US3391493A

US3391493A - Fence construction

Info

Publication number: US3391493A
Application number: US519105A
Authority: US
Inventors: Wong Lip Fou
Original assignee: Reynolds Metals Co
Current assignee: Reynolds Metals Co
Priority date: 1966-01-06
Filing date: 1966-01-06
Publication date: 1968-07-09
Anticipated expiration: 1985-07-09

Description

July 9, 1968 up FOU wows FENCE CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets$heet 1 Filed Jan. 6, 1966 INVENTOR. LIP FOU WONG HIS ATTO NEYS y 9, 1968 up FOU WONG 3,391,493

FENCE CONSTRUCTION Filed Jan. 6, 1966 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG-5 L// M- INVENTOR.

LIP FOU WONG HIS AT NEYS July 9, 1968 LIP FOU WONG FENCE CONSTRUCTION 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 6, 1966 FIG-ll FIG-l3 FIG-l4 FIG-l6 INVENTOR.

' LIP FOU WONG BY A4,, 54,

HIS ATTOR EYS United States Patent "ice 3,391,493 FENCE CUNSTRUCTION Lip Fou Wong, Henrico County, Va., assignor to Reynolds Metals Company, Richmond, Va., a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 6, 1966, Ser. No. 519,105 12 Claims. (Cl. 49--394) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE This disclosure relates to a fence construction such as a gate panel, for example, comprised of a plurality of horizontally extending U-shaped rail means each provided with a pair of substantially parallel flanges which are arranged vertically and wherein one of the U-shaped rail means defines the top member of the gate panel. A plurality of hat-shaped rail means are fastened transverse to and between the parallel flanges of the U-shaped rail means and extend beneath the top member to define such gate panel having improved strength. This disclosure also relates to improved latching means and hinge means for the gate panel.

This invention pertains to fence construction and more particularly to fence construction employing channelshaped rail means.

Many fence constructions such as gate panels in present use are expensive to produce and have poor load-carrying capability. In addition, such gate panels which are not preassembled at the factory tend to sag after extended use. Furthermore, the construction of many present gate panels used in farm gates is a hazard to farm animals resulting in injuries such as injured legs.

Accordingly, it is a feature of this invention to provide a fence construction such as gate means of simple and economical construction, while being readily assembled and disassembled at the using site, such gate means providing maximum structural strength with minimum sagging tendency even after prolonged use.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a gate panel having unique latching means enabling latching and unlatching from either side thereof.

Another feature of this invention is to provide single piece hinge means for a gate panel or the like which is simple to construct and use, has a greater load-carrying capacity, and provides inherent sheltering means for the operating components.

Another feature of this invention is too provide a kit-type lightweight gate made basically from channellike rails of two configurations and capable of withstanding large cantilever and torsional loads, as well as loads normal thereto without permanent deformation thereof.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a farm gate using U-shaped rail means, sheet means, and hatshaped rail means to provide a high strength structure which affords maximum safety to farm animals.

Another feature of this invention is to provide a farm gate which utilizes a plurality of box beams which are fixed in a vertical position to cooperate with horizontally arranged U-shaped rail means to provide rectangular structural perimeter means for such gate having greater strength.

One exemplary embodiment of this invention which incorporates one or more of the above features is in the form of a high-strength gate panel which is comprised of a plurality of horizontally extending U-shaped rail means each provided with a pair of substantially parallel flanges arranged vertically and wherein one of the U- shaped rail means defines the top rail of such gate panel. A plurality of hat-shaped rail means are fastened between and transverse to the parallel flanges of the U- 3,391,493 Patented July 9, 1968 shaped rail means and are fastened to and extend beneath the parallel flanges of the top rails to define a gate panel having improved strength. This invention also provides improved latching and hinge means for such gate panel.

Therefore, it is an object of this invention to provide a fence construction having one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved inexpensive lightweight gate panel having maximum structural strength even after extended use and having one or more novel features as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Other objects, uses and advantages of this invention are apparent from a reading of this description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation of a farm gate of this invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged upper corner fragment of the farm gate of FIGURE 1, particularly illustrating hinge means therefor fastened to a vertical box beam defining one edge of such gate, a top U-shaped member, and a diagonally arranged hat-shaped rail.

FIGURE 3 is a view on line 33 of FIGURE 2, showing the U-shaped top rail means and a box beam cooperating therewith.

