US3091934A

US3091934A - Headgate apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3091934A
Application number: US101121A
Authority: US
Inventors: Ray T Jacobs
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1961-04-06
Filing date: 1961-04-06
Publication date: 1963-06-04
Anticipated expiration: 1980-06-04

Description

June 4, 1963 R. T. JACOBS 4 HEADGATE APPARATUS Filed April 6, 1961 ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,691,934 EEADGATE APPARATUS Ray T. Jacobs, Rte. 3, Box 22%, Idaho Falls, Idaho Filed Apr. 6, 1961, Ser. No. 101,121 6 Claims. (Cl. 61-29) The present invention relates to new and novel headgate apparatus, and more particularly to headgate apparatus employing a unique flexible and water-proof closure means.

The headgate apparatus of the present invention is particularly designed for use in conventional irrigating ditches or canals and the like.

It is particularly designed to provide a simplified structure which can be easily operated and additionally which is adapted to be readily installed by an individual.

Headgate apparatus according to the present invention can either be employed as extending transversely in spanning relation to the ditch so as to serve as a dam, or it may as well be employed in the side wall portion of the ditch to let water out of the side as desired.

In the prior art, the flow of water in irrigation ditches and the like has been controlled by means of dirt dams, canvas dams, siphon tubes and sliding headgates. The sliding headgates would be the most desirable means because of the easeof operation thereof, but these mechanisms generally are subject to undesirable leakage. The present invention has all the advantages of the sliding headgate in so far as ease of operation is concerned, but the arrangement of the present invention positively prevents any leakage.

The present invention incorporates a light-weight main body portion or framework defining a centnal opening therethrough. Plate means is provided adjacent one end of the framework, this plate means extending downwardly and outwardly of the main framework whereby the plate means is received within the surrounding wall portions of the ditch to serve as a means for positively preventing leakage around the framework.

This lightweight framework can be readily handled by an individual, and the apparatus may be readily installed in a ditch simply by placing the framework in spanning position within the ditch, and forcing the plate means into the surrounding walls. The plate means may either be driven into the side walls in a case where the earth may be relatively soft, or openings may be firstly dug out for receiving the plate portions whereupon the earth may be subsequently packed about the plate portions for ensuring that there wi l be no leakage thcrearound.

The closure means for the framework comprises an integral flexible water-proof sheet of material which is sealed with respect to the body portion and which is adapt ed to be folded up into a closed position wherein the major portion of the opening through the framework is closed. This water-proof flexible sheet of material prevents any leakage through the opening in the framework when in closed position, and accordingly, the device provides an effective barrier to any liquid in the ditch.

The folding arrangement of the flexible sheet of material due to the provision of flap portions thereon permits quick, easy and simple opening and closing of the opening since it is only necessary to fold these flap portions relative to one another to open or close the device. This, of course, may be manually accomplished in a most effective manner without the necessity of providing any sort of hand wheels, levers or other mechanism, thereby ensuring that opening and closing operations will be absolutely foolproof.

In addition, the folding arrangement of the closure means incorporates a bottom flap which pivots downwardly from the front portion of the framework adjacent to the opening therethrough. With this arrangement, the

3,991,934 Patented June 4, 1963 2 size of the stream passing through the opening in the framework can be adjusted simply by controlling the angular position of the bottom flap portion with respect to the main body portion.

The angular position of the bottom flap portion can be controlled in a facile manner by merely placing boards or other chock means underneath the bottom flap portion, this chock means being wedged between the bottom of the ditch and the under surface of the bottom flap portion when it is in its open position.

A. further means of controlling the size of the stream passing through the opening in the framework may comprise a board inserted within the framework of the apparatus in spanning relationship between the side walls thereof for closing off a portion of the opening.

An object of the present invention is to provide new and novel headgate apparatus which is of light-weight construction and which may be readily installed in operative position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of headgate apparatus which positively prevents leakage when in closed position.

A further object of the invention is to provide headgate appaartus which may be quickly and easily opened or closed.

Yet another object of the invention is the provision of headgate apparatus which permits ready adjustment of the size of the stream passing therethrough when in open position.

A still further object of the invention is to provide headgate apparatus which is quite simple and inexpensive in construction and yet which is sturdy and reliable in operaiton.

Other objects and many attendant advantages of the invention will become more apparent when considered in connection with the specification and accompanying drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view partly broken away illustrating an irrigation ditch or the like as seen from above with the headgate apparatus of the present invention operatively positioned therein and in its open position;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 in its closed position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the headgate apparatus in a similar relation as shown in FIG. 2 with the apparatus in a partly open position;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken along line 44 of FIG. 3 looking in the direction of the arrows; and

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the headgate apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the everal views, the irrigation ditch shown in FIG. 1 includes a bottom wall portion 1t? and a pair of

side wall portions

11 and 12. The body means of the headgate apparatus is adapted to fit relatively snugly within the surrounding Walls of the ditch, and accordingly, spans the ditch and serves to form an effective dam therewithin as shown in this modification. Of course, as pointed out previously, the headgate apparatus may also be mounted in one of the side walls of the ditch if desired.

