This invention generally relates to a temporary gate assembly. More particularly, this invention relates to a rotatable support mechanism for supporting a temporary gate assembly
Temporary fencing is often utilized to restrict access to areas such as construction sites, or special events. The temporary fencing is typically constructed of a flexible material that is easily set up and stored. The temporary fencing is in many instances a plastic mesh material that is strung between stakes or poles stuck in to the ground. The poles are usually simply supported in the ground and are not intended to support anything more than the flexible temporary fencing material.
Disadvantageously, the temporary nature of such fencing prevents the use of a gate structure. An opening is typically created by simply rolling up and moving the fence material out of the way. However, in many instances such actions are not desirable and do not adequately meet the desired purpose of restricting access provided by the temporary fence.
An example temporary gate assembly includes a support mounted within the ground and a rotation mechanism that supports rotation of cross-members about the support.
The example gate assembly provides for control of movement through a temporary fence. The gate assembly includes a fixed support that is mounted within the ground by way of a mounting flange. The mounting flange prevents twisting of the support rod during gate operation. Bottom cross-members are attached to a bottom support bearing that is rotatable about the support. The rotational mechanism rotates relative to the support and supports upper cross members. Pushing the upper cross-members causes rotation of the gate assembly to allow movement through the fence.
The example rotation mechanism operates by supporting the weight of the gate assembly on a ball bearing supported atop the post. A rotatable sleeve includes a bearing surface defining an inner surface that maintains a desired alignment between the fixed plate and the rotatable member. The bearing surface is a low friction material that facilitates rotation of the sleeve relative to the post. The ball bearing provides support for the rotatable portion of the gate assembly while also facilitating rotation of the gate assembly.
These and other features of the present invention can be best understood from the following specification and drawings, the following of which is a brief description.
Referring to
The gate assembly 10, includes a top cross member 20 and a bottom cross member 22 attached to each other at each end of the gate assembly 10 by a connection rod 23. The top cross-member 20, bottom cross-member 22 and the connection rod 23 support the flexible fencing 16. The gate assembly 10 includes a fixed support 18 that is mounted within the ground by way of a mounting flange 24. The mounting flange 24 prevents twisting of the support rod 18 during gate operation. The mounting flange 25 is staked into the ground along with a portion of the support rod 18 to temporarily secure the gate assembly within a desired opening.
The bottom cross-members 22 are attached to a bottom support bearing 28 that is rotatable about the support 18. The support bearing 28 includes material with low friction properties to support rotation. The support 18 includes a rotational mechanism 26. The rotational mechanism 26 rotates relative to the support 18 and supports the upper cross members 20. Pushing the upper cross-members causes rotation of the gate assembly 10 to allow movement past the fence 12.
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The adjustment provided by the selective relative movement between the alignment cap 44 and the rotatable member 30 provides the variation and adjustability necessary to align the gate assembly 10 with the fence line 12. Because the gate assembly 10 is staked into the ground there are instances were the ground may be uneven and inconsistence. The uneven ground may require staking at an odd angle relative to the fence line. The adjustment mechanism allows for staking at an odd angle and then adjustment of the gate 10 relative to the fence to provide the desired closure and alignment.
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In practice, the flexible fence 12 is set up as is know to define an area in which access is limited. An opening is defined in the fence line 12 for the gate assembly 10. The gate assembly 10 is then staked within the ground at a substantially central location of the defined opening. The adjustment bolt 52 is loosened to allow relative rotation between the rotatable member 36 and the adjustment cap 44. The cap 44 and thereby the cross members are rotated into alignment with the defined fence line and the adjustment bolt 52 tightened. Entry and exit through the fence 12 is then accomplished by pushing one end of the gate to rotate the gate on the ball bearing 46 about the fixed support.
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As appreciated, an example embodiment of the temporary gate assembly has been disclosed and described. Other variations, such as mounting a panel or other device to the support for rotation are also within the contemplation of this invention. Further, other materials as are utilized for fencing are also within the contemplation of this invention.
Although a preferred embodiment of this invention has been disclosed, a worker of ordinary skill in this art would recognize that certain modifications would come within the scope of this invention. For that reason, the following claim should be studied to determine the true scope and content of this invention.
The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/790,442 which was filed on Apr. 7, 2006.
Number | Date | Country | |
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60790442 | Apr 2006 | US |