Patent Grant
8286305
This invention relates generally to a system and apparatus for mounting a gate to a post and, in particular, to a system and apparatus for hingedly mounting a gate to a post.
Fences and various other types of physical barriers have long been employed to enclose a space so as to control access to and from that space. In the management of livestock, fencing systems of various types have long been employed to great success in retaining and controlling livestock movement within a paddock, field, or the like.
In order to control access to and from such a confined space, it is necessary to provide a gating system in the fence. Conventional farming gating systems employ sturdy timber posts spaced apart so as to receive a gate therebetween. The gate is typically constructed from timber or metal and is hung to one of the posts so as to be movable in a pivotal manner between an open and a closed position. A variety of mounting systems have been employed to provide such pivotal movement between the gate and the post.
Generally, gates have been mounted to a post by way of upper and lower mounting members. Upper and lower mounting members have taken a variety of forms, with earlier systems employing saddles or brackets to mount the gate to the post at an upper and lower end thereof. Such arrangements facilitate swinging or pivotal movement of the gate with respect to the post. One problem with such systems is that the bracket or saddle arrangement provides limited clearance between the gate and the post. Typically, in such systems, the gate is in direct contact with the post during the swinging motion, greatly restricting the amount of pivotal movement of the gate with respect to the post and limiting access through the gate.
In order to provide for a greater degree of pivotal movement of the gate, a variety of alternative mounting systems have been proposed. Such mounting systems generally project beyond the post such that there is greater clearance between the post and the gate. Typically, such mounting systems include an upper bracket or collar that extends about the gate to secure the upper region of the gate to the post, and a lower pintle that is typically received within an open end or gudgeon of the gate to support the gate thereon. The upper bracket and lower pintle support a side or edge of the gate enabling the gate to pivot or swing about the post. In some arrangements, the upper bracket and lower pintle are located a distance beyond the post, such that the gate does not come into contact with the post during swinging movement. This provides a greater degree of movement of the gate with respect to the post.
While such mounting systems have been successful in providing a greater degree of swinging movement of the gate with respect to the post, as they support the full weight of the gate, they have been shown to compromise the integrity of the gating system. Typically, the upper bracket or collar and the lower pintle are each mounted on an end of a single threaded shaft or rod that is received within a bore formed through the post, adjacent an upper and lower region of the post. The threaded shaft or rod is then secured to the post by way of nuts and washers fitted to the rod on either side of the post so as to be tightened about the post. One problem with such a system is that when the gate is in an open or partially open position, namely a position that is not parallel with the line of the fence, the weight of the gate acts directly on the rods in the form of a pulling force to the upper threaded rod and a pushing force to the lower threaded rod. This can cause the rods to bend over time, particularly as weight is applied to the gate in the open position. Further, these opposing forces acting through the post can create splitting of the post over time. Further, during general use of the gate, it is typical that the threaded rods become loose within the post, such that there is movement of the rods within the post. This movement can further contribute to splitting of the posts.
As the posts are generally subject to the elements, including extreme weather conditions, rain, moisture and the like can readily access the bore holes, as well as any splits created in the post by the rods. This may accelerate deterioration of the post, which can result in the gate dropping or dragging on the ground during use. Dropping or dragging gates on a fence can lead to the deterioration of the fence as well as make the gate difficult to open and close.
There is a need to provide a mounting system of mounting a gate to a post which is addressed at overcoming or at least substantially ameliorating one or more of the above-referenced problems.
The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion does not relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but assists in the understanding of the inventive step of the present invention of which the identification of pertinent prior art proposals is but one part.
Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a hinge element for pivotally mounting a gate to a fence post comprising:
In one embodiment, the one or more plates may comprise a concave surface that substantially conforms with the surface of the post when the rods are secured to the post. In one form, two plates may be received on the rods and may be positionable to abut with the surface of the post on opposing sides of the post so as to form a clamp at least partially about the post.
Each rod may have an external thread formed at least partially along a length thereof for receiving a plurality of fastening members thereon. The rods may be secured to the post by tightening the fastening members against opposing sides of the post. The plates may be positioned between the fastening members and the post such that tightening of the fastening members against opposing sides of the post may causes the plates to apply a clamping force against the post.
The plurality of rods may be received within bore holes formed through the post. The rods may be positioned within the bore holes such that opposing ends of the plurality of rods extend beyond the post.
In one embodiment, the mounting member may comprise a collar that is configured to be secured about a portion of the gate to secure the portion of the gate in position with respect to the post. The collar may be configured to be secured about an upper portion of the gate. In one form, the collar may be movable laterally with respect to the post to facilitate lateral adjustment of the gate with respect to the post.
