GB2358219A

GB2358219A - Closure member control means

Info

Publication number: GB2358219A
Application number: GB9920994A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Arthur Ward
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-09-07
Filing date: 1999-09-07
Publication date: 2001-07-18
Anticipated expiration: 2019-09-07
Also published as: GB9920994D0; GB2358219B

Abstract

Apparatus 10 for controlling pivotal movement includes a support 12 which is connected to control means 14 provided within the gate 16 by a rigid driving shaft 18. The driving shaft 18 is mounted within a housing 20, the housing 20 extending from the support 12. The driving shaft 18 can have screw threads 24 at one end that are received by corresponding threads provided within the control unit 14. This connection enables the control unit 14 and the driving shaft 18 to rotate together such that the driving shaft 18 constitutes a pivot about which the gate 16 can move. A further embodiment includes a mounting arrangement (48, fig 3) for mounting the gate 16 in a frame. A plate member 50 is mounted on a gate post 52, and supports fastening means which enables the mounting arrangement (48, fig 3) to be mounted on a surface.

Description

1 2358219 Gates The present invention relates to self closing arrangements

and particularly but not exclusively to self closing gates.

Self closing gates for use around children play areas tend to be spring loaded so that after the gate has been opened it will close of its own accord. However, such gates are liable to close too quickly due to overtensioning of the spring thereby increasing the risk of injury to a user. Furthermore, if the spring is under-tensioned the gate may not completely close. Gates of this type require regular servicing and are often susceptible to vandalism.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for controlling pivotal movement of a closure member, such apparatus comprising a support member, control means for controlling said movement of the closure member and a connecting member connectable between the closure member and the support member, wherein the connecting member is arranged in operative engagement with the control means, and constitutes a pivot about which the closure member can move.

The connecting member is desirably mounted on the support member. The support member may comprise a holding member in which the connecting member is mounted. Preferably the holding member is removably mounted on the support member. The connecting member may extend through the holding member and may be fixed relative thereto.

Preferably the control means moves relative to the support member and desirably pivots relative to the support member. The control means may pivot around the holding member. The control means is desirably mountable on the closure member.

Preferably guide members are provided to guide movement of the closure member relative to the support member. The guide members desirably 2 comprise bearings which may be locatable around the holding memer. Preferably the holding member is substantially cylindrical and the gu,Qe members may be provided around the outer circumference thereof.

The holding member is preferably substantially hollow and tt.e connecting member may extend through at least part of the length thereof, cl W nd preferably substantially wholly therethrough.

Preferably cooperating means are provided on the rigid member and. lie control means, and the cooperating means may comprise respective sciew threads on each of said rigid member and control means. The coopera119 means are desirably provided at one end of the rigid member.

Further according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a gate comprising a frame member and a closure member, movement of the closure member being controlled by apparatus according to any of lbe preceding six paragraphs.

The closure member desirably moves relative to the support member desirably pivots relative to the support member. The closure member lita y pivot around the holding member.

Preferably the support member of the control apparatus is remova) l y attachable onto the frame member. Attachment means are preferably provl( Ed, on the support member to enable the support member to be remova)y attachable onto a frame member. Preferably the attachment means compriseN a connecting member connectable to the frame member.

Preferably cooperating means are provided on the connecting memi),;r and the frame member, and the cooperating means may comprise respect.,v,,e screw threads on each of said members. Preferably the frame member supporli the closure member.

3 Further according to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a mounting arrangement for mounting an object on a surface, said arrangement comprising a plate member mountable on the object to be supported and extending outwardly therefrom, fastening means provided on the plate member enabling the mounting arrangement to be mounted on a surface.

Preferably the plate member is mounted on a support member.. The support member preferably supports the object to be mounted on the surface. The support member may be a post for a gate or the like. Preferably the support member comprises first and second parts. The plate member is preferably mounted at one end of the first part of the support member, at which end the second part may be detachable as required by the user.

The plate member preferably includes a securing member and a base member. The securing member is preferably securable to the first part of the support member, and the base member preferably includes fastening means. The base member preferably extends outwardly from the securing member. Preferably the base member is substantially perpendicular to the securing member.

The fastening means may comprise openings provided on the base member, said openings preferably accommodate respective fastening devices such as screws or bolts.

Preferably more than one plate member is provided on the support member.

