WO1999064707A1

WO1999064707A1 - Actuating mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO1999064707A1
Application number: PCT/AU1999/000438
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark Harrison Wagner; David Stratton
Original assignee: STRATTON NELLIE
Current assignee: STRATTON NELLIE
Priority date: 1998-06-05
Filing date: 1999-06-04
Publication date: 1999-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2000-12-05
Also published as: AUPP394598A0

Abstract

An actuating mechanism (2) for effecting operation of a gate, door or similar is described, in which the mechanism (2) effects operation of a movable member (6) which is connected either directly or indirectly to another device, which could be the gate or door. The actuating mechanism (2) includes an arming plate (4) which when moved preloads or arms a driving means, such as a torsion spring, to effect movement of the movable member (6) when required by operation of a control means in the form of an electrically operated solenoid (30) and a cam arrangement (40). The advantage of the actuating mechanism is that it does not require power to move the gate or door, but only requires power to move the solenoid since movement of the arming plate by walking or driving over the plate loads the spring under more tension which is responsible for movement of the gate, door or similar.

Description

ACTUATING MECHANISM

The present invention relates generally to an actuating mechanism or assembly and in particular to an actuating mechanism or assembly for controlling operation of a movable member adapted for movement between a first and second position. The movable member may cause operation of a device or be connected to another movable member for causing operation of a device.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an actuating mechanism having a movable member which is not only caused to move by the mechanism but which also preloads the mechanism when it moves, so as to assist in further movement of the movable member. Movement of the movable member is both controlled by the actuating mechanism and assists in operation of the actuating mechanism, such as for example to reset or rearm the mechanism.

Even more particularly, the present invention relates to an actuating mechanism having an arming device movable between two positions which when moving in one direction arms the device to further assist in control of the movable member. The present invention finds particular application as a low cost, simple, low energy and compact actuating mechanism for controlling operation of diverse devices, such as for example the opening and closing of barriers, gates, doors or similar, or other completely different devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a remote controlled mechanism for causing operation of a device. In particular, the present invention relates to a floor- or ground-mounted actuating mechanism having an arming member which is activated by walking over, riding over, driving over, pushing on or otherwise depressing the arming member to energise the mechanism or assembly, such as when walking, driving, riding or passing through the doorway, gateway, etc or a designated area or region when operation of some other device is required, such as the gate, barrier, etc.

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to a farm gate or similar, it is to be noted that the present invention is not restricted in scope to the described embodiment but rather the scope is more extensive so as to include other forms of the actuating mechanism, other forms of the components of the actuating mechanism, and the use of the various forms of the actuating mechanism in a wide variety of applications other than that described.

Actuating mechanisms for the control of opening and closing of doors, gates, barriers or the like have not been entirely satisfactory in the past for a number of reasons. Many farms have a large number of gates. During daily operation of the farm, workers are required to move from one section of the farm to another section, often travelling through gates or gateways. It is undesirable to leave gates open and accordingly each time a gate is passed through it must be opened and closed. Thus, workers are required to dismount from their vehicles and manually open the gates, drive through, stop, dismount the vehicle and then manually shut the gates and return to or remount the vehicle. Such operation of the gates is time-consuming and inconvenient as well as allowing the opportunity for unwanted movement of stock through the gate during this operation, since stock has a tendency to follow farm vehicles, particularly if food is delivered to the stock from the same farm vehicles.

Attempts have been made in the past to automate the opening and closing of the gates. Whilst systems for automatic closing and opening of gates have found use in the past, such systems have usually only involved either opening or closing of the gates, but not both. In systems where there are both automatic closing and opening, such systems require extensive installation and a power source on hand, typically a heavy duty power source to move the relatively heavy gates. The cost of providing heavy duty power to remote locations within a farm is prohibitive in most cases. Therefore, to date, it has not been practical to fully automate gates that both open and close automatically, apart from perhaps the gates controlling major traffic corridors in farms or access to and from the farm house or close by to power supplies, due to the high cost of such installations and the need to have on-site power, such as mains electricity supply, and the cost of providing power. Furthermore, self-opening or closing gates have required large amounts of power to operate, which usually cannot be provided at remote locations.

