US2793450A - Vehicle actuated gravity closed gate - Google Patents

Description

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,9 r rakNf Ys May 28, 1957 H. E. WILLIAMS VEHICLE ACTUATED GRAVITY CLOSED GATE Filed Dec. 50, 1953 `3 Sheets- Sheet l u www m.

May 28, 1957 H. E. WILLIAMS 2,793,450

VEHICLE ACTUATED GRAVITY cLosED GATE:

IN V EN TOR.

HERBERT E. WML/,9ms

May 28, 1957 H, El W|| |AMS 2,793,450

VEHICLE ACTUATED GRAVITY CLOSED GATE Filed nec. zo, 1953 s sheets-sneer s 1N VEN TOR.

HERBRT E. WIL L /19/75 VEHICLE ACTUATED GRAVITY CLOSED GATE Herbert E. Williams, Birmingham, Ala.

Application December 36, 1953, Serial'No. 401,147

12 Claims. (Cl. .S9- 31) This invention relates to a gate and more particularly to one adapted to be opened by pushing against it with the front of a vehicle and which returns by gravity from open position to closed position.

An object of my invention is to provide a gate of the character designated embodying improved means for delaying the closing action thereof, thus preventing damage to a vehicle as it passes therethrough, which delaying means may also be employed for holding the gate in open position.

A further object of my invention is to provide a gate of 'the character designated which shall include improved means automatically latching the gate when it has moved to closed position and holding the same in this position until it is pushed open or the latch means is released.

A still further object of my invention is to provide a gate of the character designated which is simple of construction, economical of manufacture and one which operates in both directions.

Briefly, my invention comprises a gate with a hinge member having an opening therethrough for receiving a vertical bar or tubular member mounted at one end of the gate. Projecting outwardly ofand partially encircling the hinge member is an arcuate, downwardly sloping, trackway. Mounted for rotation on the gate frame in position to engage the trackway is a roller which moves toward the upper end of the trackway when the gate is swung open and then moves by gravity toward the lower end thereof to close the gate.` Means is provided at each side of the trackway for engaging a portion of the gate as it commences its downward swing and temporarily holding it in open position, thus retarding downward movement of the roller and causing the gate to be held momentarily in` opened position..

The gate is held in closed position by. means of a latch member having latch pin keepers mounted for pivotal movement at opposite sides thereof. To retain the latch pin intermediate the la'tch pin keepers as the gate moves to closed position, stop means is provided therebetween.

Apparatus embodying features of my invention .is shown in the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of the gate;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view showing my improved means for delaying the closing action of the gate;

Fig. 3 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 2 and drawn to a smaller scale;

Fig. 4 is a plan view ofthe apparatus shown in Fig.Y 3;

Fig. 5 is anr enlarged perspective view showing my improved latching means;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged elevational view, partly broken away and in section, showing a modiiied form of my invention; and,

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line VII-VII of Fig. 6.

Referring now to the drawings for a better understanding of my invention I show a gate comprising a swing nited States Patent FSic ing frame 10 having vertical rods or tubular members 11 and 11a atopposite ends thereof and lower and upper horizontal tubular members 12 and 12a respectively. The swinging frame 10 is pivotally connected to a post 13 at the lower end thereof by a hinge member indicated generally at 14. The upper end ofthe swinging frame 10 is pivotally connected to the post 13 by means of a hinge member 16. The hinge members 14 and 16 are provided with openings 17 and 18 for receiving the vertical member 11 with a sliding fit and are connected to the post 13 by any suitable means, such as bolts 19. While I have shown the post 13 square, as viewed in cross section, it will be apparent that it may be round or of anyrother shape.

Mounted on or formed integrally with the hinge member 14 and partially encircling the same is a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway or cam 21. Hook members 22 and 23 are mounted for pivotal movement on pivot pins 24 and 26 adjacent the upper portions of the trackway 21. Each of lthe hook members 22 and 23 is provided with an upwardly extending projection 27, an enlarged portion' 28 and a downwardly projecting hook proper Z9, the operation of which will be described more in detail hereinafter.

Secured to the swinging frame 10 by any suitable means such as by welding at 31 are a pair of vertical members 32 and 33. Secured to the vertical members 32 and 33 is a horizontal shaft 34. Mounted for rota- 'tion on the shaft 34 in position to engage the arcuate trackway 21 is a roller 36.