The main "body portion which is indicated generally by the reference numeral 15 comprises a rectangular framework defined by a top member 16, a pair of

side members

17 and 18, and a bottom frame member =19. These frame members may, of course, be connected with one another in any desired manner such as by means of nails and the like in the case where the frame members are formed of wood. It will be understood that the frame members may also be formed of a metal such as iron or aluminum if desired and suitably connected together. In any event, the frame members are preferably so connected to one another as to form a water-tight seal -metal or plastic material.

therebetween. In .the case of wood frame members asphalt may be placed in the joints between the frame members to ensure such a water-proof seal.

It will be understood that the outer faces of

side members

17 and 18 of the framework are seated against the

side walls

11 and 12 respectively of the ditch, while the bottom member 19 of the framework is seated on the bottom wall of the ditch. In order to additionally ensure that no leakage can possibly occur around the main body portion, plate means 25 is provided. This plate means has an opening 26 formed therethrough which is of a similar dimension to the central opening defined through the framework. The plate means is suitably secured as by means of screws or the like to the framework and the plate means can be made of wood, It will be noted that plate means 25 includes a downwardly projecting portion 27 which extends below the framework and

portions

28 and 29 of the plate means project laterally outwardly from opposite side portions of the framework.

As seen most clearly in FIG. 2, these outwardly projecting

portions

27, 28 and 29 of the plate means are received within the surrounding walls of the ditch, and accordingly, the plate means'positively prevents leakage around the framework. 7

The closure means disposed at the opposite end of the main body portion from the plate means 25 includes an integral flexible water-proof sheet of material indicated generally by reference numeral 35. In a typical example, the closure means may be formed of a fabric such as neoprene impregnated nylon canvas. This particular material permits the closure means to be readily folded into the open and closed positions and yet is completely water-proof and has good wearing qualities. Other rubberized fabrics or flexible sheets with waterproof characteristics may be employed for this purpose.

As seen in FIG. 4, the inner portion 36 of the flexible sheet of material is clamped in place within the main body portion. For this purpose and as seen more clearly in FIG. 1, three

inner frame members

40, 41 land 42 are employed.

Inner frame members

40 and 42 serve to clamp the vertically extending portions of the closure means against the

side members

17 and 18 of the main body portion while inner frame member 41 serves to clamp the horizontally extending portion of the closure means against the bottom member 19 of the main body portion. These frame members 40*, 41 and 42 may be maintained in operative position as shown by suitable screws and the like.

To additionally ensure that the closure means will be sealed in a water-proof manner with respect to the

side members

17 and 18 and the bottom member 19 of the framework, a suitable sealing means may be employed between the sheet of material of the closure means and the inner faces of

members

17, 18 and 19. For this purpose, for example, asphalt or similar material may be disposed between these surfaces.

The portion of the closure means extending outwardly from the main body portion defines a pair of side flap portions indicated by

reference numerals

50 and 51, these side flap portions being joined with a bottom flap portion being indicated by reference numeral 52. Reinforcing means is provided for the bottom flap portion in the form of a rectangular sheet 53 of relatively rigid material such as wood, plastic or the like suitably secured as by gluing to the outer surface of the bottom flap portion. In addition, a rigidifying framework is provided on the inner surface of the bottom flap portion 52, this rigidifying rectangular framework being indicated by reference numeral 54 and having substantially the same outer dimensions as the member 53. Rectangular framework 54 may also be retained in operative position as by screws or the like.

By so reinforcing and rigidifying the bottom flap portion, it is easier to manipulate the closure means into its t open and closed positions, and in addition, the flap portions are clearly defined and the folding action thereof is more or less automatic upon pivoting of the bottom flap portion between its open and closed positions.

The closure means is shown in its completely open position as seen in FIG. 1, and as discussed previously, the size of the stream flowing through the opening in the framework can be adjusted by inserting boards or other chock means between the bottom Wall 1b of the ditch and the under side of the reinforcing member 53 on the bottom flap portion.

As mentioned previously, the size of the stream flowing through the opening in the framework can also be adjusted by inserting :a board or similar member within the framework in spanning relationship between the

side walls

17 and 18 thereof. This cross-piece may be b'ut'ted up against

members

40, 41 and 42 and will be held in position by the pressure of the fluid thereagainst.

Assuming that the closure means shown in FIG. 1 is desired to be moved into the closed position a person will reach down and grasp the bottom flap portion and pivot it upwardly toward its closed position. The apparatus is shown in an intermediate position in FIGS. 3

, and 4 and as seen particularly in FIG. 4, the bottom flap portion will tend to pivot along a line indicated by reference numeral 57, this line extending substantially horizontally with the adjacent front face of the main body portion.

