SYSTEM, METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PORTABLE GATE

Abstract

A portable gate has a cattle guard with a base cattle guard and a movable cattle guard movably mounted to the base cattle guard. The movable cattle guard may be configured to be operated in a use position wherein the gate is operational, and a non-use position wherein the gate is non-operational. A gate member may be movably mounted to the cattle guard and configured to be operated in a closed position wherein the gate member blocks travel through the gate and across the cattle guard, and an open position wherein the gate member permits travel through the gate and across the cattle guard.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Disclosure

The present invention relates in general to fence gates and, in particular, to an improved system, method and apparatus for an automated portable gate.

2. Description of the Related Art

Gates for controlling access through fences in remote locations are well known. In some examples, a conventional ranch gate or simple cattle guard is installed. Other solutions employ a chain that is lowered from a position barring access to automotive traffic or the like, to a position on the roadway over which the traffic can pass. However, there are deficiencies of such systems. For example, it is not known to provide an automated gate at an unattended remote location where there is no access to electrical power. This is particularly true in temporary rural applications (e.g., for natural resource exploration or development) that also may be in need of a cattle guard for livestock control.

Moreover, reliable battery operation requires low energy usage to control gate access. The gate must not only be feasible to use, but must be capable of operating for extended periods of time without attention, such as without battery replacement. In addition, security through such a gate is an issue for some applications, as well as portability of the gate for operational locations that change over time. Furthermore, if a barrier is installed in a limited use remote location, it should be simple enough to operate under all field conditions encountered with little need for repair or maintenance. Thus, improvements in fence gates continue to be of interest.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for a portable gate are disclosed. For example, the gate may comprise a cattle guard having a base cattle guard and a movable cattle guard movably mounted to the base cattle guard. The movable cattle guard may be configured to be operated in a use position wherein the gate is operational, and a non-use position wherein the gate is non-operational. A gate member may be movably mounted to the cattle guard and configured to be operated in a closed position wherein the gate member blocks travel through the gate and across the cattle guard, and an open position wherein the gate member permits travel through the gate and across the cattle guard.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of these embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the features and advantages of the embodiments are attained and can be understood in more detail, a more particular description may be had by reference to the embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings.

However, the drawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore are not to be considered limiting in scope as there may be other equally effective embodiments.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are isometric views of an embodiment of a gate with gate members in closed and open positions, respectively;

FIGS. 3 and 4 are side and end views, respectively, of an embodiment of a gate;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a control system for a gate;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a gate with one of its movable cattle guard portions in a folded position; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a gate in a non-use position and loaded on a truck for transportation thereof.

The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of a system, method and apparatus for a portable gate are disclosed. The gate may be manually operated or automated. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, a gate 11 may comprise a cattle guard 13 having a base cattle guard 15 and one or more movable cattle guards 17 (e.g., four shown). The movable cattle guards 17 may be pivotally mounted to the base cattle guard 15, such as with hinges. As shown in the drawings, the base cattle guard 15 and movable cattle guards 17 may be fabricated from various types of I-beams and square tubing. These components, as well as the gate members 21, may be galvanized for better corrosion protection.

The movable cattle guards 17 are configured to be operated in a use position (FIGS. 1-4) wherein the movable cattle guards 17 are unfolded such that the gate is operational. The movable cattle guards 17 also have a non-use position (FIG. 6) wherein one or more of the movable cattle guards 17 may be folded upward and inward such that the gate 11 is non-operational to facilitate transportation of the gate (FIG. 7).

The movable cattle guard 17 may comprise a plurality of movable cattle guard portions located on opposite ends of the base cattle guard 15. The movable cattle guards 17 may be substantially parallel to the base cattle guard 15 in the use position. Each of the movable cattle guard portions 17 may be independently and pivotally mounted to the base cattle guard 15. For example, in FIG. 6, portion 17a shown in the non-use position, whereas portions 17b, c and d are shown in the use position.

One or more gate members 21 are movably mounted to the cattle guard 13. The gate members 21 are configured to be operated in a closed position (FIGS. 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7) wherein the gate members block travel across the cattle guard 13 and through the gate 11, and an open position (FIG. 2) wherein the gate members permit travel across the cattle guard and through the gate 11.

The gate members 21 may be mounted to the base cattle guard 15, such as to the upright posts illustrated. The overall structural strength of the gate is enhanced by the vertical thickness of the base, the gate posts and the diagonal support arms affixed thereto. The gate members 21 may extend substantially completely across the base cattle guard in the closed position. The gate members 21 may be pivoted away from the base cattle guard 15 in the open position. The gate member 21 may comprise two gate members as shown, mounted on opposite sides of the base cattle guard 15.