In another embodiment, the mounting member may be a bracket having a pintle projecting from a surface thereof. The pintle may be received within a recess formed in an undersurface of the gate such that the gate is supported on the pintle and is free to pivot about the pintle.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a hinge element for pivotally mounting a gate to a fence post comprising:
According to a third aspect, there is provided a mounting assembly for hingedly mounting a gate to a fence post comprising:
Throughout the specification and claims the word “comprise” and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word “comprise” and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.
Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention. In the drawings:
The present invention will be described below in relation to its application for use in farm and livestock fences. However, it would be appreciated that the present invention may be employed in a variety of fencing or barrier applications where gates are employed, and still fall within the spirit of the present invention.
Referring to
A gate 14 is hingedly mounted to post 12 by way of an upper hinge element 16 and a lower hinge element 18. The upper hinge element 16 and lower hinge element 18 act to support the gate 14 along an end thereof, as the gate 14 pivots or swings between a closed position in general alignment with the fence 13, and an open position to permit access through the gate 14. The upper hinge element 16 and lower hinge element 18 are adjustable with respect to the post 12 so as to provide a clearance between the end support 15 of the gate 14 and the post 12.
Referring to
The upper hinge element 16 has a pair of elongate rods 20 having an external thread formed thereon. The rods 20 are received within a pair of bores formed in the post 12 in a longitudinally adjustable manner, so as to extend beyond the post 12 at either ends thereof, as is shown in
A mounting member in the form of a collar 21 is mounted to an outer surface of the plate 23, as is shown more clearly in
As is shown in
Referring to
Fastening members in the form of nuts 28 and washers 29 are provided on the rods 20 so as to secure the plates 26 to opposing sides of the post 12. While the washers 29 are shown as standard planar washers, the washers may alternatively have a curved or wedge form so as to conform to the outer surface of the plates 26. It will be appreciated that tightening of the nuts 28 about the plates 26 applies a force against the plates 26 such that the plates 26 act to clamp against and around the post 12. While tightening of the nuts 28 and washers 29 against the surface of the plates 26 applies a force against the plates 26, such an arrangement also allows for greater tension to be placed on the nuts 28. This is particularly advantageous in comparison to prior art systems where the nuts 28 and washers 29 act directly against the surface of the post 12, as placing tension on the nuts 28 causes the nuts 28 and washes 29 to penetrate into the post 12 reducing the ability to fully tension the system. Further, in this arrangement, upon tightening of the nuts 28, the inner surface 27 of the plates 26 is located flush with the outer surface of the post 12, thereby forming a seal about the bores formed in the post 12 to act as a barrier against rain and the like accessing the bores and corroding the rods 20 and weakening the post 12.
It will be appreciated that the clamping nature of the plates 26 about the post 12 transfers the forces applied by the gate 14 to the upper hinge element 16 across a larger region of the post 12, and not merely along the interface between the rods 20 and the post 12. In this regard, when the gate 14 is in an open position and the weight of the gate 14 provides a pulling force against the upper hinge element 16, the pulling force is transferred about the post 12 rather than merely to the rods 20 extending through the post 12. Hence, the forces applied to the post 12 make the post 12 less inclined to split than is the case with conventional hinge elements. Further, the rods 20 are less likely to bend or buckle under load of the gate 14 as the forces are transferred more evenly to the post 12.
Referring to
The lower hinge element 18 also comprises a pair of elongate rods 30 having an external thread formed thereon. The rods 30 are configured to be received in and to pass through a pair of bore holes formed in a lower region of the post 12, as described above in relation to the rods 20 of the upper hinge element 16. In such an arrangement, the opposing ends of the rods 30 project from the post 12 in a longitudinally adjustable manner, in the manner as shown in
A mounting member in the form of an L-shaped bracket 32 is attached to a common end of the rods 30, namely, the end of the rods 30 adjacent an opening in the fence 13. The bracket 32 is orientated such that the vertical portion of the bracket 32 extends substantially perpendicular to the rods 30. The bracket 32 is secured to the ends of the rods 30 by way of welding; however, it will be appreciated that the bracket 32 may be attached to the ends of the rods 30 by way of a variety of fastening means, including nuts or other mechanical fastening devices. The L-shaped bracket 32 is secured to the ends of the rods 30 such that the horizontal portion 32a of the bracket 32 is positioned uppermost with respect to a ground surface, as shown in
A mount 31, in the form of a pintle, extends from an upper surface of the horizontal portion 32a of the bracket 32. In this arrangement, the mount 31 projects upwardly with respect to the bracket 32 so to be received within an opening or gudgeon provided in the bottom of the tubular end support 15 of the gate 14. The gate 14 is then seated on the horizontal portion 32a of the bracket 32 and is located in position thereon by the mount 31, to facilitate swinging or pivotal movement of the gate 14 with respect to the post 12. Such an arrangement allows full swing of the gate 14 on the horizontal portion 32a of the bracket 32 without the gate coming into contact with the post 12 or the vertical portion of the bracket 32 during use.
