figures 7A through 7D, the at least one opening 172 in each interconnecting member 170 comprises a single opening, and more specifically comprises a single throughpassage. The single throughpassage comprises a first borehole 174a and a second borehole 174b open along their lengths one to the other, to thereby make one common dual throughpassage. The first borehole 174a is defined by a substantially smooth wall surface 176a and the second borehole 174b is defined by a second substantially smooth wall surface 176b.
Preferably, the first borehole 174a and the second borehole 174b are substantially parallel one to the other.

[00039] As can readily be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the first male-threaded member 150 is received and retained in frictional relation by the first wall surface 176a defining the first borehole 174a and the second male-threaded member 160 is received and retained in threaded relation by the second wall surface 176b defining the second borehole 174b. This structural situation applies to both the first interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting member 170b. Further, the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 engage each other directly in threaded relation, to thereby permit tensile forces to be transmitted from each to the other.
More specifically, the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 engage each other directly in threaded relation within the first interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting member 170b.

[00040] As can be best seen in Figures 2 and 4, the first male-threaded member 150 comprises a separate elongate threaded main body portion 154. Further, the head portion 152 comprises a separate portion secured onto the elongate threaded main body portion 154.
Similarly, the second male-threaded member 160 comprises a separate elongate threaded main body portion 164.

Further, the head portion 162 comprises a separate portion secured onto the elongate threaded main body portion 164. This specific configuration is for ease of assembly.

[00041] In the first preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gate frame 100 comprises the first stile 110, the second stile 120, the first rail 130, and the second rail 140, all of which are secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 100. The first male-threaded member 150 extends through a co-operating aperture in the first stile 110 and the second male-threaded member 160 extends through a co-operating aperture in the second stile 120.

[00042] In order to assemble the tensioning apparatus 180 onto the gate frame 100, the elongate threaded main body portion 154 of the first male-threaded member 150 may be first threadibly engaged into the first interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting member 170b, then passed through the co-operating aperture in the first stile 110. The separate head portion 152 is then threadibly engaged onto the elongate threaded main body portion 154 of the first male-threaded member 150.
Alternatively, the separate head portion 152 may be threadibly engaged onto the elongate threaded main body portion 154 of the first male-threaded member 150, and then the elongate threaded main body portion 154 of the first male-threaded member 150 may be passed through the co-operating aperture 151 in the first stile 110 and then threadibly engaged into the first interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting member 170b.

[00043] Further, and similarly, the elongate threaded main body portion 164 of the second male-threaded member 160 may be first threadibly engaged into the second interconnecting member 170b and the first interconnecting member 170a, then passed through the co-operating aperture in the second stile 120. The separate head portion 162 is then threadibly engaged onto the elongate threaded main body portion 164 of the second male-threaded member 160.
Alternatively, the separate head portion 162 may be threadibly engaged onto the elongate threaded main body portion 164 of the second male-threaded member 160, and then the elongate threaded main body portion 164 of the second male-threaded member 160 may be passed through the co-operating aperture 161 in the second stile 120 and then threadibly engaged into the second interconnecting member 170b and the first interconnecting member 170a.

[00044] Also, as can readily be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the first male-threaded member 150 of the upper tensioning apparatus 180 secures an upper hinge 104a to the first stile 110.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 150 of the lower tensioning apparatus 180 secures a lower hinge 104b to the first stile 110.

[00045] As can be best seen in Figure 2, the first rail 130, which is the upper rail, has a throughpassage 132 extending from the first end 131a to the second end 131b of the first rail 130.
The first rail 130 comprises a main body member 134 having a generally "U"-shaped cross-section defined a channel 136 and a filler block 138 disposed within a portion of the channel 136 to thereby cover the top portion of the channel 136 and define the throughpassage 132. The first interconnecting apparatus 170a is disposed within the throughpassage 132 in the first rail 130, with the upper first male-threaded member 150 extending into the throughpassage in the first rail 130 and the upper second male-threaded member 160 also extending into the throughpassage in the first rail 130.

[00046] Similarly, the second rail 140, which is the lower rail, has a throughpassage 142 extending from the first end 141a to the second end 141b of the second rail 140. The second rail 140 also comprises a main body member 144 having a generally "U"-shaped cross-section defined a channel 146 and a filler block 148 disposed within a portion of the channel 146 to thereby cover the top portion of the channel 142 and define the throughpassage 142. The second interconnecting apparatus 170b is disposed within the throughpassage 142 in the second rail 140, with the lower first male-threaded member 150 extending into the throughpassage 142 in the second rail 140 and the lower second male-threaded member 160 also extending into the throughpassage 142 in the second rail 140.