In some embodiments (e.g., FIGS. 5 and 6), the gate 11 may further comprise an automated control system 31 that is configured to move the one or more gate members 21 between the closed and open positions in response to a user input device 41. The user input device 41 may comprise a keypad, or a magnetic or vibration sensor configured to detect an approaching vehicle seeking to travel through the gate 11. The automated control system 31 may further comprise a safety sensor 51 (FIG. 4) configured to detect user presence on the cattle guard 13 and prevent movement of the gate member 21 to the closed position in response thereto.

The automated control system 31 may comprise a frame or tree 32 to which most or all of its components may be attached. The system 31 may be powered by one or more solar panels 33 and comprise batteries 35 for energy storage. In addition, a camera system 37 may be employed for recording use of the gate 11 by personnel traveling therethrough. For example, the camera system 37 may comprise a license plate camera configured to record time and date stamped images of license plates of vehicles that travel through the gate 11.

Some embodiments of the solar panels 33 are coupled to achieve a required power to operate a control or logic board in a control box 39. The power from the solar panels 33 may be provided to an external volt regulator located inside the control box 39. The regulated solar power may then be used to charge batteries 35, which may be secured in a separate box which may be welded adjacent the base of tree 32. The batteries may be wired in a series as well to produce sufficient voltage for the control board. When any of the gate entry/exit options are triggered, the control board sends power to the one or more gate motors 61 (FIG. 4) to open or close the gates, or keep the gates open. Shear pins may be employed between the motor s and gates to avoid incidental damage to those components.

Embodiments of the gate may have a plurality of operational choices. For example, entry and exit options may include automated open/close of the gate with magnetic or vibration sensors as a vehicle approaches the gate. The sensors may be located at variable distances from either end of the gate. Adjustable time-delayed closure of the gate may be provided. For example, every time a sensor is tripped, a time delay may be reset to allow multiple vehicles to pass through the gate even though the gate was triggered open by only the first vehicle.

In other embodiments a keypad user interface may be provided, with or without secure access codes. Such systems also may be provided with time-delayed gate closure after being opened. In addition, sensors 51 (e.g., infrared sensors) may be employed to ensure that the gate does not close on a vehicle. The keypad may be used to lock open the gate if desired, and it may be employed along with the other embodiments described herein. A simplified embodiment may include limiting the user interface to a single push button device to open the gate instead of a keypad. The gate may be kept open by sensors and have a time-delayed closure as previously described.

Embodiments equipped with additional security such as the optional camera system 37 may include one or more cameras on the tree 32. The camera system may take time and date stamped images of the vehicles upon their entry and/or exit of the gate. The images may be stored in a storage device (e.g., DVR, SD card, hard drive, etc.) that may be downloaded by internet or a technician and made available upon request. The images may be sent via email or other means to designated interested parties.

Alternatively, the camera system may comprise or further include one or more game cameras or security license plate cameras that will also take time/date stamped images of vehicle license plates and store them to a storage device for later download. Such camera systems may be motion-actuated and have their own independent power source. Such devices may be located within a reinforced structure for protection and security.

In operation, the gate may be actuated with various sequences of steps. For example, when a vehicle approaches the gate while it is in the closed position, the gate may be opened with different optional accessories. As described herein, one or more magnetic or vibration sensors may be used to automatically open the gate as the vehicle passes a sensor. A secure keypad entry with programmable codes also may be provided to open the gate. A simple push button entry with no required code may be provided to open the gate. Alternatively, a reader for reading a driver's license of the vehicle's operator may be employed to open the gate. Another option would be to provide a reader for taking a finger print scan to open the gate.

The gate also may be programmed to remain open based on various parameters. For example, a time delayed closure after the gate is opened may be provided. Each time any one of the gate-opening devices is tripped, the time delay resets to allow a plurality of vehicles to pass through the gate. For time delay after secure keypad entry, a sensor such as a laser beam sensor may additionally keep the gate open for a longer period of time if a vehicle is still on the floor of the gate. The same system may be used for the simple push button entry or the other embodiments as well. The gate may begin to close after the time delay expires and no other sensors are triggered.

In other embodiments, the gate may comprise a cattle guard having a base cattle guard and a movable cattle guard movably mounted to the base cattle guard. The movable cattle guard may be configured to be operated in a use position wherein the gate is operational, and a non-use position wherein the gate is non-operational. A gate member may be movably mounted to the cattle guard and configured to be operated in a closed position wherein the gate member blocks travel through the gate and across the cattle guard, and an open position wherein the gate member permits travel through the gate and across the cattle guard.

In the non-use position, the movable cattle guard may provide an additional barrier to prevent travel through the gate. The movable cattle guard may be pivotally mounted to the base cattle guard, in the use position the movable cattle guard may be unfolded such that the gate is operational, and in the non-use position the movable cattle guard may be folded such that the gate is non-operational to facilitate transportation of the gate. The base cattle guard may be planar, a lower side of the movable cattle guard may be planar, and an upper side of the movable cattle guard may be inclined at an acute angle with respect to the lower side.