Preferably the plate member is manufactured from metal and desirably from steel.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a gate incorporating the control apparatus and mounting arrangement as described in 4 the preceding sixteenparagraphs.

Further according to another aspect of the present invention there'! i,s provided a method of mounting an object on a surface using a mounng arrangement as described in the preceding seven paragraphs, the met4cd comprising the steps of:- (a) detaching the second part of the support member; (b) mounting a base member of the mounting arrangement on the surface; and (c) securing said base member on the surface with fastening devicef s).

Preferably the fastening devices are driven through the fastening me4ns on the base member into the surface whereby the plate member is secilkEd thereon. Preferably the fastening devices are bolts.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a methodli 6, f mounting an object on a surface using a mounting arrangement as previously described, the method comprising the steps of:- (a) forming an aperture in said surface; (b) locating at least a second part of the support member of the obj -It with the mounting arrangement mounted thereon into the aperture; (c) securing said second part in said aperture with securing means, I (d) mounting a base member of the mounting arrangement on the securing means; and (e) securing said base member on the securing means with fastening, devices.

Preferably the securing means is a hardening composition and',I S desirably concrete. Preferably the mounting arrangement is secured on Pie securing means once the securing means has hardened.

Preferably fastening devices are driven through the fastening means oo the base member int6 the securing means whereby the plate member is secured thereon. Preferably the fastening devices are bolts.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a method of mounting an object on a surface using a mounting arrangement as previously described, the method comprising the steps of:- (a) forming an aperture in said surface; (b) locating the support member of the object with the mounting arrangement mounted thereon into the aperture; (c) securing said support member with the mounting arrangement in said aperture with securing means provided up to the level above the mounting arrangement thereby securing the object.

Preferably the securing means is a hardening composition and desirably concrete. Preferably the object is secured in said aperture once the securing means has hardened.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a method of mounting an object on a surface using a mounting arrangement as previously described, and the method comprising the steps of:- (a) forming an aperture on said surface; (b) locating the support member of the object with the mounting arrangement mounted thereon into the apertures; (c) securing said support member in said aperture with securing means; (d) mounting a base member of the mounting arrangement on the securing means; (e) securing said base member on the securing means with fastening devices; and (f) locating a cover member over the mounting arrangement and the aperture.

Preferably the securing means is a hardening composition and is 6 desirably concrete. Preferably the mounting arrangement is secured on e securing means once the securing means has hardened.

Preferably the fastening devices are driven through the fastening me4rs on the base member into the securing means whereby the plate memberl'is secured thereon. Preferably the fastening devices are bolts.

Preferably the cover member prevents damage to the mountj I ing arrangement once located thereover.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way: of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Fig. I is a cross sectional illustration of an apparatus according to 11, e present invention; Fig. 2 is a front view of a self-closing gate incorporating an apparatus and mounting arrangement according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a side view of a mounting arrangement according to the presOnt invention; and Fig. 4 is a view from below the gate illustrated in Fig. 2.

The present invention relates to apparatus which enables movement of a closure member such as a gate to be controlled. This apparatus compri,(s various components which will be described in detail below which re connected to a control unit which is part of the gate to be closed. The cont'r().l unit enables the gate to close on its own accord.

Turning to Fig. 1, there is shown apparatus 10 for controlling movemont of a closure member in the form of a gate 16. The apparatus 10 comprise, support 12 which is connected to control means 14 provided within the gate 116 by a rigid driving shaft 18. The driving shaft 18 is mounted within a housing 20, the housing 20 extending from the support 12 as shown. The driving shaft 18 comprises screw threads 24 at one end thereof, such screw threads being received by corresponding threads provided within the control unit 14 thereby 7 providing connection' between the two. This connection enables the control unit 14 and the driving shaft 18 to rotate together when required.

Bearings 22 are provided extending from the gate 16 such that they surround the housing 20. The housing 20 is cylindrical and therefore the bearings 22 are provided around the outer circumference thereof as illustrated in Fig. 1. The bearings 22 enable the control unit 14 and hence the gate 16 to freely rotate about the housing 20 to enable more efficient movement thereof.

The driving shaft 18 may be mounted within the housing 20 and connected to the control means 14 by rotation using a tool such as an Allen key which may be received within a hexagonal recess 26 provided thereon. This enables the driving shaft 18 to be easily removed when the gate 16 requires maintenance or possibly replacement. In this regard, the support 12 of the apparatus 10 is mounted onto a frame 30 supporting the gate 16. This mounting is provided by a screw 28 such that the apparatus 10 can be completely removed from the gate 16 and frame 30 when required.

