GB2037344A

GB2037344A - Improvements in or Relating to Gates

Info

Publication number: GB2037344A
Application number: GB7840518A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: FENSECURE Ltd
Current assignee: FENSECURE Ltd
Priority date: 1978-10-13
Filing date: 1978-10-13
Publication date: 1980-07-09
Also published as: GB2037344B

Abstract

A gate comprises a plurality of tubular components (6, 8, 10) secured together by interfitting spigot and socket formations (12, 14). The spigot formations may be afforded by spigot members, having an outside diameter which permits them to be inserted into the interior of certain of the tubular members, and fixedly secured therein: other of the tubular members may be inserted over the protruding ends of the spigot members. Alternatively, connector members may be utilised, providing at opposite ends of the spigot formations adapted to be inserted into the interior of two or more hollow tubular members. Preferably, the components of the gate are held together under tension, such as by the use of cladding (20). The components of the gate are metal, and may be treated, e.g. galvanised, or coated with paint or a plastics material, prior to assembly of the gate. Alternatively or in addition, the gate comprises a closure device (30) pivotally mounted on the gate. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or Relating to Gates This invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to gates.

In the manufacture of gates, and in particular with gates of metal construction, it is conventional practice to manufacture the gate by welding together a number of tubular posts, to provide a framework of the gate. Stretcher members are then secured to certain of the tubular members, and a cladding for the gate, which may be wire, wire mesh, or "Weld mesh" (R.T.M.) is secured to the stretcher bars under tension.

One of the problems encountered in such conventional methods is the difficulty in prefabricating parts of the gate in a manner which is consistent with maintaining versatility of construction. Another of the problems encountered in such conventional methods is that it is necessary to treat at least the frame of the gate (such as by galvanising, or coating with paint or plastics material) after fabrication has been completed. Thus, where such treatment involves a dipping operation, a large dipping tank must be used.

According to this invention there is provided a gate prefabricated from a plurality of tubular components fitted together by spigot and socket joints.

The sockets may be afforded by end regions of certain of the tubular components, and the spigots may be secured to and extend from the ends of certain other of the tubular components.

Some of the tubular components may be afforded with spigots extending from both ends thereof, utilising other tubular components having no spigots and affording sockets at both ends, or tubular components afforded with a spigot at one end and a socket at the other end, or a combination thereof.

The sockets may be provided on junction pieces (which may if desired be of tubular construction) of the gate, from which the ends of elongate tubular members provided with spigots may extend, or the spigots may be provided on junction pieces of the gate, from which the ends of elongate tubular members providing sockets may extend, or a combination thereof.

Additionally, elongate tubular members provided at one or more positions intermediate the ends thereof with spigots or sockets may be utilised, to allow other tubular members which may serve as reinforcement extending across the boundaries of the gate to be utilised.

Preferably, however certain of the tubular members (whether elongate, or affording junction pieces) have interfitted into end regions thereof, and secured therein short stub portions which may be solid, or hollow, the ends of which, protruding from the tubular member, affording the spigots. By ensuring that the spigots are a close fit within the tubular members, the sockets which are afforded by the end regions of the other tubular components may be mounted on the spigots as a tight sliding fit, into abutting engagement with the end of the first said tubular member, providing a smooth continuous line.

Most conveniently, the spigots and sockets are of circular cross-section. However, any convenient cross-section may be used, e.g.

rectangular or other regular or irregular polygonal shape.

Most conveniently the sockets are afforded by the tubular components are continuous (that is, are not split). In such circumstances preferably the spigots are secured in the end portions of the tubular members by welding, or by the use of strong adhesive.

However, the tubular component may be afforded by split tube, being split either along part of the length or the whole of the length. In such circumstances, the spigots may be secured in the end portions of the tubular components by welding or by the use of a strong adhesive, but if desired may be so secured by the use of clamping means (such as screw-threaded clamping means) operative between the stub portion and the tubular component in which it is mounted to the split in the tube.

By the use of this invention, the components may readily be formed from metal, and may be treated (e.g. galvanised, or coated with paint or a plastics substance) prior to assembly of the gate.