The movable cattle guard may further comprise a ramp on a distal end thereof opposite the base cattle guard. The ramp may have an angle of inclination substantially similar to the acute angle. The ramp may be solid, and the movable cattle guard and the base cattle guard may have a height that is substantially the same at an intersection thereof.

The movable cattle guard may comprise two movable cattle guards located on opposite ends of the base cattle guard. In the use position, lower sides of the movable cattle guards may be substantially parallel to the base cattle guard. The two movable cattle guards each may comprise a plurality of movable cattle guard portions, and each of the movable cattle guard portions may be independently and pivotally mounted to the base cattle guard.

The gate member may be mounted to the base cattle guard, the gate member may extend across the base cattle guard in the closed position, and the gate member may be pivoted away from the base cattle guard in the open position. The gate member may comprise two gate members mounted on opposite sides of the base cattle guard.

Other embodiments may further comprise an automated control system configured to move the gate member between the closed and open positions. The automated control system may open the gate in response to a user input device. The user input device may comprise a keypad, a magnetic sensor or a vibration sensor configured to detect an approaching vehicle. The automated control system may further comprise a safety sensor configured to detect user presence on the cattle guard and prevent movement of the gate member to the closed position in response thereto. The automated control system may be solar powered and may comprise batteries for energy storage, and a camera system for recording use of the gate. The camera system may comprise a license plate camera configured to record time and date stamped images of license plates of vehicles that travel through the gate.

In still other embodiments the gate may comprise a drivable platform having a base and a movable component movably mounted to the base. The movable component may be configured to be operated in a use position wherein the gate is operational, and a non-use position wherein the gate is non-operational. A gate member may be movably mounted to the drivable platform and configured to be operated in a closed position wherein the gate member blocks travel through the gate and across the drivable platform, and an open position wherein the gate member permits travel through the gate and across the drivable platform. In some versions, the base, movable component and the ramp may have solid planar surfaces (i.e., instead of cattle guards). In addition, some embodiments comprise a system for controlling access through a fence. Each of these embodiments may comprise the other features, advantages and elements described elsewhere herein for other versions.

Embodiments of a method of facilitating access through remote fences may comprise providing a gate at a first fence opening. The gate may have a base, a movable component pivotally mounted to the base, and a gate member movably mounted to the base. The method may comprise unfolding the movable component such that gate member is operational between open and closed positions for controlling access through the gate at the first fence opening; folding the movable component such that the gate is non-operational; loading and transporting the gate to a second fence opening; and unfolding the movable component such that gate member is operable for controlling access through the gate at the second fence opening.

The method may further comprise operating the gate in response to users traveling through the gate. The movable component may comprise a plurality of movable components, each of which independently and pivotally mounted to the base, and the method may further comprise unfolding the movable components to make the gate operational, and folding the movable components to make the gate non-operational. The method may still further comprise automatically controlling the gate member between the closed and open positions in response to user input. User input may comprise actuating a keypad, detecting an approaching vehicle with a magnetic sensor or a vibration sensor. The method also may further comprise detecting user presence on the base with a safety sensor and preventing movement of the gate member to the closed position in response thereto. In addition, the method may further comprise recording use of the gate with digital images.

The vertical thickness of the base may provide its cattle guard upper surface with a sufficient vertical dimension above ground to deter livestock crossings. This design may further enable the gate to be installed without any excavation, as is required with conventional cattle guards. The gate is ready for deployment and use when it is placed on the ground. The embodiments disclosed herein are well suited for use on relatively level ground. However, as shown by the pivot arrow in FIG. 3, the movable cattle guards are provided with ample rotational capability such that they also can accommodate uneven terrain.

This written description uses examples to disclose the embodiments, including the best mode, and also to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Note that not all of the activities described above in the general description or the examples are required, that a portion of a specific activity may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed in addition to those described. Still further, the order in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed.

In the foregoing specification, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of invention.

As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of features is not necessarily limited only to those features but may include other features not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive-or and not to an exclusive-or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

Also, the use of “a” or “an” are employed to describe elements and components described herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the scope of the invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims.

After reading the specification, skilled artisans will appreciate that certain features are, for clarity, described herein in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any subcombination. Further, references to values stated in ranges include each and every value within that range.

Claims

1. A gate, comprising: a drivable platform having a base and a movable component movably mounted to the base, the movable component is configured to be operated in a use position wherein the gate is operational, and a non-use position wherein the gate is non-operational; anda gate member movably mounted to the drivable platform and configured to be operated in a closed position wherein the gate member blocks travel through the gate and across the drivable platform, and an open position wherein the gate member permits travel through the gate and across the drivable platform.

