GB2106588A - Gate structures - Google Patents

Abstract

A gate structure has a gate 14, hinged about a horizontal axis 15, within a gateway 10 (Fig. 2) and the gate is positively and controllably moved between closed and open positions by links 16 connected to each side of the gate, which links are driven by endless chains 17 and are provided with rollers 18 cooperating with tracks 19 to ensure smooth rectilinear movement of the links. The endless chains 17 are driven by a motor 20 through line shafting 21 and gearing 22. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Gate structures This invention relates to gate structures and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gate structure in which the gate is positively and controllably moved between closed and opened positions.

According to the present invention there is provided a gate structure comprising a gate hinged or pivoted within a frame defining a gateway, and linkage means connecting the gate to a driving means actuable to move the gate between closed and open positions.

Preferably, the linkage means comprises a link connected to each side of the gate normal to its hinge or pivot axis and to the driving means.

Each link at its driving means adjacent end is preferably provided with a roller or similar engageable with a track to facilitate rectilinear and smooth movement of the link. Alternatively, the roller arrangement may be replaced by a slide arrangement.

The driving means for each link is preferably an endless chain but will be manifest that alternative driving means may be provided, for example fluid rams or screw jacks.

In the case of endless chain drives, the chains are driven from a common centrally-disposed motor via line shafting and gearing.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in which: Fig. lisa diagrammatic fragmentary side view of a gate structure according to the present invention used to prevent or permit passage of an overhead crane; and Fig. 2 is a corresponding front view.

Referring to the drawings, a gateway 10 is provided in a work bay structure 11 for an overhead crane 12 movable aiong tracking 13.

The gateway 10 is normally closed by a gate 14 hinged or pivotal upwards and inwards about a horizontal axis 15.

A strut or link 16 is connected at one end to each side of the gate 14 outboard of the crane 12. The other end of the strut or link 16 is connected to an endless chain 17. It is also provided with a roller 18 engageable with a horizontal track 19.

In Fig. 2, the left hand strut 16 is shown in the position where it is holding the gate 14 shut against wind weather while the right hand strut 16 is shown in the position where it is holding the gate 14 in the raised position.

The pair of endless chains 17 are driven by a common centrally disposed motor 20 through the intermediary of line shafting 21 and gearing 22.

The motor 20 is disposed above the crane 12 with the line shafting 21 extending horizontally from each side thereof to the sides of the gateway 10 and vertically down the sides of the gateway 10, the gearing 22 drivingly connecting the line shafts 21 and the endless chains 17.

It will be manifest that operation of the endless chains 17 by the motor 20 causes the gate 14, depending on the direction of chain movement, to be positively and controllably opened or closed.

The arrangement is such that the gate 14 will not tend to flap under wind action, when in its closed position, it being firmly held by the struts 16 and endless chains 17.

Such gate structures may be employed in a variety of locations.

Moreover, instead of the gate being horizontally hinged or pivoted it may, interalia, be vertically hinged or pivoted.

Instead of one common motor for the endless chains, each may be independently driven by a motor, the motors being synchronised.

The term "gate" includes, inter alia, doors and flaps.

1. A gate structure comprising a gate hinged or pivoted within a framedefining a gateway, and linkage means connecting the gate to a driving means actuable to move the gate between closed and open positions.

2. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 1, in which the linkage means comprises a link connected to each side of the gate normal to its hinge or pivot axis and to the driving means.

3. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 2, in which each link at its ciriving means adjacent end is provided with a roller or similar engageable with a track to facilitate rectilinear and smooth movement of the link.

4. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 3, in which the roller arrangement is replaced by a slide arrangement.

5. A gate structure as claimed in any one of I Claims 1 to 4, in which the driving means for each link is an endless chain.

6. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 5 in which the chains are driven from a common centrally-dis posed motor via line shafting and gearing.

7. A gate structure, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying draw ings.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (7)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Gate structures This invention relates to gate structures and it is an object of the present invention to provide a gate structure in which the gate is positively and controllably moved between closed and opened positions. According to the present invention there is provided a gate structure comprising a gate hinged or pivoted within a frame defining a gateway, and linkage means connecting the gate to a driving means actuable to move the gate between closed and open positions. Preferably, the linkage means comprises a link connected to each side of the gate normal to its hinge or pivot axis and to the driving means. Each link at its driving means adjacent end is preferably provided with a roller or similar engageable with a track to facilitate rectilinear and smooth movement of the link. Alternatively, the roller arrangement may be replaced by a slide arrangement. The driving means for each link is preferably an endless chain but will be manifest that alternative driving means may be provided, for example fluid rams or screw jacks. In the case of endless chain drives, the chains are driven from a common centrally-disposed motor via line shafting and gearing. An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, in which: Fig. lisa diagrammatic fragmentary side view of a gate structure according to the present invention used to prevent or permit passage of an overhead crane; and Fig. 2 is a corresponding front view. Referring to the drawings, a gateway 10 is provided in a work bay structure 11 for an overhead crane 12 movable aiong tracking 13. The gateway 10 is normally closed by a gate 14 hinged or pivotal upwards and inwards about a horizontal axis 15. A strut or link 16 is connected at one end to each side of the gate 14 outboard of the crane 12. The other end of the strut or link 16 is connected to an endless chain 17. It is also provided with a roller 18 engageable with a horizontal track 19. In Fig. 2, the left hand strut 16 is shown in the position where it is holding the gate 14 shut against wind weather while the right hand strut 16 is shown in the position where it is holding the gate 14 in the raised position. The pair of endless chains 17 are driven by a common centrally disposed motor 20 through the intermediary of line shafting 21 and gearing 22. The motor 20 is disposed above the crane 12 with the line shafting 21 extending horizontally from each side thereof to the sides of the gateway 10 and vertically down the sides of the gateway 10, the gearing 22 drivingly connecting the line shafts 21 and the endless chains 17. It will be manifest that operation of the endless chains 17 by the motor 20 causes the gate 14, depending on the direction of chain movement, to be positively and controllably opened or closed. The arrangement is such that the gate 14 will not tend to flap under wind action, when in its closed position, it being firmly held by the struts 16 and endless chains 17. Such gate structures may be employed in a variety of locations. Moreover, instead of the gate being horizontally hinged or pivoted it may, interalia, be vertically hinged or pivoted. Instead of one common motor for the endless chains, each may be independently driven by a motor, the motors being synchronised. The term "gate" includes, inter alia, doors and flaps. CLAIMS

1. A gate structure comprising a gate hinged or pivoted within a framedefining a gateway, and linkage means connecting the gate to a driving means actuable to move the gate between closed and open positions.

2. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 1, in which the linkage means comprises a link connected to each side of the gate normal to its hinge or pivot axis and to the driving means.

3. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 2, in which each link at its ciriving means adjacent end is provided with a roller or similar engageable with a track to facilitate rectilinear and smooth movement of the link.

4. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 3, in which the roller arrangement is replaced by a slide arrangement.

5. A gate structure as claimed in any one of I Claims 1 to 4, in which the driving means for each link is an endless chain.

6. A gate structure as claimed in Claim 5 in which the chains are driven from a common centrally-dis posed motor via line shafting and gearing.

7. A gate structure, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying draw ings.