As shown in Fig. 2, the roller 36 moves toward the upper end of the tracltway when the frame 11i is swung to open position. The gate is thus raised with respect to `the hinge members 14 and 16 thereby permitting it to move by gravity toward closed position as the roller 36 moves toward the lower portion of the trackway 21.

ln order to hold the gate open a sufficient length of time for a vehicle to pass through, I provide means retarding the closingvaction of the gate, now to be described. As 'the gate is moved toward open position, as shown in Fig.,2, the roller 36 moves toward the upper portion of the trackway 21 and the shaft 34 rides over the upwardly extending projection27 of the adjacent hook member 22 or 23, as the case may be. After the gate is moved to fully open position, the roller 36 moves by gravity down the sloping surface of the trackway 21. The shaft 34 then re-engages the projection 27 and rotates the hook member 22 or 23, as the case may be, to position the downwardly projecting hook member 29 into engagement with the lower horizontal member 12 of the swinging frame 10. As the member 12 is engaged by the hook member, the momentum of the gate moves the hookl member upwardly thus causing the saine to engage the shaft 34 and lift the entire gate. By causing the gate to belifted as it is engaged by the hook member there is nosudden stopping of the gate at the point of contact with the hook member. This an important feature of my invention for the reason that it prevents damage to the gate by excessive bending. After the gate has been raised by the hook member, it moves downwardly and rearwardly in an arc about the pivot point of the hook member. This movement of the gate together with the added thrust producedl by the resilient action of the gate causes the same to'warp lor swing a short distance toward open position, but` not( enough to cause the shaft 34 to pass overV the projection 27. The gate is thereby disengaged from the Vhook member. The enlarged portions 28 of the hook members balance them about the pivot pins 24 and 26 so that they assume the position shown in Fig. 3 when the hook member 29 disengages the member 12. The hook member is thus positioned above the member 12 whereby the gate can continue its movement toward closed position.

The gate may be held in open position by holding back on the gate so that the member 12 comes gently into contact with the hook member, thus preventing upward movement of the hook memberand the gate. The gate may then be released from the hook member by moving the gate a short distance toward open position and then releasing the same.

Referring now to Fig. 5 of the drawings, I show my improved latch member which is employed to lock the gate automatically when it is moved to closed position. The latch member comprises a bracket 37 having an outwardly projecting horizontal member 38 along the lower edge thereof. The bracket 37 is secured to a post 39 by any suitable means such as bolts 41. The outer ends of the horizontal member 38 are turned downwardly as at 42 and 43. Projecting outwardly from the vertical member 11a in position to engage the upper surface of the horizontal member 38 in a latch pin 44. Mounted for pivotal movement .at each side of the latch member 37 as at 46 and 47 are latch pin keepers 48 and 49. Each of the latch. pin keepers 48 and 49 comprises a horizontal portion 5l and a downwardly and inwardly extending portion 52. The portion 52 is heavier than the portion 51, thus maintaining the keepers in-the position shown in Fig. 5 with the lower end of the portion 52 in contact with the upper surface of the horizontal member 38.

Mounted on the latch member 37, intermediate the latch pin keepers 4t; and 49 is a bracket 53 having a curved under surface 54. Positioned beneath the bracket 53 adjacent the center of the horizontal member 38 is an inverted V-shaped ridge 56 which extends laterally of the horizontal member 38. The ridge member 56 is employed to deflect the latch pin 44 upwardly as the gate is moved toward closed position thus causing the same to engage the curved under surface 54 of the bracket 53 and come to rest intermediate the latch pin keepers 48 and 49. By providing a curved under surface 54, the latch pin is ldeflected downwardly, thus preventing the latch pin from passing over the adjacent latch pin keeper.

Suitable horizontal members 57 and 58 are positioned at opposite sides of the gate frame at an elevation to engage the bumper element of a vehicle. Resilient disc members 67 are provided on the tubular member 11a in position to engage the sides of a vehicle in the event it should stop before clearing the gate. The disc members 67 may also contact the sides of long slow moving trailers as they pass through the gate, thus preventing damage to the gate or the trailer.