The screw 28 is positioned so as to support the force of the pivotal movement of the gate 16 relative to the housing 20 and hence support 12.

The control unit 14 is a standard control unit used for self-closing gates such as the gate 16 shown in the figures. Such control units comprise a spring which is tensioned on opening the gate such that when released the gate returns to its original position.

The location of the apparatus 10 relative to the gate 16 is best illustrated in Fig. 2. As can be seen, when the gate 16 is mounted on the apparatus 10 the gate is able to pivot therearound. This movement of the gate 16 relative to the apparatus 10 is relatively smooth due to the bearings 22 provided around the housing 20 through which the driving shaft 18 extends.

8 Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate a further aspect of the present invention. Tis includes a mounting arrangement for mounting an object such as a gate frae or post on a surface such as the ground. The mountin arrangement 4S 9 includes a plate 50 of metal such as steel. The plate 50 comprises two portion$, a mounting portion 58 and a securing portion 60. The plate 50 is mounted onto a support member such as a gatepost 52 via the mounting portion 58. The post S2 on which the plate 50 is mounted comprises a first part 54 and ia second part 56. The plate 50 is mounted at the lower end of the first part 54 as illustrated in Fig. 3. The second part S6 of the gatepost 52 is detachable froin the first part 54 at the level of the plate 50 mounting as indicated in Fig. 3 with the dotted line. This detachment of the second part 56 enables the mountn,g arrangement 48 to be mounted on a surface in various different ways 1. as described below.

The plate 50 as shown in Fig. 3 is L-shaped such that the mount portion 58 and the securing portion 60 are perpendicular relative to each oterHoles 62 are provided on the securing portions 60 of the plate 50 as shown'l ill Fig. 4. Such holes 62 accommodate respective screws or bolts (not shown)i enable the mounting arrangement 48 to be secured onto a surface as require4.

The mounting arrangement 48 and hence the gatepost 52 can be secued onto a surface in four different ways as described below. In the first metho4, a suitably sized hole is dug into the ground on which the gatepost 52 needs toilb"e supported. The gatepost 52 is then inserted into the hole such that only 1, 'e first part 56 is located therein. Concrete is then placed into the hole up to the level of the plate 30 of the mounting arrangement 48 and this is then allo,41e4 to set. Once set suitable screws or bolts are driven through the holes iQ2 provided on the securing portion 60 of the plate 50 to enable the gatepost 52! to be secured.

In an alternative method, a hole is again dug into the ground. Howe er, this time the hole is sufficiently deep such that the ground level is above the plate 50 of the mounting arrangement 48 on the gatepost 52. After placing tfie 9 gatepost 52 in the hdle, concrete is placed therein up to a level above the Lshaped plate 50 and the concrete is then allowed to set thereby securing the gatepost 32 in the ground.

In a further method, the second part 56 of the gatepost 52 is removed at the level of the plate 30 as illustrated by the dotted line in Fig. 3. The mounting arrangement 48 and the gatepost 52 is then placed on a piece of pre-set concrete provided on the ground such that the L-shaped plate 52 is rested on the ground. Suitable screws or bolts are then driven through the holes 62 provided on the securing portion of the plate 50 thereby securing the gatepost in place.

Finally, a hole may be dug into the ground such that when the gatepost with the mounting arrangement 48 thereon is placed therein the ground level is just above the L-shaped plate 30. Concrete is then placed into the hole such that it is level with the securing portion 60 of the plate 50. Suitably screws or bolts are then driven through the holes 60 provided on the plate 50 to secure the mounting arrangement 48 and the gatepost 52 in the ground. Once secured, a steel ramp 64 is placed over the hole and secured to the ground either side thereof to prevent the mounting arrangement 48 being tampered with by vandals. Such a ramp 64 is illustrated in Fig. 3.

There is thus described an apparatus for controlling movement of a gate or the like and also a mounting arrangement for mounting a gatepost for supporting the gate on a surface such as the ground. The control apparatus enables smooth movement of the gate from an open to a closed position. Furthermore, the apparatus is designed such that it can be readily removed from the gate for maintenance or replacement and can also be readily secured in place. Therefore, different gates may be placed onto the control apparatus when required. Smooth movement is provided by the control apparatus. In particular, when a gate is mounted with such a control apparatus it will close in a smooth movement and thereby will not close so quickly as to result in injury as can occur with prior arrangements.