Therefore, there is a need to provide a low cost, compact, simple, self-contained, reliable, automatic opening and closing mechanism for a variety of devices that require operation, such as for example including farm gates or similar, doors, barriers, and the like, which allows a person to operate the opening and closing of the gates remotely, such as for example whilst remaining in the farm vehicle, car, truck or other, and which can be remotely closed after passing through, thereby obviating the need to move from the driver's seat of the vehicle.

Therefore, it is an aim of the present invention to provide an actuating mechanism which finds usefulness in automatically controlling the opening and closing of diverse devices, including gates, doors, barriers or the like, particularly a remote controlled actuating mechanism that not only operates the gate but also is armed or primed through use of the actuating mechanism, particularly when passing by the device for future use.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an actuating mechanism adapted for use in controlling and effecting operation of a movable member between a first position and a second position comprising: a driving means for effecting movement of the movable member between the first and second positions in a first direction; a control means for controlling movement of the movable member; and an arming means for arming the driving means, said arming means capable of movement between a first position and a second position such that movement of the arming means in a first direction arms the driving means in readiness for moving the movable member in use; wherein when said driving means is armed by movement of the arming means in the first direction, operation of the control means causes the driving means to move the movable member between the first and second positions in a first direction and disarms the arming means, and when said movable member is allowed to move between the first and second positions in a second direction, the control means is reset for future operation of the mechanism.

Typically, the mechanism of the present invention finds use in controlling operation of a gate, door, barrier, security device, or similar, such as for example to open or close the gate, etc, or both.

Typically, the movable member is or is connected to a door, gate, barrier, security device or similar movable device which when in one position, typically the open position, allows access through or past the gate, etc, and when in a second position, the closed position, denies access.

Typically, the driving means of the present invention is a device for storing energy, such as for example a spring, particularly a torsion spring or similar, more particularly a wound torsion spring under tension. Even more typically, the wound torsion spring is wound around a shaft.

Typically, the control means is a cam or similar and can include an associated cam contact portion arranged so that the cam and cam contact portion interact co-operatively. More typically, the control means includes an electrically operated solenoid or similar, preferably a remote controlled or remotely activated solenoid for use in operating the cam and cam contact portion. More typically, the cam has one, two, three or more cam lobes, preferably two cam lobes, in which one of the cam lobes is for use in connection with effecting control of the driving means to move the movable member in a first direction, and the second cam lobe is associated with movement of the movable member in a second direction. Typically, movement in the first direction allows the gate, etc to open, thereby permitting access, whilst movement in the second direction closes the gate, etc, thereby denying access.

Typically, operation of the control means when associated with the second lobe of the cam effects operation of the spring to move the door, gate, barrier to a closed position. More typically, operation of the control means when associated with the first cam lobe permits the door, gate, barrier to move under the influence or effect of gravity to a position corresponding to an open, entry or access position.

Typically, the arming device is a plate mounted in or close to the doorway, gateway or in close proximity to the barrier or similar device so that movement through or past the door, gate or barrier causes movement of the arming plate to a primed or armed position thereby arming the driving means . The arming plate can be operated by a person pushing on the plate when associated with a door, or by a person riding or driving over the arming plate when in a vehicle or similar. The plate may be armed manually or may, if required or desired, be power-assisted for arming.

The present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1(a), 1(b) and 1(c) are a series of three top rear perspective views of one form of the actuating mechanism of the present invention showing the mechanism in isolation when in three different conditions; Figure 2 is an enlarged top rear side perspective view of part of the mechanism of Figure 1 in which the movable member is in a position corresponding to the closed position of the device to which it is connected;

Figure 3 is an enlarged top rear side perspective view of part of the mechanism of Figure 1 in which the member is in a position corresponding to the open position of the device to which it is connected;

Figure 4 is an enlarged top rear side perspective view of part of the mechanism of Figure 1 when in an armed or energised condition;

Figure 5 is an exploded rear view of the main components only of the actuating mechanism of Figure 1 shown in isolation;

Figure 6 is a more detailed partial top front perspective view of the mechanism of Figure 1 when the member is in a position corresponding to the closed position of the device but omitting some components;

Figure 7 is a more detailed partial top front perspective view of the mechanism of Figure 1 when the member is in a position corresponding to the opened position of the device;

Figure 8 is a bottom front other side perspective view of the torsion spring and spigot of the mechanism of Figure 1.

