GB2431200A

GB2431200A - Self-closing gate with rotatable sleeve

Info

Publication number: GB2431200A
Application number: GB0521034A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stanley Edward Snelgrove
Original assignee: Medway Galvanising Co Ltd
Current assignee: Medway Galvanising Co Ltd
Priority date: 2005-10-17
Filing date: 2005-10-17
Publication date: 2007-04-18
Also published as: GB0521034D0

Abstract

A self-closing gate assembly is disclosed comprising an elongate hanging post 12, having a longitudinally-extending axis and a hollow upper end. A sleeve 14 is mounted co-axially with and rotatably around the hanging post 12 and an annular flange 42 is attached to the top end of said sleeve on the inside surface thereof. A gate-forming barrier 20 is connected to the sleeve and extends radially of the axis. Rotational control means are located wholly within the hollow upper end of the hanging post and comprise a first part 32 connectable to the upper end of the hanging post 12, a second relatively rotatable part 34 connectable to the annular flange 42 through a horizontally mounted bearing plate 38 on the upper end thereof, and damping means adapted 36 to regulate the relative rotation of the first and second parts. This regulation included urging the sleeve 14 to a predetermined rotational position relative to the hanging post when displaced therefrom and controlling the rotational velocity of the sleeve relative to the hanging post.

Description

Self-Closing Gates The invention relates to self-closing gate assemblies.

Self-closing gates and support posts are well known but suffer from several important disadvantages. Firstly, they require both a hanging post and a closing post to be positioned accurately prior to the hanging of a gate using separate hinges fixed both to the hanging post and the gate. In addition, some form of latch or stop must be fixed to the closing post so as to locate the gate in the closed position. Such gates need to be actively opened and closed. It is known to provide an external or separate opening and/or closing device such as : 10 a spring or electric motor that can be fixed to the gate structure in order :: :1: independently and automatically to operate the gate. The second disadvantage S...

* ** of such gates is that when in use, there are a number of exposed moving parts. S.,.

* * These create hazards such as shear-actions and crush-points which can cause injuries, especially to children. Thirdly, the hanging and closing posts may move

SI SI

* : 15 out of position due to the weight of the gate or vandalism, thereby causing the assembled structure to malfunction. Finally, it is essential for correct operation that the hanging and closing posts are correctly positioned relative to each other and their surroundings. Therefore when installing a gate the two posts must separately be connected to the ground, often by digging a hole and concreting around their bases, with the posts in the correct position. The gate is subsequently hung on the hanging post, but cannot be so hung until the fixing has hardened, which means the process is time consuming.

The object of the invention is to provide a self-closing gate which is substantially free from shear-actions, crush-points and exposed working parts making it safer for the user. A second object is to provide a selfclosing gate P14088-SP.OI.doc which incorporates an integral closing device. A third preferred object is to provided a combined self-closing gate and closing post, to prevent the hanging and closing posts from moving independently and causing malfunction. A fourth object of the present invention is to provide a gate that provides these advantages but is easier to assemble and construct, and has improved strength when so assembled.

Therefore according to the present invention there is provided a selfclosing gate assembly comprising: an elongate hanging post adapted to be positioned substantially vertically, : :* 10 having a longitudinally-extending axis and a hollow upper end; * I... a sleeve mounted co-axially with and rotatably around the hanging post I *** * ** an annular flange attached to the top end of said sleeve on the inside *1S * ..: surface thereof, * : * a gate-forming barrier connected to the sleeve and extending at least * 15 partially radially of the axis; and rotational control means located wholly within the hollow upper end of the hanging post and comprising; a first part connectable to the upper end of the hanging post, a second relatively rotatable part connectable, through a horizontally mounted bearing plate on the upper end thereof, to the annular flange, and damping means adapted to regulate the relative rotation of the first and second parts including urging the sleeve to a predetermined rotational position relative to the hanging post when displaced therefrom; and controlling the rotational velocity of the sleeve relative to the hanging post.

The present invention is primarily intended for use as a gate assembly across a passage way or other opening through which people pass. The P14088-SP.OI doc hanging post is disposed substantially vertical with upper and lower ends, and with the sleeve positioned at or adjacent the upper end thereof. The sleeve then may advantageously be closed at its upper end and be positioned over the upper end of the hanging post. This conceals the working parts such as the closure means and the rate control means, as well as the upper end of the hanging post. In this way, they are protected from damage or weathering and risk of injury therefrom is eliminated.