From the foregoing description the operation of my improved gate will be readily understood. The frame 19 is moved toward open position responsive to engagement by a vehicle, thus causing the swinging end thereof to move upwardly over the adjacent latch pin keeper 48 or 49, as the case may be, and the roller 36 moves toward the upper portion of the trackway 21. As the frame 1t) approaches the upper end of its swing, the shaft 34 passes over the upwardly sloping surface 27 of the hook member 22 or 23, as the case may be. The frame 10 stops momentarily at the upper end of its swing and then starts its downward movement by gravity. The shaft 34 reengages the projection 27 and rotates the hook member downward to the position shown in Fig. 2 thus causing the hook member 29 to engage the lower horizontal member 12 of the frame and thereby delay the closing action of the gate as described above. As the member 12 is released from the hook member 29, the roller 36 rolls down the trackway 21 and the frame 10 swings toward closed position. As the gate is closed the latch pin 44 passes beneath the adjacent latch pin keeper 48 or 49, as the case may be, and engages the ridge 56 where it is deflected upwardly against the curved under surface 54 of the bracket 53, which prevents therpin 44 from riding over the other latch pin keeper.

My improved latch member may be operated by one on foot by merely pressing down on the outer end of the horizontal portions 51 of a latch pin keeper, thus raising the lower end of the portion 52 and permitting the latch pin 44 to move therebeneath as the gate is opened. Also, the latch member may be easily operated by one on horseback by pressing downwardly on the outer end of the latch pin keeper with the toe and then pulling the gate Open.

Referring now to Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings, I show a modified form of hook member 59 having an enlarged portion` 61 similar to the enlarged portions 28 of the hook members 22 and 23 and a hook proper 62. A suitable opening 63 is provided in the hook member 59 for mounting the sarne upon the pin 24 alongside the downwardly inclined trackway 21.

A threaded opening 64 is provided in the upper portion of the hook member 59 of a size to receive a resilient member, such as a spring 66, with a threaded t. The spring member 66 projects .above the hook member so as to engage the shaft 34 as the gate commences its downward movement thereby forcing the hook proper 62 downward into engagement with the member 12. By providing a resilient member instead of the upwardly extending projection 27, greater tolerance is permitted in the construction thereof. That is, the spring member does not have to be exact in its dimensions or position on its hook member. Also, by providing a threaded opening for receiving the spring member 66, the height of the spring member may be readily adjusted.

To prevent `damage to the gate as it is swung open, I mount a resilient stop member 68 on the hinge member 14 intermediate the upper portions of the arcuate trackway 21. The resilient member 68 is secured to the hinge member 14 by any suitable means and is provided with outwardly extending leaf springs 69 and 71 which overlie the upper portions of the trackway in position to engage the roller 36 as it moves upwardly, thereby preventing an abrupt stopping of the roller.

From the foregoing it will be seen that I have devised an improved gate which automatically closes itself after it has been forced open and one which automatically locks itself when the gate is returned to closed position. By providing means for delaying the closing action of the gate, a vehicle has ample time to pass therethrough without coming in contact with the gate as it is returned to closed position. Also by providing the ridge member 56 which deflects the latch pin 44 upwardly into engagement with the curved under surface of the bracket 53, the gate is held in closed position without the liability of the pin passing over the latch pin keeper during the closing movement thereof.

While I have shown my invention in but two forms, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible of various other changes and modifications without departing from the spirit thereof, and I desire, therefore, that only such limitations shall be placed thereupon as are specifically set forth in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A gate comprising a hinge member, a swinging frame connected to said hinge member and adapted for vertical movement relative thereto, a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway partially encircling said hinge member, a shaft mounted on said frame adjacent said hinge member, a roller mounted for rotation on said shaft in position to engage said trackway and move thereon toward the upper portion thereof when the gate is swung open and then move by gravity toward the lower portion thereof to close said gate, and means mounted at the sides of said trackway in position to engage said swinging frame as it commences its downward swing thereby delaying closing movement of the gate.

2. A gate comprising a swinging frame having la vertical member lat one end thereof, a hinge member having an opening therethrough for receiving said vertical mem- -ber with a sliding lit, a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway partially encircling said hinge member, -a horizontal shaft mounted on said frame adjacent said vertical member, a roller mounted for rotation on said shaft in position to engage said trackway and move toward the upper portion thereof when the gate is swung open and then move by gravity toward the lower portion thereof to close said gate, and hook members mounted for pivotal movement at the -sides of said trackway in position to engage the swinging frame as it commences its downward swing whereby the gate is held momentarily in open position.