In Figures 1(a), (b) and (c) there is shown in isolation for the sake of clarity one form of the actuating mechanism of the present invention generally denoted as 2 connected to an arming plate 4 located to one side of the mechanism 2 and a bracket 6 located on the other side. It is to be noted that the actuating mechanism forms only one component of a much larger installation which can include other movable components, such as farm gates, barriers or the like. In one embodiment, a farm gate or similar (not shown) is connected either directly or through a gearing arrangement or transmission to bracket 6 and is capable of movement between two positions (closed and open) upon operation of the mechanism 2. Thus, as the actuating mechanism operates to move bracket 6, the farm gate or similar undergoes corresponding movement . The mechanism 2 is shown in three different conditions in which the condition of Figure 1(a) corresponds to the farm gate in the closed position, i.e. bracket 6 is in a raised position. The condition in Figure 1(b) corresponds to the farm gate in the opened position, i.e. bracket 6 is in a lowered position. The condition shown in Figure 1(c) corresponds to the mechanism in the fully armed or energised position ready to return the gate to the closed position, i.e. bracket 6 is still in the lowered position. As bracket 6 adopts different positions and moves between them, the gate adopts different positions and moves between them accordingly. The mechanism of the present invention is illustrated in isolation without being connected to a gate, door or similar in the interest of clarity of expression and ease of understanding. It is to be noted that the actual form of the gate, door, barrier or similar and the way in which it is connected to the mechanism of the present invention does not form part of the scope of the present invention, nor is the scope of the invention limited to the use of the mechanism in connection with doors, gates, barriers or the like, but rather the mechanism can find application in a wide variety of uses and situations where control of movement is required or where authorised access only is permitted.

Further, it is to be noted that the orientation described in this specification is in accordance with the normal in- use orientation of the mechanism and is adopted merely for ease of description. No limitation on the scope of the invention is implied by the use of the terms relating to the orientation of the mechanism in its normal, in-use position.

With particular reference to Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, mechanism 2 comprises a base plate 8 in the form of a substantially rectangular flat or arcuate plate mounted on or within a suitable enclosure as part of an overall apparatus or assembly for mounting on the driveway entrance or similar of a pathway travelled by a farm vehicle or the like. A first frame member 10 (shown only in Figure 5) is located along one side edge of plate 8 and a second frame member 12 is located along an opposed side edge of plate 8. It is to be noted that many components such as frame member 10 (shown only in Figure 5) or slotted wheel 84 (introduced later) have been omitted from many of the drawings for clarity so that specific arrangement of components forming the actuating mechanism and their respective interrelations with each other can be seen more clearly.

Frame member 10 is provided with a circular recess 14, for receiving large plastic washer 16 having a flange 18 acting as a bearing for one end of main axle 20 whereas the other frame member 12 is provided with a circular recess 24 for receiving small plastic washer 26 having flange 27 acting as a bearing for the other end of main axle 20 which extends between the two opposed frame members 10, 12 so that main axle 20 is journalled in the plastic washers and apertures 14, 24. It is to be noted that main axle 20 is shown only partially in all of the figures for the sake of clarity but in reality extends from frame member 10 to frame member 12.

Housing 28 is provided at or towards the rear of base plate 8 and houses an electrically operated solenoid, remote control signal receiving unit, a power source such as a battery, and any other ancillary equipment required to activate the solenoid. Housing 28 may be sealed to protect the working of the solenoid. Solenoid pin 30 which is provided with an aperture 32 at its distal end extends outwardly from housing 28 so that on operation of the solenoid in housing 28, pin 30 is momentarily retracted into housing 28 to initially operate mechanism 2. As shown in particular in Figure 6, a generally U-shaped link pin 34 is connected to pin 30. The distal end of the relatively shorter arm of the U-shaped link pin 34 having a relatively shorter arm and a relatively longer arm is received through aperture 32. A compression spring (not shown) is optionally received over pin 30 to extend between housing 28 and the distal end of the shorter arm of link 34 when received in aperture 32 to provide a bias to return pin 30 to its at-rest position after operation of solenoid to retract pin 30.