[00047] As can be readily seen, when the gate frame 100 is fully assembled, with the first stile 110, the second stile 120, the first rail 130, and the second rail 140 being secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 100, the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 of the first tensioning apparatus 180 are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 moves the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 with respect to each other along their respective axes "Al", "A2", to thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame 100.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 of the second tensioning apparatus 180 are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 moves the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 with respect to each other along their respective axes "Al", "A2", to thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame 100.
Accordingly, the tensioning apparatus 180 allows for infinitesimal and instantaneous adjustment of the gate frame 100.

[00048] In another aspect, the present invention comprises the tensioning apparatus 180 for use in the gate frame 100 for installation on the fence 102. The tensioning apparatus 180 comprises the first male-threaded member 150 having a head portion 152 and defining the first longitudinal axis "Al" along its length, and the second male-threaded member 160 having a head portion 152 and defining a second longitudinal axis "Pe along its length. The interconnecting apparatus 170 has at least one opening to receive the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 in securely retained yet rotatable relation. The first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 moves the first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 with respect to each other along their respective axes "Al", "Ti21', to thereby permit adjustment of the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame 100.

[00049]
Reference will now be made to Figures 8 through 12, which show a second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of the present invention. In brief, in one aspect of the present invention, in the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention comprises a gate frame, as indicated by the general reference numeral 200, for installation on a fence 202, a first stile 210, a second stile 220, a first rail 230, a second rail 240, a first male-threaded member 250, a second male-threaded member 260, and an interconnecting apparatus 270. In another aspect of the present invention, in the first preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the present invention further comprises a tensioning apparatus 280 for use in the gate frame 100 for installation on the fence 202.

[00050] More specifically, the second preferred embodiment according to the present invention comprises the gate frame 200 for installation on a fence 202. In the second preferred embodiment, as illustrated, the gate frame 200 comprises at least the first stile 210 and the second stile 220 and at least one rail. Accordingly, the first stile 210, the second stile 220, and the at least one rail are secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 200. More specifically, the at least one rail comprises the first rail 230 and the second rail 240. The first stile 210, the second stile 220, the first rail 230, and the second rail 240, are secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 200. There is a tensioning apparatus 280 associated with the first rail 230, and also a tensioning apparatus 280 associated with the second rail 240.

[00051] A
first male-threaded member 250 has a head portion 252 and an elongate threaded portion 254 that together substantially define its length "1,1". The first male-threaded member 250 also defines a first longitudinal axis "Al" along its length "Ll". In the second preferred embodiment, the first male-threaded member 250 is received and retained by the first stile 210 for rotation about the first longitudinal axis "Al" and such that the head portion 252 is in force transmitting relation with respect to the first stile 210 in a first direction "Dl"
generally along the first longitudinal axis "Ai" towards the second stile 220.

[00052] A
second male-threaded member 260 has a head portion 262 and an elongate threaded portion 264 that together substantially define its length "L2". The second male-threaded member 260 defines a second longitudinal axis "A2" along its length "L2". In the second preferred embodiment, the second male-threaded member 260 is received and retained by the second stile 220 for rotation about the second longitudinal axis "A2"

and such that the head portion 262 is in force transmitting relation with respect to the second stile 220 in a second direction "D2" generally along the second longitudinal axis "A2"
towards the first stile 210.

[00053] The pitch of the thread of the elongate threaded portion 254 of the first male-threaded member 250 and the pitch of the thread of the elongate threaded portion 254 of the second male-threaded member 260 should be the same one as the other, for the sake of convenience during manufacturing.

[00054] There is also an interconnecting apparatus 270 that comprises a first strap apparatus 271 and a second strap apparatus 272. The first strap apparatus 271 comprises a first elongate strap portion 273 and a first connector body 275 secured to the first elongate strap portion 273. The first connector body 275 has a first female-threaded opening 277 therein for receiving the first male-threaded member 250 in threaded relation.
Similarly, the second strap apparatus 272 comprises a second elongate strap portion 274 and a second connector body 276 secured to the second elongate strap portion 274. The second connector body 276 has a second female-threaded opening 278 therein for receiving the second male-threaded member 260 in threaded relation. The first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272 are operatively interconnectable in tensile force transmitting relation.

[00055] As can be readily seen in the figures, the at least one rail comprises a first rail 230 and a second rail 240. The gate frame and tensioning apparatus 200 according to the present invention further comprises at least one fastener for fastening the first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272 to the first rail 230 and a second rail 240. In the second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus according to the present invention, the first elongate strap portion 273 and the second elongate strap portion 274 each have a plurality of apertures 279a therein and the at least one fastener comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners 279b that extend through the plurality of apertures 279a to thereby fasten the first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272 to the at least one rail, as aforesaid.

[00056] In the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, the gate frame 200 comprises the first stile 210, the second stile 220, the first rail 230, and the second rail 240, all of which are secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 200. The first male-threaded member 250 extends through a co-operating aperture in the first stile 210 and the second male-threaded member 260 extends through a co-operating aperture in the second stile 220.