3. A gate comprising a swinging frame having a vertical member at one end thereof, a hinge member having an opening therethrough for receiving said vertical member with a sliding fit, a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway partially encircling said hinge member, a horizontal shaft mounted on said frame adjacent said vertical member, a roller mounted for rotation on said shaft in position to engage said trackway and move toward the upper portion thereof when the gate is forced open and then moved by gravity toward the lower portion thereof to close said gate, hook members mounted for pivotal movement at the sides of said trackway, and an upwardly extending projection on each hook member disposed to be engaged by said shaft as the gate commences its downward swing whereby the hook member is rotated about its pivot point into engagement with said swinging frame.

4. A gate `as defined in claim 3 in which the upwardly extending projection is in the form of a resilient member.

5. A gate comprising a swinging frame having a vertical member at one end thereof and at least one horizontal tubular member, a supporting hinge member having an opening therethrough for 'receiving said vertical member with a sliding t, a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway partially encircling said hinge member, a horizontal shaft mounted 4on said frame adjacent said vertical member, a roller mounted `for yrotation on said shaft in position t-o engage said trackway and move toward the upper portion thereof when the gate is swung open and then moved by gravity toward the lower portion thereof to close said gate, hook members mounted for pivotal movement at the sides of said trackway, upwardly eX- tending projections on said hook members disposed to be engaged by said shaft as the gate commences its downward swing whereby said hook member -i's moved int-o engagement with said horizontal tubular member.

6. A gate comprising a hinge member, a swinging frame connected to said hinge member and adapted for vertical movement relative thereto, a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway partially encircling said hinge member, a horizontal shaft mounted on said frame adjacent said hinge member, a roller mounted for rotation on said shaft in position to engage said trackway and move toward the upper portion thereof when the gate is swung open and then move downwardly by gravity toward the lower portion thereof to close said gate, hook members mounted for pivotal movement at the sides of said trackway and having hook portions balanced to assume a position out of contact with said swinging frame, an upwardly extend- 6 ing projection on each hook member in position to be engaged by a portion of said swinging frame as it commences its downward swing whereby the hook portion of the hook member is moved into engagement with said swinging frame.

7. A gate as defined in claim 6 in which the swinging frame is raised by the hook member as the hook portion engages the swinging frame whereby the swinging frame then swings downwardly and toward open position.

8. A gate as defined in claim 6 in which the upwardly extending projection is in the form of a resilient spring.

9. A gate as defined in claim 8 in which a threaded opening is provided in the hook member for receiving the spring with a threaded ft.

10. Means for holding a gate in open position comprising a hinge, means connecting the hinge to the gate whereby the gate is adapted for vertical movement relative to said hinge, a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway partially encircling said hinge member, a roller mounted for rotation on said gate in position to engage said trackway and move toward the upper portion thereof when the gate is swung open and then move downwardly by gravity toward the lower portion thereof to close said gate, hook members mounted for pivotal movement at the sides of said trackway and having hook portions balanced to assume a position out of contact with said gate, and an upwardly extending projection on each hook member positioned to engage a portion of said gate as it commences its downward swing whereby the hook portion of the hook member is moved into engagement with said gate, said projection being constructed 4and arranged whereby when the gate is brought gently into contact with the hook member the gate is held in open position.

11. A gate comprising a swinging frame having a vertical member at one end thereof, a hinge member having an opening therethrough for receiving said vertical member with a sliding fit, a downwardly sloping arcuate trackway partially encircling said hinge member, a roller mounted for rotation on said frame in position to engage said trackway and move toward the upper portion thereof when the gate is swung open and then move by gravity toward the lower portion thereof to close said gate, hook members mounted for pivotal movement at the sides of Said trackway engaging the swinging frame as it commences its downward swing whereby the gate is held momentarily in open position, and resilient stop members extending over the upper ends of said trackway in position to engage said roller whereby there is no abrupt stoppage of the gate.

12. A gate as defined in claim 1l in which the resilient stop members are in the form of leaf springs.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 987,574 Heggen et al Mar. 2l, 1911 1,648,691 Matthews Nov. 9, 1927 2,585,481 Martin Feb. 12, 1952 2,599,211 Tilbury June 3, 1952 2,628,441 Enghauser Feb. 17, 1953 2,691,836 David Oct. 19, 1954 2,693,043 Leake Nov. 2, 1954 2,693,653 Dean Nov. 9, 1954

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