Additionally, a gate of a desired size may be prefabricated from a number of basic components, affording considerable increase in flexibility of manufacture and/or reduction in stock holding.

This invention is particularly useful in the prefabrication of a cladded gate, such as a mesh cladded gate, in which the presence of the cladding under tension serves to prevent separative movement of the various other components of the gate. For this purpose, certain of the components may be provided with supporting means (e.g. lugs) adapted to support stretcher bars upon which the cladding is mounted.

However, alternative means of preventing separative movement of the various components may be used, such as by the insertion of pins through the sockets and into the spigots.

Additionally, a conventional method of securing a gate in a closed position is by the use of a yoke pivotally mounted on an outer region of the gate (viz. remote from the hinge) or on a fixed vertical upright post if the gate is a single gate, which yoke may be dropped over the free end of an upright post to prevent movement of the gate from its closed position.

Such a conventional method additionally involves the use of a slam plate, to prevent relative movement of the gate or one of the gates beyond its closed position. The slam plate may be secured to the outside face of the upright post, whether the upright post is fixed or forms part of a second gate.

This invention also provides a gate comprising a closure device pivotally mounted on the gate, means being provided to prevent movement of the closure device relative to the gate beyond a position in which it may be effective to secure the gate in its closed position, whilst permitting movement of the closure device in a direction which allows the gate to be opened.

In this manner, the closure device may additionally serve as a slam plate, acting against the upright post on closing movement of the gate to prevent the gate being closed from moving past the upright post beyond its closed position.

The closure device may then be lifted and dropped over the upright post to retain the gate in its closed position in relation to the upright post.

The closure device may be in the form of a Ushaped yoke, for dropping over the free end of an upright post. Preferably however the closure device comprises two arms which are spaced apart at the end thereof remote from their pivotal mounting, the gate being secured in its closed position by movement of the two arms downwardly, on both sides of the upright post.

This is particularly useful when there is no free upwards extension as is necessary for an enclosed yoke to drop over.

Preferably the two arms are secured together by an inverted U shaped member which serves not only to maintain the two arms in substantially parallel relationship, but also may act against the gate upon which the closure device is mounted to afford a stop to prevent movement of the closure device beyond a position in which it may be effective to secure the gate in its closed position, as aforesaid.

Although the closure device is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with a gate constructed in the manner set out in the last fifteen preceding paragraphs, the closure device itself may be used to advantage on gates of conventional construction.

There will now be given a detailed description, to be read with reference to the accompanying drawing, of a gate, and method of assembly thereof, which are preferred embodiments of this invention, and which have been selected to illustrate the invention by way of example.

In the accompanying drawings; Figure 1 is a schematic side elevation of the preferred embodiment; Figure 2 shows connector pieces which may be used in the assembly of a modified form of the preferred embodiment; Figures 3 and 4 are respectively side elevation and plan views of a closure device of the gate, which is itself illustrative of certain aspects of this invention; and Figure 5 shows an alternative form of tubular component.

The gate which is the preferred embodiment of this invention comprises two vertical end posts 6, any desired number of vertical intermediate posts 8, and an appropriate number of transverse, horizontal posts 10, the posts 6, 8 and 10 being basically of hollow, tubular construction.

Extending from each of the two end posts 6, in the same radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis thereof, are three tubular stubs 12, and into the end of each of the stubs and extending a short distance therefrom is a cylindrical spigot 14 which may be hollow but is preferably solid. The outside diameter of the spigot 14 is such that it is a tight sliding fit into the tubular stub, and the spigot is fixedly secured in the stub 12 by drilling a hole radially through the stub and plug welding through the hole.

Each intermediate post 8 comprises three pairs of tubular stubs 12, each pair extending in diametrically opposite directions, each stub similarly carrying a cylindrical spigot 14. The transverse posts 10 are of hollow tubular construction, the ends thereof providing sockets, and are cut to a desired axial length.

The end posts, some at least of the transverse posts, and a desired number of intermediate posts, have welded thereto lugs 16, to which stretcher bars 18 are bolted.

Each component part above described is preferably, prior to assembly thereof, pre-treated, having been galvanised or coated with paint or plastics material.