As seen in FIG. 3, the two

side flap portions

50 and 51 are adapted to double up upon themselves and fold about lines indicated by reference numerals 60 and 6 1. These lines 6t? and 61 have also been shown in FIG. 1 to clearly illustrate the manner in which the side flap portions tend to fold up upon pivoting movement of the bottom flap portion. In this connection, it should be noted that the side flap portions can either be caused to fold outwardly toward the

side walls

11 or 12 of the ditch or they can also be caused to fold inwardly away from the adjacent side walls of the ditch. It is considered preferable at the present time that the side flap portions fold outwardly as shown in FIG. 3.

When the bottom flap portion has been pivoted into a substantially vertical position as shown in the closed position of FIG. 2, the side flap pontions may then be folded up against the outer surface of the reinforcing member 53 into the final closed position as seen in FIG. 2.

Fastening means is provided for retaining the closure means in its final closed position, and for this purpose, a pair of loops of rope or

similar material

65 and 66 are passed through suitable openings provided in the

apex portions

67 and 68 respectively of the side flap portions when they are in their closed position shown in FIG. 2. These

loops

65 and 66 are looped over a hook 70 which extends outwardly from reinforcing member 53. Accordingly, the side flap portions are retained in their closed position by the fastening means.

In addition, a hook 72 extends outwardly from the outer face of the upper member 16 of the main body portion. A loop 73 of rope or similar material is con nected between the hooks 7t and 72 for retaining the bottom fi-ap portion in vertical position with respect to the main body portion. Accordingly, it is apparent that the

loops

65, 66 and 73 retain the closure means in its operative closed position as seen in FIG. 2.

Of course, when it is desired to reopen the apparatus, the loop 73 can be unhooked from hook 7t? and

loops

65 and 66 also unhooked from hook 70 whereupon the bottom portion may be pivoted downwardly to open the device as seen in FIG. 1.

It is apparent from the foregoing that there is provided new and novel headgate apparatus which is of lightweight construction and which is quite easy to install in position relative to a ditch and the like.

It is evident that when the flap portions of the closure means have been folded into the closed position shown in FIG. 2, no leakage can occur around the closure means and further as illustrated in FIG. 2, the water level indicated by reference numeral 75 is below the upper edge of the folded closure means such that no leakage can occur over top of the closure means. The device may be quickly and easily opened and closed merely by pivoting the bottom flap means as described, and further the size of the stream passing through the device may be readily adjusted by controlling the angular position of the bottom flap as by inserting chock means between the bottom wall of the ditch and the outer or under surface of the bottom flap portion, or by placing a cross-member within the framework so as to block off a portion of the opening. The device is quite simple and inexpensive in construction, and yet is quite sturdy and reliable in operation.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, the present embodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, and since the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, all changes that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims or that form their functional as well as conjointly cooperative equivalents are therefore intended to be embraced by those claims.

I claim:

1. Headgate apparatus comprising a main body portion including a substantially rigid rectangular framework defining a central opening therethrough, said framework being adapted to span an associated ditch or the like, closure means supported by said main body portion and sealed with respect thereto for closing at least a portion of said opening, said closure means comprising an integral sheet of flexible water-proof material, inner frame members engaging said sheet of material for clamping the sheet of material in position relative to said main body portion, the part of said sheet of material extending outwardly of said main body portion defining a bottom flap portion and a pair of side flap portions joined with said bottom flap portion, reinforcing means connected to said bottom flap portion for rigidifying the bottom flap portion, a fastening means connected to each of said side fia-p portions for securing the side flap portions in operative closed position relative to said bottom fiap portion with the side flap portions disposed at the side of the bottom flap portion remote from said framework, and fastening means on said main body portion and said reinforced bottom flap portion for maintaining the bottom flap portion in operative position relative to said main body portion.

2. Apparatus as defined in claim 1, including plate means connected to said main body portion at the end thereof remote from the end with which the closure means is connected, said plate means including a portion projecting downwardly from said main body portion and a pair of portions extending laterally outwardly in opposite directions from the side portions of said main body portion, said plate means being adapted to fit within the surrounding walls of a ditch and the like for preventing leakage around the outside of said framework.