In order to permit access to the working mechanism inside the sleeve, and in order that convenient assembly is permitted, the sleeve may be closed by a removable cap, possibly held in place by security fixings. This allows the *.... sleeve to be slid vertically over the hanging post before connection of the sleeve I..

to the bearing plate.

Whilst by suitable design the hanging post and sleeve could have a * variety of different shapes, it is highly preferred that the hanging post is I ** * * 15 cylindrical in external profile and that the sleeve is tubular, and of slightly larger diameter. The outer diameter of the hanging post should be smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve, with a suitable clearance to permit the device to function.

It is preferred that the range of rotational movement of the sleeve about the hanging post may be limited. Therefore the present invention may be further provided with abutments adapted to limit the range of rotation of the sleeve about the hanging post. These abutments may be provided on the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the hanging post, in such a way that movement of the sleeve within the permitted range is possible, but at the pre-set P14088-SP-OI doe limits, at least one pair of abutments (or stops) come into contact with each other to prevent further rotation.

The rotational control means comprise a first part connectable to the hanging post, a second relatively-rotatable part connectable to the sleeve, and damping means adapted to regulate the relative rotation of the first and second parts. The first part of the rotational control means is connected to the upper end of the hanging post, and the second part may is attached to the sleeve adjacent one end. A radially-extending horizontal bearing plate is used to interconnect the second part and the sleeve. Preferably the hanging post is * : :* 10 provided with a inwardly directed peg to engage with the first part of the rotational control means. * ***

* To ensure smooth rotation of the sleeve about the hanging post, a * *.

* * * bearing or bearings may be provided between the inner surface of the sleeve * and the outer surface of the hanging post. In particular, if the sleeve is I...

* 15 operatively connected to the hanging post at the upper end it is preferable to provide a bearing at the lower end to keep the parts in the correct axial alignment when, for example, a turning moment is applied by a downward or upward force on the barrier.

The barrier of the gate assembly according to the present invention does not require a closing post as it will independently locate at the closed position, under the influence of the closure means. However, in many applications a closing post is desirable. Therefore the gate assembly may be further provided with a closing post adjacent the outer end of the bamer when the sleeve is at the single predetermined position relative to the hanging post (the closed position).

To prevent relative movement of the closing and hanging post, the closing post P14088-SP-Ol &c may be connected to the hanging post. Preferably the closing post is connected to the hanging post by an inter-connecting bar or bars, which, in use, are buried beneath the surface above which the self-closing gate is positioned. In this way they do not obstruct the gateway.

If the closing post is connected to the hanging post, independent relative movement of the two is prevented. This will prevent misalignment and consequent malfunction. In addition a gate assembly having an integral closing post can be located in a suitable position by burying the lower ends of the closing and hanging posts as well as any interconnecting parts beneath the surface of the ground.

*., The closing post may be provided with a stop against which the barrier * * ** abuts, or alternatively the barrier may have a stop which abuts on the closing * *** *..: post. These may serve to limit the range of rotational movement, and may be used to lock the gate. Alternatively selective locking means could be provided S..

between the hanging post and the sleeve.

The closure means, rate control means and the rotation-limiting abutments, as well as any other components such as opening devices, stops and locks are located internally of the sleeve, thereby preventing injury or tampering. Accordingly, this invention provides a gate assembly free from shear actions, crush points and exposed working parts.

The gate and posts are preferably made of metal or plastics however some component parts may be made from wood. The rate control means and the closure means preferably use one or a combination of springs, and hydraulic or pneumatic damping mechanisms.

P14088-SP-OI doc It is preferred that the gate-forming barrier is formed from metal sections, possibly a single U-shaped piece. It is advantageous that the metal sections are formed from lengths of metal tube or rods of circular cross-section attached to the sleeve. It is highly advantageous that at the points of attachment reinforcing fins are connected between the outer surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the metal section adjacent the attachment.

The invention and further preferred features thereof can be seen from the accompanying drawings. By way of example only one preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front elevation of gate assembly structure with the barrier in a closed position; S..