The distal end of the relatively longer arm of link pin 34 is received through a bore provided towards the distal end of crank arm 38 of cam 40 so that movement of solenoid pin 30 causes rotation of cam 40 in a direction of crank arm 38 towards housing 28. Cam 40 which is substantially annular in shape is provided with large central aperture for rotatingly locating cam 40 on main axle 20.

Cam 40 is provided with a first cam surface or lobe 42 and a second cam surface or lobe 44 at spaced apart locations around the periphery of the cam, typically at about 20° to 90° of rotation from each other.

A pair of mating discs 46, 48 are located on main axle 20 on either side of cam 40 and are each spaced from cam 40 by a washer 50 and are free to rotate in unison with axle 20 as required. One of the mating discs 46 is provided with a pair of substantially parallel spaced apart prongs 52a, 52b extending from the disc in the direction towards cam 40 and the other disc 48 which is provided with a pair of spaced apart holes 54a, 54b for receiving the distal ends of the pair of prongs 52a, 52b respectively so that when the prongs 52a, 52b are received in the holes 54a, 54b the two mating discs 46, 48 are aligned with each other. One of the prongs 52b forms an axle about which a T-catch 56 can pivot in use. T-catch 56 is in the form of an elongate stem 58 having a bar located on either side of the stem to form a T-bar 60 or optionally only one bar projecting from the stem to form an -bar (not shown) located at one end of the stem 58. The end of the stem from which the bar extends acts as a cam contact portion 62. A bore is located towards the end of the stem 58 remote from the T- or L-bar so that prong 52b is received through the bore. A generally double S-shaped T-catch spring 64 comprising three alternately arranged recesses located adjacent each other and a stop located adjacent to one of the recesses provides biasing to maintain the cam contact 62 of the T- catch 56 in contact with the lobes 42, 44 of cam 40 as required. The other of the prongs 52b of the mating discs 46 is received in recess 56 of the spring recess of the T- catch spring closest to the stop to allow the spring 64 to pivot in use of the mechanism 2 along with corresponding movement of the T-catch 56 whilst maintaining pressure of the T-catch so that the cam contact portion 62 is in contact with the lobes of cam as required.

In the normal at-rest positions of cam 40 the cam contact portion 62 rests on part of the cam surface adjacent the lobes and adopts a relatively lower position. In use, as cam 40 rotates, the T-bar is forced to ride up along the lobe to adopt a relatively elevated position which operation will be described in more detail later in this specification.

A generally eccentric-shaped arming disc 66 is located on main axle 20 between mating disc 48 and small washer 26 by main axle 20 being received through the central aperture of the arming disc so that the arming disc is able to rotate about the main axle as required. Arming disc 66 is provided with a pawl or stop shoulder 68 located at one location around the circumference of the disc for cooperatively engaging with one side of the T-bar acting as a ratchet .

A crank arm 70 provided with a bore is provided at a further location on the circumference of the arming disc 66 at a spaced apart location from the stop shoulder 68 so that there is a depression located in the circumferential edge of arming disc 66 intermediate stop shoulder 68 and the crank arm 70. A spigot 72 is received in the aperture of the crank arm and extends outwardly from the arming disc through a generally arcuate slot 74 provided in frame member 12 for engaging with one leg 76 of a torsion spring 78 located about a stub 80 on the other side of the frame member 12. Spring 78 is located so that one leg 82 rests on base plate 4 or an extension of it or on the ground or substrate upon which the mechanism is supported or is held captive by suitable means whereas the other leg 76 is in contact with the distal end of spigot 72. The other end of spigot 72 is fixedly connected to arming plate 4 so that as arming plate 4 is depressed spigot 72 moves relatively downwardly in slot 74. As spigot 72 traverses slot 74 in a generally downwards direction in according with depressing of arming plate 4, spring 78 is compressed to further develop more torsion so that it can be in a more energised condition and simultaneously causing rotation of arming disc 66 in an anti-clockwise direction. The inner or smaller diameter edge of arcuate slot 74 is provided with a cut-out or rebate 82 in its surface for receiving and holding one extreme end of bar 60 to lock the mechanism against rotation as will be described in more detail later.