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2, particularly showing the relative position and manner of fastening the hinge means, box beam, vertical hat-shaped rail means and diagonal hat-shaped rail means within the parallel flanges of the top U-shaped rail means.

FIGURE 5 is a sectional view on the line 5-5 of FIGURE 1 with parts broken away, particularly showing the arrangement of the flange projecting normally from the transverse flange of each of the middle and bottom U-shaped rail means, and showing the manner of attaching corrugated sheet means to such projecting flanges.

FIGURE 6 is a sectional view on the line 66 of FIGURE 1 with parts broken away, particularly showing a vertical box beam carried from top to bottom of said gate panel within the parallel flanges of the U-shaped rail means.

FIGURE 7 is a sectional view on the line 77 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view on the line 88 of FIGURE 5.

FIGURE 9 is a sectional view on the line 9-9 of FIGURE 6 FIGURE 10 is a sectional view on the line 10-10 of FIGURE 6.

FIGURE 11 is a sectional view on the line 1111 of FIGURE 1, particularly showing the corrugated sheet means at the lower end portion of the gate.

FIGURE 12 is a view on the line 1212 of FIGURE 1 looking toward a telescoping latching pin provided in the latching means for such gate.

FIGURE 13 is a fragmentary side view of such latching means showing, in dotted lines, the extended position of the latching pin.

FIGURE 14 is a fragmentary view of the terminal end section of the gate of FIGURE 1 showing another form of latching means including a T-shaped member.

FIGURE 15 is a sectional view on the line 1515 of FIGURE 14, particularly showing the arrangement of the T-shaped member within the vertical box beam at the terminal end of the gate and showing such member extended into an associated receptacle in the ground to thereby latch the gate closed.

FIGURE 16 is a sectional view on the line 16-16 of FIGURE 14 showing the T-shaped member raised in the unlatched position and showing such member, in dotted lines, rotated to permit vertical movement of the horizontal bar thereof in associated slots at opposite sides of the box beam.

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustrated and described as being particularly adaptable to provide a fence construction such as a gate panel for a farm gate or the like, it is to be understood that the various features of this invention can be utilized singly or in any combination thereof to provide fence constructions and gate panels for other uses.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodiments illustrated in the drawings, because the drawings are merely utilized to illustrate one of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

In the exemplary embodiment of this invention illustrated in the drawings, an improved farm gate 25 is illustrated. Gate 25 is of lightweight construtcion, yet it provides high structural strength. Basically, such gate employs channel-shaped metal rails having two configurations, one being of a generally U-shaped configuration and the other being of a generally hat-shaped configuration. The channel-shaped rails are assembled in a generally rectangular shape to outline a gate panel and have panel means such as corrugated sheet means along the lower end portion thereof. With only two configurations of metal rails being used and because such configurations lend themselves to inexpensive construction, as by extrusion, an inexpensive gate is provided. Furthermore, the use of panel means at the lower end portion of such gate adds to the structural strength and rigidity of the gate while providing protection against farm animals getting their feet and legs injured in the lower end of such gate. The gate panel is provided with improved unique hinge means having high strength as well as improved latching means. The two basic configurations of channel-shaped members are arranged and fastened together in such a manner as to provide individual beams as well as a structural assembly having maximum strength and rigidity even after extended use of such gate. In addition, the construction of such gate enables it to be readily and easily assembled and disassembled, thus permitting such gate to be transported in kit form and assembled at the using site Without compromising its structural integrity.

The exemplary farm gate 25 of this invention illustrated in FIGURE 1 comprises a plurality, shown as three in this example, of generally U-shaped rail means or U-

shaped rails

26, 27, 28, which are arranged horizontally in spaced apart parallel relation and a plurality of generally hat-shaped rail means fastened transverse thereto to define a fence construction or gate panel of generally rectangular outline. The U-shaped rails 26-28 are arranged with their parallel flanges in a vertical position and the hat-shaped rail means are arranged and fastened in position within such vertical flanges to provide a structure of maximum strength.

The transverse hat-shaped rail means or hat-shaped rails include three pairs arranged to define three

box beams

31, 32, 33 extending the full height of gate 25.

Box beams

31 and 33 are attached vertically at opposite ends and beam 32 is attached at the middle of gate 25. Each box beam 31-33 is formed by a pair of hat-shaped rails arranged and fastened together with their concave sides facing each other and with the lateral flange portions thereof arranged against each other.