3. Headgate apparatus comprising a main body portion including a substantially rigid rectangular framework defining a central opening therethrough, said framework being adapted to span an associated ditch or the like, closure means supported by said main body portion and sealed with respect thereto for closing at least a portion of said opening, said closure means comprising an integral sheet of flexible water-proof material, inner frame members engaging said sheet of material for clamping the sheet of material in position relative to said main body portion, the part of said sheet of material extending outwardly of said main body portion defining a bottom flap portion and a pair of side flap portions joined with said bottom flap portion, said bottom flap portion being foldable along a line extending substantially parallel with the adjacent face of said main body portion, said side flaps being foldable along lines extending angularly with respect to said face, reinforcing means connected to said bottom flap portion for rigidifying the bottom flap portion, said side flap portions in their folded closed position lying at the side of said bottom flap portion remote from said framework, fastening means connected with the apex portions of the side flap portions defined by the side flap portions when they are in their closed position for securing the side flap portions in operative closed position relative to said bottom flap portion, and fastening means on said main body portion and said reinforced bottom fla portion for retaining the bottom flap portion in operative position relative to the main body portion.

4. Headgate apparatus comprising a main rigid substantially rectangular body portion having a substantially rectangular opening formed therethrough, said body portion being adapted to span an associated ditch or the like closure means supported by said body portion and sealed with respect thereto for damming up water substantially to the level of the top of the headgate, said closure means being formed of a substantially rectangular piece of water-proof material, said closure means including a substantially rectangular central bottom flap portion, a framework attached to said central bottom flap portion to rigidify such portion, said closure means including a substantially rectangular side flap portion disposed at either side of said central bottom flap portion whereby when in closed position said side flap portions are folded around the edges of said central bottom flap portion with the side flap portions disposed at the side of the bottom flap portion remote from said body portion and with the top edge portions of said side flap portions adjacent the top of said opening, and fastening means connected with said flaps and said body portion for retaining said flaps in said folded position.

5. Headgate apparatus comprising a main body portion having an opening formed therethrough, said body portion being adapted to span an associated ditch or the like closure means supported by said body portion and sealed with respect thereto for damming up water substantially to the level of the top of said opening, said closure means being formed of a substantially rectangular configuration and having a substantially rectangular central bottom flap portion including rigidifying means, a pair of opposite side flap portions joined with said bottom flap portion, each of said side flap portions being substantially recangular in configuration, said bottom flap portion being foldable along a line extending substantially parallel with the adjacent face of the main body portion, and said side flap portions being foldable along lines extending angularly with respect to said face whereby the side flap portions when in closed position are folded around the edges of said central bottom flap portion with the side flap portions disposed at the side of the bottom flap portion remote from said body portion and with the top edge portions of said side flap portions adjacent the top of said opening, and fastening means connected with said flaps and said body portion for retaining said flaps in said folded position.

6. Apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein said rigidifying means for said bottom central flap portion comprises a substantially rectangular rigid framework.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 95,924 Molinier Oct. 19, 1869 922,277 G owing May 18, 1909 1,080,944 Baker Dec. 9, 1913 2,288,042 Spillrnan June 30, 1942 2,584,364 Osborn Feb. 5, 1952 2,853,204 Jones Sept. 23, 1958

Claims

1. HEADGATE APPARATUS COMPRISING A MAIN BODY PORTION INCLUDING A SUBSTANTIALLY RIGID RECTANGULAR FRAMEWORK DEFINING A CENTRAL OPENING THERETHROUGH, SAID FRAMEWORK BEING ADAPTED TO SPAN AN ASSOCIATED DITCH OR THE LIKE, CLOSURE MEANS SUPPORTED BY SAID MAIN BODY PORTION AND SEALED WITH RESPECT THERETO FOR CLOSING AT LEAST A PORTION OF SAID OPENING, SAID CLOSURE MEANS COMPRISING AN INTEGRAL SHEET OF FLEXIBLE WATER-PROOF MATERIAL, INNER FRAME MEMBERS ENGAGING SAID SHEET OF MATERIAL FOR CLAMPING THE SHEET OF MATERIAL IN POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID MAIN BODY PORTION, THE PART OF SAID SHEET OF MATERIAL EXTENDING OUTWARDLY OF SAID MAIN BODY PORTION DEFINING A BOTTOM FLAP PORTION AND A PAIR OF SIDE FLAP PORTIONS JOINED WITH SAID BOTTOM FLAP PORTION, REINFORCING MEANS CONNECTED TO SAID BOTTOM FLAP PORTION FOR RIGIDIFYING THE BOTTOM FLAP PORTION, A FASTENING MEANS CONNECTED TO EACH OF SAID SIDE FLAP PORTIONS FOR SECURING THE SIDE FLAP PORTIONS IN OPERATIVE CLOSED POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID BOTTOM FLAP PORTION WITH THE SIDE FLAP PORTIONS DISPOSED AT THE SIDE OF THE BOTTOM FLAP PORTION REMOTE FROM SAID FRAMEWORK, AND FASTENING MEANS ON SAID MAIN BODY PORTION AND SAID REINFORCED BOTTOM FLAP PORTION FOR MAINTANING THE BOTTOM FLAP PORTION IN OPERATIVE POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID MAIN BODY PORTION.