The mounting 'arrangement of the present invention enables a gatep st or the like to be mounted on the ground in a variety on ways. Therefore a gte upon which the mounting arrangement is provided can be mounted in anyiof i four situations which may be required by the person installing the gate. Ech of the methods provide a secure way of supporting such a gate.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the invention. For example, the plate of the mounting arrangement may not be! Lshaped and may just be a base portion which is directly attached onto ib gatepost. Alternatively, the angle between the mounting portion and 1h e: securing portion of the plate may be greater than or less than 90' to enable 1he mounting arrangement to be secured onto different levels of groul(1. Furthermore, the support member of the movement control apparatus may!b0, directly attached to the post of a gate and not indirectly via the member 1.3 D illustrated in Fig. 1. Also, the drive member shaft may be connected to Xhe control means other than by screw threads, for example a bayonet fitting ioaV. be provided for this purpose.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention. t those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it shoul be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patenta, feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. Apparatus for controlling pivotal movement of a closure member, such apparatus comprising a support member, control means for controlling said movement of the closure member and a connecting member connectable between the closure member and the support member, wherein the connecting member is arranged in operative engagement with the control means, and constitutes a pivot about which the closure member can move.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member is mounted on the support member.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the support member comprises a holding member in which the connecting member is mounted.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the holding member is removably mounted on the support member.

S. Apparatus according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the connecting member extends through the holding member and is fixed relative thereto.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control means moves relative to the support member.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the control means pivots relative to the support member.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the control means pivots around the holding member.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control means is mountable on the closure member.

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10. Apparatus according to any of claim 9, wherein guide members 1 e provided to guide movement of the closure member relative to the supp.. )rt member.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the guide members comp,i e bearings.

12. Apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the bearings are locatab[e around the holding member.

13. Apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the holdng member is substantially cylindrical.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the guide members may e provided around the outer circumference of the holding member.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 3 to 14, wherein the holding member is substantially hollow.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the connecting member extends through at least part of the length of the holding member.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the connecting merril5(r extends substantially wholly through the holding member.

18. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, wherein cooperati, b means are provided on the connecting member and the control means.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the cooperating me;n,s comprise respective screw threads on each of said connecting member a 1 ha control means.

20. Apparatus according to claims 18 or 19, wherein the cooperating me r ri 13 are provided at one end of the connecting member.

21. A gate comprising a frame member and a closure member, movement of the closure member being controlled by apparatus according to any of the preceding claims.

22. A gate according to claim 2 1, wherein the closure member moves relative to the support member.

23. A gate according to claim 22, wherein the closure member pivots relative to the support member.

24. A gate according to claim 23, wherein the closure member pivots around the holding member.

25. A gate according to any of claims 21 to 24, wherein the support member of the control apparatus is removably attachable onto the frame member.

26. A gate according to claim 2 S, wherein attachment means are provided on the support member to enable the support member to be removably attachable onto the frame member.

27. A gate according to claim 26, wherein the attachment means comprises a connecting member connectable to the frame member.

28. A gate according to any of claim 27, wherein cooperating means are provided on the connecting member and the frame member.

29. A gate according to claim 28, wherein the cooperating means comprise respective screw threads on each of said members.

30. A gate according to any of claims 21 to 29, wherein the frame member supports the closure member.

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31. A mounting arrangement for mounting an object on a surface, sa[c arrangement comprising a plate member mountable on the object to W supported and extending outwardly therefrom, fastening means provided r the plate member enabling the mounting arrangement to be mounted orillo surface.

32. A mounting arrangement according to claim 31, wherein the plati( member is mounted on a support member.

33. A mounting arrangement according to claim 32, wherein the suppo I t' member supports the object to be mounted on the surface.

34. A mounting arrangement according to claims 32 or 3 3, wherein t4e support member is a post for a gate or the like.

35. A mounting arrangement according to any of claims 32 to 34, wherej,O the support member comprises first and second parts.

36. A mounting arrangement according to any of claim 3 5, wherein the plate: member is mounted at one end of the first part of the support member.