Gate 25 has certain ones of its transverse hat-shaped rails indicated by the

numerals

34, 35, 36, and 37 fastened vertically between U-shaped

rails

26 and 27, and the remaining

transverse members

40 and 41 fastened diagonally between such U-shaped rails. To provide additional structural strength to gate 25, a pair of spaced apart horizontally extending hat-

shaped rails

42 and 43 are provided. Each

rail

42 and 43 is arranged between U-

shaped rails

26 and 27 with its concave side facing inwardly toward the gate construction while being suitably fastened to

box beams

31, 32, and 33 and to the vertical and diagonal hat-shaped rails as will be described subsequently.

The lower end portion of gate 25 has sheet means shown as a corrugated lightweight metal sheet 44 attached thereto. Sheet 44 is preferably made using a lightweight high strength sheet which has corrosion resistance such as aluminum or of an alloy containing aluminum.

Gate 25 is provided with improved hinge means and latch means for swinging and latching such gate as desired. The hinge means shown is a pair of single piece hinges, each designated by the numeral 45, fastened to gate 25 at the top and bottom of one end thereof. Each hinge 45 is supported on an associated L-shaped hinge rod 46 and hinge rods 46 are fixed to a gate support 47 in spaced apart relation. Gate 25 is suspended in a cantilever manner from such hinge rods to provide swinging movements. Latch means 50 is provided at the swinging end of gate 25 and such latch means has a telescoping pin 51 which telescopes outwardly into a receptacle 52 in an associated member 53 to latch gate 25 closed. Gate 25 is unlatched simply by moving pin 51 out of receptacle 52.

As shown particularly in FIGURES 2-4, the top U- shaped rail 26 is arranged horizontally, with its open concave end facing downwardly and with its parallel sides arranged in a vertical position. The transverse hat-shaped rails are arranged within the parallel flanges and extend downwardly therefrom. This arrangement provides a smooth top surface edge for gate 25 and results in a compact arrangement of the structural members for increased strength.

The arrangement of the hat-shaped channels to form

box beams

31, 32, and 33 as wel as the manner in which each box beam is attached within U-shaped channels 2628 is illustrated particularly in FIGURES 4 and 11. It will be seen that by placing a pair of hat-shaped sections together to define a box beam, as illustrated, the thickness of such box beam normal to the outwardly extending side flanges or brim thereof is such that it fits Within the parallel flanges of the U-shaped beams.

The attaching means provided for attaching

box beams

31 and 33 at opposite ends of

U-shaped rails

26 and 28 comprises a plurality of bolts and their associated nuts. Each

beam

31 and 33 is attached in a fixed manner at its opposite ends by using a plurality, four in this example, of bolts 54 and associated nuts 55 which are arranged in a spaced apart pattern for added stability. Each bolt extends through cooperating oppositely arranged holes in the parallel flanges of

U-shaped rail

26 or 28 While extending through an associated hole in a side flange of

box beam

31 or 33, as the case may be. A cooperating nut 55 is then threaded on the opposite end of bolt 54 to clamp the end of its associated box beam firmly in position. The arrangement of the

U-shaped rails

26 and 28 at the top and bottom,

box beams

31 and 33 at opposite ends of the gate, and the firm attaching technique at the corners assures a rectangular construction having maximum rigidity and strength, even for gates or fence sections of extended length.

Each

box beam

31 and 33 extends vertically below the horizontal flange of U-shaped rail 26; however, because of the arrangement of U-shaped rails 27 and 28 a pair of rectangular cutouts are provided in the opposite terminal ends of their horizontal flanges to permit the box beams to extend through such

U-shaped rails

27 and 28 in a perpendicular manner. The pair of terminal cutouts in U-shaped rail 27 are each designated by the numeral 58 and the end view of one of such cutouts is shown in FIG- URE 12. A pair of terminal rectangular cutouts in the horizontal flange of rail 28 are each designated by the numeral 59. One of such cutouts, illustrated in plan view in FIGURE 11, shows the manner box beam 33 extends therethrough. It will be appreciated that the end and plan views of

cutouts

58 and 59 respectively completely show the arrangement and relative size of pair of cutouts 58 at opposite ends of rail 27 and pair of cutouts 59 at opposite ends of rail 28.