In the assembly of the gate, the transverse posts are mounted on, and extend between two mutually-facing spigots which may be provided by the two end posts, if no intermediate posts are used, or by one end post and one intermediate post, or by two intermediate posts if two or more intermediate posts are used. Thus, a gate is provided to a height predetermined by the length of the end posts and intermediate posts, and of a width determined by selection of the length of the transverse posts and/or the number of intermediate posts used.

The gate thus comprises a peripheral frame, together with a selected number of supporting members extending across the peripheral frame.

The transverse posts have an internal diameter selected to be a tight sliding fit on the spigots, and an outside diameter equal to that of the tubular stubs, and the axial extension of the spigot into the transverse posts will be sufficient to provide the gate with a requisite degree of stability. It will of course be appreciated that spigots which are significantly longer than those illustrated in Figure 1 of the drawings, may if desired be used.

Whereas in Figure 1 a small gap is shown between the ends of the transverse posts and the adjacent ends of the tubular stubs, in practice the transverse posts will be moved into abutting relationship with the stubs. The ends of the transverse posts may be secured in such a position to the spigots upon which they are mounted by the insertion of pins through holes drilled through the transverse post and into the spigots.

Alternatively however, relative separative movement between the transverse posts and their spigots may be prevented by cladding 20 mounted in tension between the stretcher bars 18.

Whereas the gate thus provided is of a height predetermined by the length of the end posts and intermediate posts, the same components may be used to provide a gate of a width predetermined by the length of the end posts and intermediate posts, with the height determined by the number of intermediate posts and the selected length of the transverse posts.

However, the versatility of the invention may further be increased by the use of bridge pieces of L T or X shape (Figure 2), each providing two, three or four spigots respectively, extending mutually at right angles. Thus, tubular posts of desired length may be used for both vertical and horizontal parts of the gate, providing sockets which are interfitted with the spigots provided by the bridge pieces.

The invention may be used in a gate afforded with cross-bracing. In such a construction, the end posts 6 and intermediate posts 8 will be provided, additional to the cylindrical stubs and spigots 12 and 14, with an additional stub and spigot lying at an appropriate angle bisecting the longitudinal axis of the post and the axis of the spigot 14. Figure 2d illustrates a possible arrangement, utilising bridge pieces.

In the embodiments hereinabove described, the end posts, intermediate posts, transverse horizontal posts, and (if present) diagonal bracing posts are preferably of hollow tubular construction of circular cross section, the spigots being similarly of circular cross-section. It will of course be appreciated that the posts may be of other, non-circular cross section, and may if desired be split tube.

Figure 5 illustrates the use of a split tube 22 of rectangular cross-section, with a solid spigot 24 mounted therein. Extending from that portion of the spigot 24 within the tube 22, and extending through the split 23 in the tub 22, is a short threaded bolt 26. By tightening of a lock nut 28 on the bolt 26, wall portions of the tube 22 on either side of the split may be clamped against the spigot 24. In this manner, the spigot may releasably be secured in the end portion of the tubular component.

A further tubular component may be mounted on the protruding end portion of the spigot 24 as hereinbefore described, but if desired the further tubular component may similarly be in the form of a split tube, and may releasably be secured to the spigot 24 by a similar bolt and lock nut extending from the protruding portion of the spigot 24.

The gate which is the preferred embodiment of this invention also comprises a latch 30, affording a closure device of the gate, and which is itself illustrative of certain aspects of this invention. The latch will hereinafter be described in the closure of the gate with a second, similar gate whilst said second gate is retained in its closed position by a ground-engaging bolt.

The latch 30 comprises two arms 32,32 which are pivotally mounted on lugs 34 welded to the upper most stub 12 of the right hand end post 6, (Figure 1), the two arms 32 being on opposite sides of the post 6. The two arms are connected together by a strap 36 of inverted U shape, which passes above the stub 12. This strap 36 not only serves to maintain the two arms 32 in generally parallel relationship, but also prevents movement of the arms beyond the positions in which they are shown in Figure 3.

On opening of the gate, the strap 32 may be lifted to a point shown in chain dot lines in Figure 3, determined by a stop 38. Subsequently, upon release of the arms 32, the latch 30 adopts its rest position.