2. A gate according to claim 1, wherein, in the non-use position, the movable component provides an additional barrier to prevent travel through the gate.

3. A gate according to claim 1, wherein the movable component is pivotally mounted to the base, in the use position the movable component is unfolded such that the gate is operational, and in the non-use position the movable component is folded such that the gate is non-operational to facilitate transportation of the gate.

4. A gate according to claim 1, wherein the base is planar, a lower side of the movable component is planar, and an upper side of the movable component is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the lower side.

5. A gate according to claim 1, wherein the movable component comprises two movable components located on opposite ends of the base, and in the use position, lower sides of the movable components are substantially parallel to the base, and the two movable components each comprise a plurality of movable components, and each of the movable components is independently and pivotally mounted to the base.

6. A gate according to claim 1, wherein the gate member is mounted to the base, the gate member extends across the base in the closed position, and the gate member is pivoted away from the base in the open position, and the gate member comprises two gate members mounted on opposite sides of the base.

7. A gate according to claim 1, further comprising an automated control system configured to move the gate member between the closed and open positions, and the automated control system opens the gate in response to a user input device.

8. A gate according to claim 7, wherein the user input device comprises a keypad, a magnetic sensor or a vibration sensor configured to detect an approaching vehicle, and the automated control system further comprises a safety sensor configured to detect user presence on the drivable platform and prevent movement of the gate member to the closed position in response thereto.

9. A gate according to claim 7, wherein the automated control system is solar powered and comprises batteries for energy storage, a camera system for recording use of the gate, and the camera system comprises a license plate camera configured to record time and date stamped images of license plates of vehicles that travel through the gate.

10. A system for controlling access through a fence, comprising: a gate having a cattle guard having a base cattle guard and a movable cattle guard movably mounted to the base cattle guard, the movable cattle guard is configured to be operated in a use position wherein the gate is operational, and a non-use position wherein the gate is non-operational;a gate member movably mounted to the cattle guard and configured to be operated in a closed position wherein the gate member blocks travel through the gate and across the cattle guard, and an open position wherein the gate member permits travel through the gate and across the cattle guard;an automated control system configured to move the gate member between the closed and open positions, and the automated control system is configured to open the gate in response to a user input device.

11. A system according to claim 10, wherein, in the non-use position, the movable cattle guard provides an additional barrier to prevent travel through the gate.

12. A system according to claim 10, wherein the movable cattle guard is pivotally mounted to the base cattle guard, in the use position the movable cattle guard is unfolded such that the gate is operational, and in the non-use position the movable cattle guard is folded such that the gate is non-operational to facilitate transportation of the gate.

13. A system according to claim 10, wherein the base cattle guard is planar, a lower side of the movable cattle guard is planar, an upper side of the movable cattle guard is inclined at an acute angle with respect to the lower side, and the movable cattle guard further comprises a ramp on a distal end thereof opposite the base cattle guard, the ramp having an angle of inclination substantially similar to the acute angle.

14. A system according to claim 10, wherein the movable cattle guard comprises two movable cattle guards located on opposite ends of the base cattle guard, in the use position, lower sides of the movable cattle guards are substantially parallel to the base cattle guard, and the two movable cattle guards each comprise a plurality of movable cattle guard portions, and each of the movable cattle guard portions is independently and pivotally mounted to the base cattle guard.

15. A system according to claim 10, wherein the gate member is mounted to the base cattle guard, the gate member extends across the base cattle guard in the closed position, the gate member is pivoted away from the base cattle guard in the open position, and the gate member comprises two gate members mounted on opposite sides of the base cattle guard.

16. A method of facilitating access through remote fences, comprising: (a) providing a gate at a first fence opening, the gate having a base, a movable component pivotally mounted to the base, and a gate member movably mounted to the base;(b) unfolding the movable component such that gate member is operational between open and closed positions for controlling access through the gate at the first fence opening;(c) folding the movable component such that the gate is non-operational;(d) loading and transporting the gate to a second fence opening; and(e) unfolding the movable component such that gate member is operable for controlling access through the gate at the second fence opening.

17. A method according to claim 16, further comprising operating the gate in response to users traveling through the gate.

18. A method according to claim 16, wherein the movable component comprises a plurality of movable components, each of which independently and pivotally mounted to the base, unfolding the movable components to make the gate operational, and folding the movable components to make the gate non-operational.

19. A method according to claim 16, further comprising automatically controlling the gate member between the closed and open positions in response to user input.

20. A method according to claim 19, wherein user input comprises actuating a keypad, detecting an approaching vehicle with a magnetic sensor or a vibration sensor.

21. A method according to claim 19, further comprising detecting user presence on the base with a safety sensor and preventing movement of the gate member to the closed position in response thereto.

22. A method according to claim 16, further comprising recording use of the gate with digital images.