The attaching means for the box beam attached vertically at the mid-portion of gate 25 comprises a plurality of single bolts 56 and associated nuts 57, as shown particularly in FIGURE 6. Each bolt extends through cooperating oppositely arranged holes in the parallel flanges of U-shaped rails 26-28, with beam 32 held therebetween. In this instance each bolts preferably extends through the central box portion of beam 32 (see FIGURES l, 6, and 9) to thereby provide a central vertical brace for gate 25. While beam 32 extends from the inside surface of the horizontal flange of U-shaped rail 26, it extends through cooperating generally

rectangular slots

60 and 61 in the horizontal flanges of

U-shaped rails

27 and 28, respectively.

The vertical hat-shaped rails 34-37 extend between

U-shaped rails

26 and 27 while being fastened within the parallel vertically positioned flanges thereof by first fastening means. The first fastening means comprises a pair of bolts 62 and associated nuts 63 for fastening the opposite ends of each rail 34-37 to

U-shaped rails

26 and 27.

As shown in FIGURE 5, a pair of hollow cylindrical spacers 64 hold each hat-shaped vertical rail against a corresponding vertical flange of

U-shaped rails

26 and 27. Each spacer 64 extends within the parallel vertical flanges of its associated U-shaped rail engaging the inside surface of one of such vertical flanges at one end and the concave surface of its associated hat-shaped rail at its opposite end. Thus such hat-shaped rail is held in position upon inserting a cooperating bolt 62 through suitably arranged holes in such U-shaped rail and hat-shaped rail and through such correctly positioned spacer and threading nut 63 thereon to clamp the vertical hat-shaped rail in position.

The first fastening means further comprises a plurality of relatively long bolts 65 and associated nuts 66 as well as a plurality of short bolts 67 and associated nuts 68. Each bolt 65 and nut 66 is used to fasten the hat-shaped rails at each point where three of such members cross including fastening

horizontal rails

42 and 43 to center box beam 32. A pair of typical points where three hatshaped rails cross are designated by the numeral 71 in FIGURE 1. Each bolt 65 extends through cooperating holes in the crossing members and upon threading bolt 66 thereon clamps such members rigidly together. As will be apparent from FIGURES 5 and 7, the outer hat-shaped members are arranged with their concave sides facing each other to provide increased strength for gate 25.

Each bolt 67 and associated nut 68 fastens the hatshaped rails together at the point of crossing of a vertical hat-shaped rail with a horizontal one. (See FIGURES 5 and 8.) In this example of the invention such crossing occurs at four points, each being designated by the numeral 72. Each bolt 67 extends through cooperating holes in the vertical and horizontal members to fasten such members together.

Second fastening means is provided for fastening the remainder of the hat-shaped rails (40 and 41) which are arranged transverse

U-shaped rails

26 and 27 and comprises a plurality of bolts, nuts, and associated cylindrical spacers, each respectively designated by the

numerals

73, 74, and 75. As shown in FIGURES 1-3, each

rail

40 and 41 is placed with its opposite ends within the vertical flanges of spaced apart

U-shaped rails

26 and 27. Each spacer 75 holds its associated end of

rail

40 and 41 against one flange of a corresponding U-shaped rail generally as previously described in connection with spacer 64. Each bolt 73 extends through an associated spacer 75 and through cooperating holes in the U-shaped rail and in the associated diagonal rail to fasten such diagonal rail in position upon threading its associated nut 74 thereon. Each

rail

40 and 41 is also held in position intermediate its terminal ends by a pair of bolts 65 and associated nuts 66 generally as previously described.

The horizontally extending hat-shaped

rails

42 and 43 provide added rigidity and stability to gate 25. Each of such rails is fastened to the gate structure by

bolts

56, 65 and 67 and their associated

nuts

57, 66 and 68 along the middle portion thereof. In addition, a plurality of bolts each designated by the numeral 77 and associated nuts, not shown, are provided one at each end of

rails

42 and 43 to fasten the corresponding end to an adjoining box beam.

The improved hinge means comprises a pair of hinges each designated by the numeral 45 as previously mentioned and arranged at opposite ends of box beam 31. Each hinge 45 is formed from a single piece of structural material as by extrusion or casting. Each hinge 45 comprises a generally Y-shaped device in which the two legs of the bifurcate end, each designated by the numeral 80 in FIGURE 4, are parallel to each other and the extension of such parallel legs is generally approximately equal to the vertical height or thickness of such hinge. This arrangement provides a hinge having maximum structural integrity for a cantilever application of this type. Each hinge 45 also has a base leg shown at 81 which is short in length as compared to parallel legs 80.