Referring to
Fastening members in the form of nuts 35 and washers 36 are provided on the rods 30 so as to secure the plates 34 to opposing sides of the post 12. While the washers 36 are shown as standard planar washers, the washers may alternatively have a curved or wedge form so as to conform to the outer surface of the plates 34. It will be appreciated that tightening of the nuts 35 about the plates 34 applies a force against the plates 34 such that the plates 34 act to clamp against and around the post 12. While tightening of the nuts 35 and washers 36 against the surface of the plates 34 applies a force against the plates 26, such an arrangement also allows for greater tension to be placed on the nuts 35. This is particularly advantageous in comparison to prior art systems where the nuts 35 and washers 36 act directly against the surface of the post 12, as placing tension on the nuts 35 causes the nuts 35 and washers 36 to penetrate into the post 12 reducing the ability to fully tension the system. In this arrangement, upon tightening of the nuts 35, the inner surface 37 of the plates 34 is located flush with the outer surface of the post 12, thereby forming a seal about the bores formed in the post 12 to act as a barrier against rain and the like accessing the bores and corroding the rods 30, and weakening the post 12.
It will be appreciated that the clamping nature of the plates 34 about the post 12 transfers the forces applied by the gate 14 to the lower hinge element 18, across a larger region of the post 12, and not merely at the interface between the rods 30 and the post 12. In this regard, when the gate 14 is in an open position and the weight of the gate 14 provides a pushing force against the lower hinge element 18, the pulling force is transferred about the post 12 rather than merely to the rods 30 extending through the post 12. Hence, the forces applied to the post 12 make the post 12 less inclined to split, than is the case with conventional hinge elements. Further, the rods 30 are less likely to bend or buckle under load of the gate 14 as the forces are transferred more evenly to the post 12.
The curved plates 26, 34 described above are preferably made from galvanized or coated steel and are formed to have a curve or arc having a diameter that substantially equates to the diameter of the post 12. In this regard, upon tightening of the upper and lower hinge elements 16, 18 about the post 12, the plates 26, 24 form a seal against the surface of the post 12.
Further, as the nuts 28, 35 and washers 29, 36 used to fasten the upper and lower hinge elements 16, 18 into position, act against the plates 26, 34 rather than the surface of the post 12, they do not penetrate into the soft post 12 when tightened, or under the weight of the gate 14, as is the case with existing hinge elements. With existing hinge elements, when the nuts and washers penetrate into the soft post 12, they act to further contribute to post splitting and are not accessible with a socket or spanner, thereby creating difficulties with adjusting the hinge elements should the need arise.
The arrangement of the upper hinge element 16 and the lower hinge element 18 more evenly distributes the forces of the gate 14 during use of the gate, thereby reducing the likelihood of the support post 12 splitting during use. The use of the plates 26, 34 to form a clamping action about the post 12 and the provision of more than one rod 20, 30 extending through the post 12, make the post and hinge elements function as one, greatly increasing the life of the gating system.
It will be appreciated that while each of the hinge elements 16, 18 are described above as comprising two rods 20, 30, the number of rods employed in each hinge element may vary. In particular, the provision of two or more rods 20, 30 for each hinge element reduces the likelihood of the rods 20, 30 bending or buckling under load of the gate 14, and any other forces applied to the gate 14, during use. While prior art systems, such as that disclosed in UK Patent Application No. GB 2193249, have employed a single shaft that extends through the post for mounting the hinge element to the post, with a shorter locating shaft extending in a U-shape from the single shaft so as to be received in a second locating recess formed in the post, such systems have been proposed to prevent the hinge element from loosening and rotating during use. In such systems, the single shaft extending through the post still experiences the majority of the force of the gate and is still found to bend or buckle under load. Further, such a system has been found to further contribute to post splitting as the single shaft and the locating shaft apply forces to the post in a manner that increases the likelihood of the post splitting in the vicinity of the bore and recess that accommodates the single shaft and the locating shaft accordingly.
The present invention provides a system that provides for greater interaction between the post and the hinge elements such that the components act as a single unit that combine to support the gate in position throughout use of the gate.
Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the hinge element uppermost.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
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|---|---|---|---|
| 250916 | Hendeerson | Dec 1881 | A |
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| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20100077663 A1 | Apr 2010 | US |