[00057] In order to assemble the tensioning apparatus 280 onto the gate frame 200, the first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272 placed in partially overlapping relation on the first rail 230 and the second rail 240. The first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272 are then secured to the first rail 230 and the second rail 240 by means of the plurality of threaded fasteners 279b that extend through the plurality of apertures 279a and secure into the first rail 230 and the second rail 240.

[00058] The elongate threaded main body portion 254 of the first male-threaded member 250 is then threadibly engaged into the first female-threaded opening 277 of the first connector body 275 of the first elongate strap portion 273.
Similarly, the elongate threaded main body portion 264 of the second male-threaded member 260 is then threadibly engaged into the second female-threaded opening 278 of the second connector body 276 of the second elongate strap portion 274.

[00059] Also, as can readily be seen in Figures 8 and 10, the first male-threaded member 250 of the upper tensioning apparatus 280 secures an upper hinge 204a to the first stile 210.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 250 of the lower tensioning apparatus 280 secures a lower hinge 204b to the first stile 210.

[00060] There is also a cover 290a secured to the first rail 230 in overlying relation to the first strap apparatus 271, and a cover 290b secured to the second rail 240 in overlying relation to the second strap apparatus 272. The covers 290a,290b preclude damage to the first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272 and also preclude dirt and debris from interfering with their proper operation.

[00061] As can be readily seen, when the gate frame 200 is fully assembled, with the first stile 210, the second stile 220, the first rail 230, and the second rail 240 being secured together to form the main body of the gate frame 200, the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 of the first tensioning apparatus 280 are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 moves the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 with respect to each other along their respective axes "A2", "A211, to thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame 200.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 of the second tensioning apparatus 280 are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 moves the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 with respect to each other along their respective axes "A21', "A2", to thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame 200.

[00062] In another aspect, the present invention comprises the tensioning apparatus 280 for use in the gate frame 200 for installation on the fence 202. The tensioning apparatus 280 comprises the first male-threaded member 250 having a head portion 252 and defining the first longitudinal axis "Al" along its length, and the second male-threaded member 260 having a head portion 252 and defining a second longitudinal axis "AZ' along its length. The interconnecting apparatus 270 has at least one opening to receive the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 in securely retained yet rotatable relation. The first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 moves the first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 with respect to each other along their respective axes "Al", "AZ', to thereby permit adjustment of the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame 200.

[00063] As can be understood from the above description and from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a gate frame and tensioning apparatus that permits the assembly of a gate of arbitrary height and width while mechanically fastening the hinge apparatus to the gate frame, and that allows for infinitesimal and instantaneous adjustment, all of which features are unknown in the prior art.

[00064] Other variations of the above principles will be apparent to those who are knowledgeable in the field of the invention, and such variations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.
Further, other modifications and alterations may be used in the design and manufacture of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the accompanying claims.

Claims (42)

1. A
gate frame for installation on a fence, said gate frame comprising:
at least a first stile and a second stile and at least one rail, wherein said first stile, said second stile, and said at least one rail are secured together to form the main body of said gate frame;
a first male-threaded member having a head portion and an elongate threaded portion, and defining a first longitudinal axis along its length;
wherein said first male-threaded member is received and retained by said first stile for rotation about said first longitudinal axis and such that said head portion is in force transmitting relation with respect to said first stile in a first direction generally along said first longitudinal axis towards said second stile;

a second male-threaded member having a head portion and an elongate threaded portion, and defining a second longitudinal axis along its length;
wherein said second male-threaded member is received and retained by said second stile for rotation about said second longitudinal axis and such that said head portion is in force transmitting relation with respect to said second stile in a second direction generally along said second longitudinal axis towards said first stile;
an interconnecting apparatus having at least one opening to receive said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member in securely retained yet rotatable relation;
wherein said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member moves said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member with respect to each other along their respective axes, to thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of said gate frame.

2. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said interconnecting apparatus comprises an interconnecting member.

3. The gate frame of claim 2, wherein said interconnecting member comprises a solid block of material.

4. The gate frame of claim 3, wherein said solid block of material comprises a solid block of metal.

5. The gate frame of claim 2, wherein said at least one opening in said interconnecting apparatus comprises a single opening.

6. The gate frame of claim 5, wherein said single opening comprises a single throughpassage.

7. The gate frame of claim 6, wherein said single throughpassage comprises a first borehole and a second borehole open along their lengths one to the other.

8. The gate frame of claim 7, wherein said first borehole and said second borehole are each defined by a substantially smooth wall surface.

9. The gate frame of claim 9, wherein said first borehole and said second borehole are substantially parallel one to the other.

10. The gate frame of claim 7, wherein said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member engage each other directly in threaded relation, to thereby permit tensile forces to be transmitted from each to the other.