The parallel legs 80 and the single base leg 81 are formed so that they blend smoothly together at their common base along gradual arcs. Such gradual blending together produces a minimum of stress concentration upon loading the.hinge device.

Each hinge 45 also has an elongated cylindrical hole 82 which is generally centrally located in base leg 81 and extends only a part of the way into base leg 81 and consequently is referred to as a blind hole. Blind hole 82 is arranged with its axis in a plane bisecting the bifurcate end of the hinge 45.

Each hinge 45 has oppositely arranged pairs of holes in its parallel legs 80 corresponding to the holes in the terminal ends of the

U-shaped rails

26 and 28. Parallel legs 80 are arranged within the vertical flanges of an associated U-shaped rail and, as shown in FIGURE 4, are bolted in position by the same bolts and nuts which fasten the box beam 31 in position, i.e., bolts 54 and associated nuts 55. Each hinge 45 is fastened to gate assembly 25 so that its blind hole 82 is oriented downwardly and gate 25 is then vertically suspended for swinging movement by placing the open end of each blind hole 82 over a cooperating L-shaped hinge rod 46 associating with each hinge 45. Each rod 46 has a load-carrying shoulder 83 carrying the lower end of its associated hinge 45. It will be obvious from the drawings that these struc tural features provide a simple high strength hinge which is fairly well protected against rain, snow, dirt and the like thereby providing efiicient operation and with rod 46 extending a comparatively large distance into leg 81, added support is provided for cantilever loading.

Two exemplary embodiments of latching means are illustrated in the drawings. One is illustrated in FIGURES 1, l2 and 13 and the other is illustrated in FIGURES 14, 15 and 16.

In the latching means illustrated in FIGURES 1, 12 and 13 elongated slot means 86 is provided in a parallel side flange of horizontally extending U-shaped rail 27. In this illustration, elongated slot 86 extends horizontally inwardly from the terminal latch end portion of one of the flanges shown at 87 of U-shaped rail 27. A generally L-shaped latching means or pin having a long horizontally extending leg 51 is provided with leg 51 carried within U-shaped rail 27. A short leg 88 is arranged transverse to the inner end of the L-shaped latching means and extends through elongated slot 86. The L-shaped latching pin is guided for horizontal movement by portions of vertical flange 87 adjoining slot 86 as well as by a circular hole 89 in box beam 33 as illustrated particularly in FIGURE 12. Thus it will be seen that upon swinging gate 25 to its closed position the horizontally extending leg 51 is aligned with associated pin receptacle 52 in a portion of fence construction 53 cooperating with gate 25, whereupon leg 88 of the L-shaped latching pin is grasped and moved along slot 86 thereby horizontally extending leg 51 outwardly beyond gate panel 25 and into receptacle 52 to latch such gate closed.

The latching means illustrated in FIGURES l4l6 comprises a latching mechanism arranged to operate within the box beam 33 at the swinging end of gate 25. Box beam 33 has a pair of elongated slots each designated by the numeral 90 on opposite sides thereof and facing toward opposite sides of the gate panel 25. Each of said slots has an upper terminal end shown at 92 which hooks downwardly to hold a generally T-shaped latching member 93 in its raised position to enable gate 25 to be opened.

T-shaped latching member 93 is raised and lowered axially within box beam 33 in a telescoping manner. Member 93 has a horizontal upper bar 94 and a downwardly extending pin 95. Guide means is provided within box beam 33 for pin 95. Such guide means includes a pair of generally L-shaped flanges shown at 96 and 97 and suitably fastened within beam 33. Each

flange

96 and 97 has a hole therein cooperating with and receiving the downwardly extending pin 95 for movement therethrough.

Thus it is seen that gate 25 is latched closed by aligning the vertical pin portion 95 thereof with an associated pin receptacle shown at 98 and supported below gate 25 in its closed position. For easy unobstructed opening of gate 25, member 93 is raised upwardly and held in its raised postiion with pin 95 out of receptacle 98 by hooking bar 94 in the hooking ends 92 of elongated slots 90. As shown in FIGURES 14-16 it will be apparent that the unique design and arrangement of latching member 93 and its associated structural member enables gate 25 to be latched and unlatched from either side thereof simply by grasping a corresponding end of the horizontal bar 94 to thereby engage and disengage vertical pin 95.