On subsequent closure of the gate, one of the arms engages the upright post of the second gate, acting as a slam plate to prevent movement of the closing gate significantly beyond its closure position. Thereafter the latch 30 may be lifted, and dropped over the vertical post 6 and stub 12 of the second gate, retaining the gate upon which the latch is mounted against movement.

By virtue of the latch 30 being open-ended (Figure 4) the requirement for there to be present a free upwards extension of the vertical post of the second gate is dispensed with.

Claims

1. A gate prefabricated from a plurality of tubular components fitted together by spigot and socket formations.

2. A gate according to claim 1 wherein some of the tubular components are of unreduced diameter and afford the socket formations, and some are provided at end portions thereof with regions of reduced diameter, providing the spigot formations.

3. A gate according to one of claims 1 and 2 wherein the spigot formations are a tight sliding fit within the socket formations.

4. A gate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spigot formations are provided by spigot members secured to and extending from the ends of some of the tubular components.

5. A gate according to claim 4 wherein the outside diameter of the spigot members is generally equal to that of the inside diameter of the tubular components providing the socket formations.

6. A gate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spigot formations extend from the ends of connector members of the gate.

7. A gate comprising a plurality of elongate vertical tubular members, a plurality of horizontal elongate tubular members, and a plurality of connector members each of which extends from one tubular member and is afforded with a portion of reduced diameter which extends into the interior of at least one other tubular member.

8. A gate according to claim 7 wherein the said connector member is integral with the first said tubular member.

9. A gate according to claim 8 wherein said connector member is afforded with a further portion of reduced diameter which extends into the interior of the first said tubular member.

10. A gate according to any one of claims 7, 8 and 9 wherein said connector member is afforded with a further portion of reduced diameter which extends-into the interior of a further tubular member.

1 1. A gate according to claim 10 wherein said further tubular member is diagonally-extending elongate tubular member.

12. A gate according to any one of the preceding claims comprising means to hold the tubular components thereof together under tension.

13. A gate according to claim 12 wherein said means is provided by cladding.

14. A gate according to claim 13 wherein the cladding is provided by expanded metal mesh secured to certain of the tubular components of the gate under tension.

15. A gate according to claim 14 wherein the cladding holds the components of the gate under tension both horizontally and vertically.

16. A gate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spigot and socket formations are of circular cross section.

17. A gate according to any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the spigot and socket formations are of non-circular cross section.

18. A gate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the tubular components are continuous.

19. A gate according to any one of claims 1 to 17 wherein the tubular components are afforded by split tube.

20. A gate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spigot formulations are secured in the ends portions of the tubular members by welding, or by the use of strong adhesive.

21. A gate according to claim 19 wherein the spigot formations are secured in the end portions of the tubular components by clamping means operative between the spigot portion and the tubular component in which it is mounted to the split in the tube.

22. A gate according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the spigot formations are secured in the socket formations by the insertion of pins through the socket formations and into the spigot formations.

23. A gate comprising a closure device pivotally mounted on the gate, means being provided to prevent movement of the closure device relative to the gate beyond a position in which it may be effective to secure the gate in its closed position whilst permitting movement of the closure device in a direction which allows the gate to be opened.

24. A gate according to claim 23 wherein the closure device is in the form of a U-shaped yoke, adapted to be dropped over the free end of an upright post.

25. A gate according to claim 23 wherein the closure device comprises two arms which are spaced apart at the end thereof remote from their pivotal mounting, said closure device being adapted to secure the gate in its closed position by movement of the two arms downwardly on both sides of an upright post.

26. A gate according to claim 25 wherein the two arms are secured together by an inverted Ushaped member which serves both to maintain the two arms in substantially parallel relationship, and also to act against the gate upon which the closure device is mounted to afford a stop to prevent movement of the closure device beyond a position in which it is effective to secure the gate in its closed position.

27. A gate according to any one of claims 1 to 22 comprising a closure device according to any one of claims 23 to 26.

28. A gate comprising a plurality of tubular components fitted together substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1, 2 and 5 of the accompanying drawings.

29. A gate comprising a closure device pivotally mounted on the gate, constructed and arranged substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.