Returning now to the other end of main axle 20, a slotted wheel 84 is located on main axle 20 intermediate mating disc 46 and the large washer 16 received in circular recess 14 in frame member 10. Slotted wheel 84 is provided with a groove or recess 86 at one point in its circumference for receiving the other extreme end of bar 60 or the slotted wheel may be connected to the bar by any other suitable means so that the T-bar is fixedly connected to the slotted wheel and both rotate in unison about main axle 20 as required. Collar 112 is securely attached to plate 8 such as by welding near to cam 40 for receiving the body of an axially slidable manual release push rod 114. Collar 112 is for receiving and supporting the main part of push rod 114. This arrangement allows slidable movement of rod 114 in use to manually operate the mechanism 2 in the event of a power failure such as, for example, a flat battery or the like. The proximal end of push rod 114 pushes against crank arm 38 of cam 40 in the direction towards housing 28 thereby manually providing operation in the event of failure of the remote control. Cover 116 provided with aperture 118 through which the distal end of push rod 114 extends for access from outside the cover is provided to protect mechanism 2 in use from damage or the effects of dirt or water. Push rod 114 is provided with a ring 110 located at or towards its distal end to prevent push rod from axially slipping through aperture 118 in cover 116.

With particular reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4 in which frame member 10 has been omitted so that the components of mechanism can be seen more clearly, there is shown a pulley wheel 90, received on axle 20, which pulley wheel 90 is located on the other side of frame member 10 as axle 20 extends beyond frame member 10. Pulley wheel 90 is connected to axle 20 for rotation in accordance with corresponding rotation of slotted wheel 84 as mechanism 2 operates. A pulley belt 92 is received on pulley wheel 90 and around a further pulley wheel 94 which is mounted on rotating shaft 96 which in turn is received through and journalled in a support bracket 98 mounted to the bottom of the assembly containing mechanism 2. The other end of shaft 96 is received through and journalled in an aperture located in an end plate 100. Bracket 6 or similar is fixedly connected to the end of shaft 96 which extends beyond end plate 100 to move in accordance with rotation of the shaft. In one embodiment bracket 6 is connected to a door, gate or similar which can be moved between open and closed positions, say through about 90° rotation in accordance with corresponding rotation of slotted disc 84.

Operation of the mechanism of the present invention, say in the application of a remotely controlled gate, particularly a gate across a driveway providing vehicular access or similar, will now be described with particular reference to Figures 6 and 7 from which many of the components have been omitted for the sake of clarity, particularly the components from the slotted wheel 84 to bracket 6.

As assembly containing the mechanism of the present invention is located on the road, driveway, path or similar adjacent to the gate so that as a vehicle is driven through the gateway it passes over an assembly containing the mechanism. When the gate is in its closed position, one end of bar 60 is located in slot 86 of slotted wheel 84 (as it always is) to provide connection therebetween and transmit motion, the cam contact portion 62 of bar 60 rests just above the approach to first lobe 42 of cam 40 and the mid portion of the other end of bar 60 abuts against shoulder stop 68 of arming disc 66 with the extreme end of the bar 60 abutting against the upper end of the inner surface of arcuate slot 74 of frame member 12 so that the slotted wheel 84 is secured in this position.

As the vehicle approaches the gate which is in the closed position, a remote transmitter is operated thereby sending a signal to a receiver located within housing 28 together with a suitable power source such as a battery which provides energy for operation of solenoid to retract solenoid pin 30 within housing 28. It is to be noted that the power source need only be sufficient to operate the solenoid, since operation of the game or similar is by the preloading tension in the actuating mechanism caused by the tension spring being armed or under tension.