The corrugated metal sheet 44, previously mentioned, is attached in a rectangular outline to the lower end portion of gate 25 and may comprise one or more sheets. Sheet 44 is attached at its upper and lower end to projecting flange means extending from

U-shaped rails

27 and 28.

As will be apparent from FIGURES and 6 of the drawings the transverse flanges of rails 2628 are each arranged in a horizontal manner. Spaced apart rails 27 and 28 have their transverse flanges arranged adjacent each other, i.e., with the open ends of their U-shaped channel facing in diametrically opposite directions. Each

rail

27 and 28 has projecting flange means or a projecting

flange

99 and 100 respectively extending normally from the center of its transverse flange. Projecting

flanges

99 and 100 extend toward each other and provide attaching flanges for sheet 44.

Means fixing sheet 44 to projecting

flanges

99 and 100 comprise a plurality of small bolts 101 and associated nuts 102. As will be seen in FIGURE 5, each bolt 101 extends through associated holes in sheet 44 and a projecting flange and upon threading bolt 102 at the opposite side thereof firmly fixes such sheet in position. Sheet 44 provides a continuous surface at the lower end portion of gate 25 for greater strength and rigidity as well as providing a construction which is safer for farm animals when such gate is used as a farm gate.

As will be apparent from the preceding description, gate 25 is quickly and simply assembled and disassembled. This made possible because the fastening means used to construct gate 25 comprise bolts and nuts. The use of bolts and cooperating nuts provides inexpensive fastening means; however, it will be appreciated that other fastening techniques could be employed, for example, threading bolts into tapped holes in the various member of providing threaded studs on various members for association with cooperating nuts. Regardless of the method of fastening gate 25 together the structural arrangement and relative positioning of the various structural members is such that a gate of maximum strength and rigidity is provided.

Horizontal rails

26, 27 and 28 provided in the exemplary gate 25 are described as being U-shaped. It will be apparent from the drawings that each parallel flange of such U-shaped rails has a distinct contour roughly in the shape of the letter M. Such contour is utilized to maximum efficiency by the positioning of the various bolts and associated nuts within the recessed portion of the M in certain instances. In addition such M-shaped contour provides increased strength for rails 26-28.

Thus, it is seen that an improved fence construction has been provided having unique structural features providing maximum structural strength particularly when using such construction as a gate panel which is hung from one end in a cantilever manner. In addition, by using rails throughout the gate construction which have only two basic configurations the overall cost of such gate construction is kept at a minimum and the further use of sheet panel means at the lower end portion of such gate assembly not only provides added strength and rigidity but also provides a construction which is safer.

While the form of the invention now preferred has been disclosed as required by statute, other forms may be used, all coming within the scope of the claimed subect matter which follows.

What is claimed is:

1. A fence construction comprising, a plurality of generally U-shaped rail means arranged substantially horizontally in parallel spaced apart relation, each of said U-shaped rail means having a pair of substantially parallel flanges arranged vertically and a transverse flange defining the bight of said U-shaped rail means, one of said U-shaped rail means defining a top rail means and top member for said construction and being arranged with its parallel flanges extending downwardly, and a plurality of generally hat-shaped rail means fastened generally transverse to said U-shaped rail means to form said fence construction, each of said transverse hat-shaped rail means being fastened between the parallel flanges of said top rail means and extending therebeneath.

2. A fence construction as set forth in claim 1 in which two of said hat-shaped rail means are arranged together with their concave sides facing each other to define a box beam and said box beam is fastened vertically within the parallel legs of said top rail means.

3. A fence construction comprising, a plurality of generally U-shaped rail means, a plurality of generally hatshaped rail means arranged generally transverse to said U-shaped rail means, means fastening said rail means together to define a gate panel, and single piece hinge means for said gate panel, said hinge means comprising, a generally Y-shaped device in which the two legs of the bifurcate end are parallel to each other and the thickness of said device normal tothe plane of said Y is generally equal to the extension of said parallel legs, each of said parallel legs and said single base leg being formed to blend smoothly together at their base along gradual arcs to produce minimum stress concentration upon loading of said device, blind elongated hole means extending partly into said base leg, said blind hole means being arranged with its axis in a plane bisecting said bifurcate end, and means fixing said hinge means to said gate panel with the open end of said blind hole means facing downwardly, whereby said hinge means is supported on cooperating L- shaped rod means having upwardly extending leg means which is received within said blind hole means to thus provide a simple high strength hinge having its moving parts protected against accumulation of foreign matter.