11. The gate frame of claim 10, wherein said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member engage each other directly in threaded relation within said interconnecting member.

12. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein each of said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member comprises an elongate threaded main body portion and wherein said head portion comprises a separate portion secured onto said elongate threaded main body portion.

13. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said first male-threaded member secures a hinge to said first stile.

14. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said first male-threaded member extends through a co-operating aperture in said first stile and said second male-threaded member extends through a co-operating aperture in said second stile.

15. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said at least one rail comprises a first rail.

16. The gate frame of claim 15, wherein said first rail has a throughpassage and said interconnecting apparatus is disposed within said throughpassage in said first rail.

17. The gate frame of claim 16, wherein said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member each extend into said throughpassage in said first rail.

18. The gate frame of claim 16, wherein said first rail comprises a main body member having a generally "U"-shaped cross-section defining a channel and a filler block disposed within a portion of said channel to thereby define said throughpassage.

19. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said at least one rail comprises a first rail and a second rail, wherein said first stile, said second stile, said first rail, and said second rail, are secured together to form the main body of said gate frame.

20. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said interconnecting apparatus comprises a first interconnecting apparatus, and further comprising a second interconnecting apparatus having at least one opening to receive said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member in securely retained yet rotatable relation.

21. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said second interconnecting apparatus comprises a second interconnecting member.

22. The gate frame of claim 1, wherein said interconnecting apparatus comprises a first strap apparatus and a second strap apparatus.

23. The gate frame of claim 22, wherein said first strap apparatus comprises a first elongate strap portion and a first connector body secured to said first elongate strap portion, and wherein said first connector body has a first female-threaded opening therein for receiving said first male-threaded member in threaded relation, and wherein said second strap apparatus comprises a second elongate strap portion and a second connector body secured to said second elongate strap portion, and wherein said second connector body has a second female-threaded opening therein for receiving said second male-threaded member in threaded relation.

24. The gate frame of claim 23, wherein said first strap apparatus and said second strap apparatus are operatively interconnectable in tensile force transmitting relation.

25. The gate frame of claim 24, further comprising at least one fastener for fastening said first strap apparatus and said second strap apparatus to said at least one rail.

26. The gate frame of claim 25, wherein said first elongate strap portion and said second elongate strap portion each have a plurality of apertures therein and said at least one fastener comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners that extend through said plurality of apertures to thereby fasten said first strap apparatus and said second strap apparatus to said at least one rail, as aforesaid.

27. The gate frame of claim 26, wherein said at least one rail comprises a first rail.

28. The gate frame of claim 27, further comprising a cover secured to said first rail in overlying relation to said first strap apparatus and said second strap apparatus.

29. A tensioning apparatus for use in a gate frame for installation on a fence, said tensioning apparatus comprising:

a first male-threaded member having a head portion and defining a first longitudinal axis along its length;
a second male-threaded member having a head portion and defining a second longitudinal axis along its length;
an interconnecting apparatus having at least one opening to receive said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member in securely retained yet rotatable relation;
wherein said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member are operatively interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member moves said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member with respect to each other along their respective axes, to thereby permit adjustment of the tension applied to the main body of the gate frame.

30. The tensioning apparatus of claim 29, wherein said interconnecting apparatus comprises an interconnecting member.

31. The tensioning apparatus of claim 30, wherein said interconnecting member comprises a solid block of material.

32. The tensioning apparatus of claim 31, wherein said solid block of material comprises a solid block of metal.

33. The tensioning apparatus of claim 30, wherein said at least one opening in said interconnecting apparatus comprises a single opening.

34. The tensioning apparatus of claim 33, wherein said single opening comprises a single throughpassage.

35. The tensioning apparatus of claim 34, wherein said single throughpassage comprises a first borehole and a second borehole open along their lengths one to the other.

36. The tensioning apparatus of claim 35, wherein said first borehole and said second borehole are each defined by a substantially smooth wall surface.

37. The tensioning apparatus of claim 37, wherein said first borehole and said second borehole are substantially parallel one to the other.

38. The tensioning apparatus of claim 35, wherein said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member engage each other directly in threaded relation, to thereby permit tensile forces to be transmitted from each to the other.

39. The tensioning apparatus of claim 38, wherein said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member engage each other directly in threaded relation within said interconnecting member.

40. The tensioning apparatus of claim 29, wherein each of said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member comprises an elongate threaded main body portion and wherein said head portion comprises a separate portion secured onto said elongate threaded main body portion.

41. The tensioning apparatus of claim 29, wherein said interconnecting apparatus comprises a first interconnecting apparatus, and further comprising a second interconnecting apparatus having at least one opening to receive said first male-threaded member and said second male-threaded member in securely retained yet rotatable relation.

42. The tensioning apparatus of claim 29, wherein said second interconnecting apparatus comprises a second interconnecting member.