As pin 30 retracts, link 34 is moved towards housing 28 thereby rotating crank arm 38 of cam 40 towards the housing 28 which in turn permits bar 60 of the T-catch 66 to ride up along the first lobe 42 thereby releasing the end of bar 60 from the shoulder stop 68 thus releasing the slotted wheel 84 to rotate in an anti-clockwise direction under the effect of gravity on the gate. The gate is so hinged that it is biased for opening when free so that the bias or weight of the gate causes it to move to the open position. As the gate moves to the open position because it is connected to catch 56 via the slotted wheel 84, bracket 6, shaft 96, pulley 92 and pulley wheel 90, 94, it causes the slotted wheel 84 to rotate away from the front of the mechanism (anti-clockwise) until the gate comes to rest in the fully opened position. When the gate is in this position bar 60 is rotated to be located in the depression between the shoulder stop 68 and crank arm 70 of arming disc 66.

As the gate is fully opened the vehicle may be driven through the gate and over the arming plate 4 which is connected via spigot 72 to arming disc 66 and spring 78. As the vehicle passes over the arming plate 4 it is depressed further towards the ground against the bias of torsion spring 78 which is put into compression by the action. As spigot 72 moves within arcuate slot 74 due to the depression of arming plate 4, the arming disc 66 is rotated anti-clockwise until the shoulder stop 68 rotates past and under bar 60 to clear the bar whereupon it is pushed down by spring 64 to engage against the shoulder stop. As the extreme end of bar 60 is held in the rebate 82 in the inner surface of the arcuate slot 74 the mechanism is prevented from moving whilst the arming disc rotates anti-clockwise past the bar about axle 20. Even though the shoulder stop 68 is hard against the bar and under pressure from the torsion spring now in its maximum energised state to rotate clockwise, it is prevented from doing so by the extreme end of bar 60 being located in rebate 82 and shoulder stop 68 abutting against bar 60. When the mechanism is in this condition it is said to be in the armed state or energised condition and has maximum potential for further movement, such as to close the gate or similar.

As cam 40 is more or less fixed because it is connected to the solenoid pin 30 by link 34, when bar 60 falls with the barrier the cam contact portion 62 of bar 60 adopts a position on the approach to second lobe 44. Thus, the second lobe can release the stored energy to close the gate when required.

When the vehicle passes through the gate and the gate is to be closed, the remote transmitter is operated so that the solenoid pin 30 is retracted into housing 28. On retraction of the solenoid pin, crank arm 38 of cam 40 is rotated towards housing 28 which in turn moves second lobe 44 which forces the cam contact portion 62 of bar 60 to ride up second lobe 44 so that the extreme end of bar 60 is released from being held captive in rebate 82. As there is now no longer a restraining force on torsion spring 78 on releasing spring 78 spigot 72 moves in arcuate slot 74 in a clockwise direction (upwards) which in turn allows arming plate 66 to return to its normal elevated (less depressed) position and simultaneously the mechanism rotates clockwise under the force of torsion spring 78 on the arming disc 66. As bar 60 is abutting against the shoulder stop 68, as the arming disc 66 rotates clockwise it forces bar 60 to correspondingly rotate until the extreme end of bar 60 contacts the upper end of arcuate slot 74 which prevents further clockwise rotational movement. Since the other end of the bar 60 is received in slot 86 of or otherwise connected to slotted wheel 84, as bar 60 moves, so does slotted wheel 84 until it comes to rest, where the cam contact 62 of the bar takes up a position on the approach to the first lobe 42. Simultaneously, the gate is forced to close since it is connected to the slotted wheel 84 through the pulley subassembly as previously described. When the gate finishes closing the mechanism is in a condition ready for a further cycle of operation with bar 60 at the extreme end of arcuate slot 74, bar 60 is now resting against the shoulder stop 68 and the cam contact 62 of the bar on the approach to the first lobe 42.