4. A fence construction comprising, a plurality of generally -U-shaped rail means, a plurality of generally hatshaped rail means arranged generally transverse to said U-shaped rail means, said rail means being fastened together to define a gate panel having one of said generally U-shaped rail means extending horizontally along the middle portion thereof and with the parallel side flanges of said one U-shaped rail means arranged vertically, and latching means for said gate panel comprising, elongated slot means in a side flange of said one U-shaped rail means and extending horizontally inwardly in said side flange from the latch end of said one rail means, generally horizontally arranged L-shaped latch pin means carried with the long leg thereof Within said parallel side flanges of said one U-shaped rail means and the short leg thereof extending through said elongated slot means, and guide means guiding said latch pin for horizontal movement along and within said one U-shaped rail means, whereby said gate panel is closed by swinging it so that said horizontally extending leg is aligned with an associated pin receptacle and said short leg of said pin is grasped and moved along said slot means to telescope said horizontally extending leg beyond said gate panel into said receptacle to latch said gate.

5. A fence construction as set forth in claim 1 in which, said U-shaped rail means are of equal length and another of said U-shaped rail means defines the bottom of said construction, said transverse hat-shaped rail means being arranged to extend within the confines of said top and bottom U-shaped rail means, and wherein at least two pairs of said hat-shaped rail means are of equal length and define a pair of box beams with each box beam being comprised of a pair of hat-shaped rail means arranged with their concave sides facing each other, said box beams being fastened perpendicular to said top and bottom U-shaped rail means and between said vertical flanges of said top and bottom rail means at opposite ends thereof to thereby define a rectangular construction having high structural strength.

6. A fence construction comprising, a plurality of generally U-shaped rail means, a plurality of generally hatshaped rail means arranged generally transverse to said U-shaped rail means, said rail means being fastened together to define a gate panel having a pair of hat-shaped rail means fastened together generally vertically at the swinging terminal end of said gate panel and with their concave sides facing each other to define a box beam, and latching means for said gate panel comprising, vertically extending elongated slot means in opposite sides of said box beam, said slot means extending along said box beam a distance corresponding to a desired latching movement and having a hooking terminal upper end, a generally T-shaped latching member having a horizontal upper bar extending through said elongated slot means and beyond said box beam to either side of said gate panel and a vertical pin extending downwardly within said box beam, and guide means within said box beam for guiding the vertical movement of said T-shaped latching member, whereby said gate panel is latched open by moving said T-shaped member so that the horizontal bar thereof hooks into said hooking upper end and is latched closed by aligning said vertical pin portion within an associated pin receptacle therebelow at the closed position of the gate, said latching and unlatching being easily accomplished from either side of said gate panel by grasping a corresponding end of said horizontal bar to operate said latching member.

7. A fence construction as set forth in claim 5 in which said rail means are fastened together to define a gate panel, and further comprising sheet means fastened across one end portion of said rectangular outline gate panel, hinge means fixed to said gate panel adjacent one of said pair of box beams to support said gate panel in a cantilevered manner, and latching means for said gate panel supported adjacent the other of said pair of box beams.

8. A gate panel as set forth in claim 7 in which said sheet means comprises corrugated metal sheet means having a rectangular outline and extending across the entire lower end portion of said gate panel to provide increased strength for said gate panel.

9. A gate panel comprising a plurality of three elongated and generally U-shaped rail means arranged substantially horizontally at the top, bottom, and middle portion of said gate panel and each having a transverse flange extending horizontally, said U-shaped rail means across said bottom and middle portion being arranged with their transverse flanges adjacent each other and each has a projecting flange means extending normally from its transverse flange, a plurality of generally hat-shaped rail means fastened transverse to said U-shaped rail means to define said gate panel having a generally rectangular outline, sheet means arranged between said projecting flange means of said U-shaped rail means extending across said bottom and middle portion of said gate panel, and means fixing said sheet means to said projecting flange means to provide a continuous surface at the lower end portion of said gate panel for increased strength and safety.