37. A mounting arrangement according to claim 36, wherein the second pat of the support member may be detachable as required by the user at said end the first part.

38. A mounting arrangement according to any of claims 31 to 37, wherei'A the plate member includes a securing member and a base member.

39. A mounting arrangement according to claim 38 when dependent n: claim 35, wherein the securing member is securable to the first part of te, support member.

40. A mounting arrangement according to claims 38 or 39, wherein the ba4e:

is member extends outwardly from the securing member.

41. A mounting arrangement according to claim 40, wherein the base member is substantially perpendicular to the securing member.

42. A mounting arrangement according to any of claims 38 to 41, wherein the base member includes the fastening means.

43. A mounting arrangement according to claim 42, wherein the fastening means comprise openings provided on the base member.

44. A mounting arrangement according to claim 43, wherein the openings accommodate respective fastening devices such as screws or bolts.

45. A mounting arrangement according to any of claims 32 to 44, wherein more than one plate member is provided on the support member.

46. A mounting arrangement according to any of claims 31 to 45, wherein the plate member is manufactured from metal and desirably from steel.

47. A gate incorporating the control apparatus and mounting arrangement as described in any of the preceding claims.

48. A method of mounting an object on a surface using a mounting arrangement according to any of claims 31 to 47, the method comprising the steps of:- (a) detaching the second part of the support member; (b) mounting a base member of the mounting arrangement on the surface; and (c) securing said base member on the surface with fastening device(s).

49. A method according to claim 48, wherein the fastening devices are driven through the fastening means on the base member into the surface whereby the 16 plate member is secured thereon.

50. A method according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the fastening devices i bolts.

51. A method of mounting an object on a surface using a mounti E arrangement according to any of claims 31 to 47, the method comprising th steps of:- (a) forming an aperture in said surface; (b) locating at least a second part of the support member of the obj( with the mounting arrangement mounted thereon into t aperture; (c) securing said second part in said aperture with securing means; i (d) mounting a base member of the mounting arrangement on I h securing means; and (e) securing said base member on the securing means with fastenih devices.

52. A method according to claim 51, wherein the securing means is, hardening composition such as concrete.

53. A method according. to claim 5 2, wherein the mounting arrangement i secured on the securing means once the securing means has hardened.

54. A method according to any of claims 5 1 to 5 3, wherein fastening devi - T are driven through the fastening means on the base member into the securi means whereby the plate member is secured thereon.

55. A method according to claim 54, wherein the fastening devices are bolts.

56. A method of mounting an object on a surface using a mountij arrangement according to any of claims 31 to 47, the method comprising thi steps of:- 17 (a) forming an aperture in said surface; (b) locating the support member of the object with the mounting arrangement mounted thereon into the aperture; (c) securing said support member with the mounting arrangement in said aperture with securing means provided up to the level above the mounting arrangement thereby securing the object.

57. A method according to claim 36, wherein the securing means is a hardening composition such as concrete.

58. A method according to claim 57, wherein the object is secured in said aperture once the securing means has hardened.

59. A method of mounting an object on a surface using a mounting arrangement according to any of claims 31 to 47, the method comprising the steps of:- (a) forming an aperture on said surface; (b) locating the support member of the object with the mounting arrangement mounted thereon into the apertures; (c) securing said support member in said aperture with securing means; (d) mounting a base member of the mounting arrangement on the securing means; (e) securing said base member on the securing means with fastening devices; and (f) locating a cover member over the mounting arrangement and the aperture.

60. A method according to claim 59, wherein the securing means is a hardening composition such as concrete.

61. A method according to claim 60, wherein the mounting arrangement is secured on the securing means once the securing means has hardened.

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62. A method according to any of claims 59 to 61, wherein the fastenij devices are driven through the fastening means on the base member into th4 securing means whereby the plate member is secured thereon.

63. A method according to claim 62, wherein the fastening devices are bolti.

64. A method according to any of claims 59 to 63, wherein the cover memb111 prevents damage to the mounting arrangement once located thereover.

65. Apparatus for controlling pivotal movement of a closure memb] substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanyiii drawings.

66. A mounting arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described a4c with reference to Figures 2 to 4 of the accompanying drawings.

67. A gate substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to t( accompanying drawings.

68. Methods of mounting an object on a surface substantially 0" hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

69. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matti disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the san,( invention as any of the preceding claims.