Advantages of the present invention include a low cost, self-contained, compact, reliable actuating mechanism for use in remote locations for automatically closing gates and the like. As the device may be operated from the driver's seat or similar of the vehicle, the gate may be opened and closed without the need for the operator to dismount or alight from the vehicle.

The described arrangement has been advanced by explanation and many modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention which includes every novel feature and novel combination of features hereindisclosed.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. An actuating mechanism suitable for use in effecting operation of a movable member between a first position and a second position, in which said movable member is for connection either directly or indirectly to a device requiring movement for operation, characterised in that the mechanism includes a driving means for effecting movement of the movable member between a first and second position in a first direction in use in response to movement or operation of a control means, and an arming means for arming the driving means in which said arming means is capable of movement between a first position and a second position, such that movement of the arming means in a first direction arms or preloads the driving means in readiness for moving the movable member in response to operation of the control means in use, wherein when said driving means is in the position corresponding to being armed by movement of the arming means in a first direction, operation of the control means causes the driving means to move the movable member between the first and second positions in the first direction thereby disarming the arming means, and when the movable member is forced to move or moves between the first and second position in the second direction, the control means is reset for future operation of the mechanism by arming the arming means.

2. An actuating mechanism according to claim 1, characterised in that the movable member is or is connected either directly or indirectly to a device requiring movement for its operation.

3. An actuating mechanism according to claim 2, characterised in that the device is a door, gate, barrier, security device or similar which, when in one position, being the open position, allows access through or past, and when in the second position denies access.

4. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the driving means is a device for storing energy.

5. An actuating mechanism according to claim 4, characterised in that the device for storing energy is a spring, preferably a torsion spring or similar, particularly a wound spring around a shaft or similar.

6. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the control means is a cam and an associated cam contact portion arranged so that the cam and cam contact portion interact co-operatively with each other to effect operation of the driving means.

7. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the control means further comprises an electrically operated solenoid or similar arranged so that operation of the solenoid effects operation of the control means.

8. An actuating mechanism according to claim 7, characterised in that the electrically operated solenoid is remote controlled or is a remotely activated solenoid for use in operating the cam and cam contact portion.

9. An actuating mechanism according to claim 7 or 8, characterised in that the cam has one, two, three or more cam lobes .

10. An actuating mechanism according to claim 9, characterised in that there are two cam lobes, in which one cam lobe is for use in connection with effecting control of the driving means to move the movable member in a first direction, and the second cam lobe is associated with movement of the movable member in a second direction.

11. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that operation of the control means when associated with the second lobe of the cam effects operation of the spring to move the door, gate, barrier or similar to a closed position.

12. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that operation of the control means when associated with the first cam lobe permits the door, gate, barrier or similar to move either directly or indirectly under the influence or effect of gravity to a position corresponding to an open entry or access position.

13. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the arming device is a plate mounted in or close to the doorway, gateway or in close proximity to the barrier or similar device, so that movement through or past the device causes movement of the arming plate to a primed or armed position, thereby arming the driving means.

14. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the arming plate can be operated by a person pushing on the plate or by a person riding or driving over the arming plate.

15. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the arming plate may be armed manually or if required may be power-assisted.

16. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that it further comprises a bracket connected directly or indirectly to a gate, door or barrier.

17. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the cam is provided with a crank arm.

18. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the cam has a first cam surface or lobe and a second cam surface or lobe located at spaced apart locations around the periphery of the cam, preferably at about between 20° to 90° to each other.

19. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that it further includes a movable lock means in the form of a T-catch or similar associated with a spring means for maintaining the T-catch in contact with the lobes of the cam.

20. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that it further includes an arming disc located on an axle, in which said arming disc is provided with a stop means for co-operatively engaging with a T-bar.

21. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the arming disc is provided with a crank arm having an aperture for receiving a spigot.

22. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that one end of the spigot is fixedly connected to the arming plate so that as the arming plate is depressed the spigot moves accordingly.

23. An actuating mechanism according to any preceding claim, characterised in that as the arming plate and spigot move the torsion spring is compressed to further develop more tension to effect operation of the movable member.

24. An actuating mechanism substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.