10. A gate panel comprising, a plurality of elongated U-shaped rail means arranged generally horizontally in parallel spaced apart relation, a plurality of generally hat-shaped rail means fastened transverse to said U-shaped rail means to define a gate panel of generally rectangular outline, sheet means fastened across one end portion of said rectangular outline gate panel to provide maxi mum structural strength for said gate panel, hinge means for suspending said gate panel in a cantilevered manner to provide swinging movements, said hinge means compris ing, a single piece generally Y-shaped device having two parallel legs defining its bifurcate end and a single base leg arranged centrally between said parallel legs and extending in an opposite direction therefrom, with the thickness of said device normal to the plane of said Y being generally equal to the extension of said parallel legs, each of said parallel legs and said single base leg being formed to blend smoothly together at their base along gradual arcs to produce minimum stress concentration upon loading of said device by supporting said gate thereon, blind elongated hole means extending partly into said base leg, said blind hole means being arranged with its axis in a plane bisecting said bifurcate end, and means fixing said hinge means to said gate panel with the open end of said blind hole means facing downwardly, whereby said hinge means is supported on cooperating L-shaped rod means having upwardly extending leg means which is received Within said blind hole means to thus provide a simple high strength hinge having its moving parts protected against accumulation of foreign matter.

11. A gate panel comprising a plurality of three elongated generally U-shaped rail means arranged substantially horizontally at the top, bottom, and middle portion of said gate panel, said U-shaped rail means having their parallel flanges extending vertically and with said U-shaped rail means arranged across said bottom and middle portion being arranged with their generally concave sides facing in opposite directions and each having a small projecting flange extending normally from its transverse horizontal flange, a plurality of generally hatshaped rail means cooperating with said U-shaped rail means to define said gate panel having a generally rectangular outline, sheet means arranged between said projecting flanges of said U-shaped rail means extending across said bottom and middle portion of said gate panel, means for fixing said sheet means to said projecting flanges, said hat-shaped rail means comprising at least three pairs thereof of equal length and each hat-shaped rail means of each of said pairs being fastened with an associated one with their concave sides facing each other to define a box beam, attaching means for attaching each of said box beams within and perpendicular to said U-shaped rail means at opposite ends of said gate panel and along the middle portion thereof to thereby define said rectangular Outline gate panel having maximum structural strength, first fastening means for fastening certain ones of said plurality of hat-shaped rail means vertically within said parallel flanges and between and parallel to said box beams, second fastening means for fastening others of said plurality of hat-shaped rail means within said parallel flanges and extending transverse thereto With their concave sides facing the concave sides of said hat-shaped rail means which are vertically arranged, horizontally extending hat-shaped rail means arranged With their concave sides facing inwardly toward said gate panel and arranged between said top and middle U-shaped rail means and fastened to said box beams While also being fastened to said gate panel at each point of crossing with a vertical hat-shaped rail means and a transverse hat-shaped rail means, hinge means fixed to one of said box beams supporting said gate panel for swinging movements, and latching means for latching and unlatching said gate panel in a closed and open position.

12. A gate panel as set forth in claim 11 in which said latching means is carried by one of said box beams, said one box beam being located at the end of said gate panel opposite said hinge means, said latching means compris' ing, vertically extending elongated slot means in opposite sides of said one box beam, said slot means extending along said one box beam a distance corresponding to a desired latching movement and having a hooking terminal upper end, a generally T-shaped latching member having a horizontal upper bar extending through said elongated slot means and beyond said one box beam to either side of said gate panel and a vertical pin extending downwardly within said one box beam, and guide means Within said one box beam for guiding the vertical movement of said T-shaped latching member, whereby said gate panel is latched open by moving said T-shaped member so that the horizontal bar thereof hooks into said hooking end and is latched closed by aligning said vertical pin portion with an associated pin receptacle therebelow at the closed position of said gate panel, said latching and unlatching being easily accomplished from either side of said gate panel by grasping a corresponding end of said horizontal bar to operate said latching member.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 910,459 1/1909 Craig 256-21 1,074,693 10/ 1913 Carter et a1. 256-73 1,307,996 6/1919 Beedle 49-381 1,449,587 3/1923 Colvin 256-73 1,563,602 12/ 1925 Webster 256-73 1,635,878 7/1927 Anson 256-73 2,245,826 6/ 1941 Rowe 256-73 2,587,167 2/ 1952 Kelley 49-394 X 2,772,661 12/ 1956 Schilling et al. 9-394 X 2,795,063 6/1957 Butler 256-24 X 3,022,045 2/ 1962 Silvers 256-73 FOREIGN PATENTS 479,560 12/ 1951 Canada. 562,904 9/ 1958 Canada.

DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

D. L. TAYLOR, Examiner.