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1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to fence gates. More specifically, the invention is a gate stabilizer intended to eliminate gate sag, reduce the stress on gate hinges, and prevent a gate from being forced open.
2. General Background of the Invention
Gate systems, and particularly livestock gates that are usually heavier and larger than normal fence gates, in which the gate hangs on hinges attached to a gate post but is not otherwise supported are plagued by a unique set of problems. One problem routinely experienced by users of these gates is the tendency of gates to sag in at least two non-exclusive manners. First, the sag may result from the failure of the gate structure itself. Second, the otherwise unsupported weight of the gate can cause the gate post to bend or tilt.
The first failure is caused by the fact that the gate is only supported at one end by the hinges that are attached to the gate post. This results in the weight of the gate applying forces to the internal structure of the gate that can result in failure over time.
The second failure is caused by the force couple the weight of the gate applies to the gate post through the hinges. Since the opposing end of the gate is unsupported, the weight of the gate acts to pull the upper hinge, and therefore the upper portion of the gate post, toward the gate. Simultaneously, the weight of the gate acts to push the lower hinge, and therefore the lower portion of the gate post, away from the gate. Over time, this can cause the fence post to bend or to tilt relative to its original positioning thereby causing the gate to sag.
Prior solutions to this problem have tended to create additional problems. For example, the free end of the gate can be supported by a wheel, but this makes the gate difficult to operate as it does not swing freely, especially when the gate is installed over uneven ground or gravel. Other solutions have focused on devices that increase stress on the hinges by employing tactics such as tensioning a gate to a gate post. Other approaches to resolving this problem result in a weakening of the gate structure as a whole by reducing the strength or weight of the gate itself. Alternatively, other methods rely on hinges of increased strength to attempt to counterbalance the stress of the gate.
In summary, no real effort has been made to remedy the cause of gate sag by reducing the stress applied to the hinges and the structure of the gate. Instead, known devices and methods either attempt to compensate for the problem of gate sag once it has occurred or create added stress on the gate and hinges that eventually results in gate sag.
Another problem faced by typical gate structures is that the unsupported gate latches only at the middle to upper portion of the gate. This makes the gate susceptible to being forced open at the lower portion by an animal or child being contained or excluded in part by the gate. This typical structure also results in a gate system that is susceptible to vibration and movement that may cause injury to livestock.
The object of this invention then is address the above identified problems by providing an apparatus that can is inexpensive and easy to apply to both gate systems that are already in service and new gate systems regardless of what side the gate is hinged on. In addition to reducing the stress on the gate and the gate post, the present invention is livestock proof, meaning that it cannot be opened by the nose, shoulder, or hoof of animals such as cows, horses, pigs, sheep, and goats.
The present invention relates to an apparatus for reducing sag-inducing stress on a gate comprising a support member and a stabilizer assembly, said stabilizer assembly including a rotating member having a first end portion adapted to engage said support member and a fixed member. The present invention further relates to methods for using said apparatus.
For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein:
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In the illustrated embodiment, stabilizer assembly 100 is located toward the bottom of gate G on gate post GP such that rotating member 130 can be allowed to hang parallel to gate post GP in a disengaged position when it is not engaged with support member 10 as shown in
In an alternate embodiment, gate post GP could include a through hole that would align with holes 138 and 140 when rotating member is in the disengaged position. This would allow coupling pin 150 to lock rotating member 130 in its disengaged position to prevent it from inadvertently rotating when gate G is opened or closed. This would also provide a place to store coupling pin 150 when gate stabilizer 1 is not engaged. Alternatively, as shown in
In an alternative application, gate stabilizer 1 could be mounted toward the top of gate G to replace conventional latch L. If used in this manner, gate stabilizer 1 would provide the gate latching function in addition to reducing sag-inducing stress by carrying a portion of the weight of gate G unlike conventional latch L.
Gate stabilizer 1 is used to reduce sag-inducing stress in Gate G by affixing stabilizer assembly 100 to gate post GP on the end of gate G opposite hinges H. Support member 10 is then affixed to latch post LP opposite stabilizer assembly 100. Gate stabilizer 1 is then engaged by rotating the engagement end of rotating member 130 up toward gate post GP. Gate G is then moved to its closed position. The engagement end of rotating member 130 is then rotated down to engage support member 10. Coupling apertures 138 and 140 in the opposing end of rotating member 130 are then aligned with coupling apertures 120 and 122 in fixed member 110 and coupling pin 150 is passed though coupling apertures 138, 120, 122, and 140 to firmly fix rotating member 130 relative to fixed member 110. Gate stabilizer 1 is disengaged by reversing these steps.
While the above describes the illustrated embodiment, those skilled in the art may appreciate that certain modifications may be made to the apparatus and methodology herein disclosed, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, one or both of fixed member 110 and rotating member 130 could be a flat member instead of a U-shaped member. In such a configuration, shroud 131 could be mounted to either rotating member 130 or fixed member 110 as required to shield the end of coupling pin 150. Also, coupling pin 150 could be a padlock instead of a cylindrical device. Thus, it should be understood that the invention may be adapted to numerous rearrangements, modifications, and alterations and that all such are intended to be within the scope of the appended claims.