* Figure 2 shows a plan view of the embodiment of Figure 1, but with the *:: barrier in an open position; Figure 3 is a vertical section through the hanging post and sleeve showing the internal working parts; Figure 4 shows two possible embodiments of latch stop, one attached to the closing post, and another attached to the barrier; Figure 5 is a side view of the sleeve and attached bamer; Figure 6 is a plan view of the embodiment in Figure 5; Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the upper end of the sleeve; Figure 8 is an enlarged view into the upper end of the sleeve; and, PI4OSS-SP-OI doc Figure 9 is a partially cross-sectional view of the upper end of the hanging post.

Figure 1 shows a self-closing gate assembly generally indicated 10 comprising a hanging post 12, a sleeve 14 rotatably mounted on the hanging post 12 and a closing post 16 connected to the lower end of the hanging post 12 by connecting bars 18. A barrier generally indicated 20 formed from a three sided perimeter bar 22 connected to and extending horizontally from the sleeve 14, and vertical grille bars 24 connected between the opposed sides of the perimeter bar 22. The perimeter bar is formed from hollow tubular bars. As can : 10 be seen from Figures 1 and 2, the outer edge 26 of the barrier 20 is adjacent the : : ::* closing post when in a closed position. The barrier may be swung by someone : : : passing through the gate assembly to an open position (best seen in Figure 2).

: ** Such movement of the barrier causes the sleeve 14 to rotate about the hanging post 12 against the force of the closure means. When the barrier is released the S...

* 15 closure means within the sleeve (not shown in Figures 1 and 2) urges the barrier to return to the closed position.

The cross-sectional view in Figure 3 shows the internal workings of the sleeve 14, hanging post 12 and interconnecting mechanisms. The hanging post 12 is generally tubular as is the sleeve 14. A damper 30 is located inside the upper end of the hanging post 12. The damper 30 has a first part 32 connected to the hanging post 12 and a second part 34 connected to the upper end of the sleeve 14. The first and second parts are rotatably inter-connected through a damping mechanism 36 which controls their relative positions and rate of rotation.

P14088-SP-OI doc The upper end of the second part 34 has a horizontal bearing plate 38, to which dowels 40 are fixed. These locate in holes 41 (best seen in Figure 7 and 8) in an inwardly extending annular flange 42 fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve 14 thereby allowing vertical location of the sleeve, but locking it horizontally. The bottom face of the bearing plate provides a horizontal beanng surface for location of a ball bearing race 44.

Abutments in the form of outer stops 46 (only visible in Figures 5 and 7) are selectively fixed to the inner surface of the sleeve, and these abut inner stops 48 located on the hanging post 12. The range of rotational movement of * : :* 10 the gate is set by the relative positioning of the stops. A bearing 50 is located at * : : :* the bottom of the sleeve 14 to provide lateral support, it also restrains the sleeve vertically by means of a stop screw 52 positioned directly above on the hanging S. post 12.

The sleeve is tubular, and the upper end is closed by a cap 54 which * * S. attaches over the open end. Fixing screws 56 are used to hold the cap in place.

Access for construction and maintenance of the working parts is provided by removal of the cap 54.

Although not required, there may be a latch stop provided on the closing post or the outer edge of its barrier. Figure 4 shows two possible embodiments of latch stop; in one, the outer edge 26 of the barrier 20 could abut on the stop when in the closed position. In the other, the stop 32 is attached to the outer edge 26 of the barrier and abuts on the closing post 16 when in the closed position.

Figures 5 to 8 show various enlarged views of the sleeve 14 and barrier 20. As can be seen the flange 44 is annular and extends around the inner P14088-SP-OI doc surface of the sleeve near the upper end. The flange 42 has holes 41 formed therethrough which are usually drilled just prior to mounting of the sleeve on the hanging post. This means that inaccuracies in the manufacturing tolerances may be taken into account to reduce the level of precision required in the manufacture of the components.

Reinforcing fins 60 are connected, usually by welding between the outer surface of the sleeve and the adjacent surface of the free ends of the perimeter bar 22.

Figure 9 shows the top end of the hanging post 12, and the hollow upper end in which the closure mechanism locates. Fixing holes 62 are formed * ** through the wall and the inner stops 48 are attached to the post using these. A peg 64 extends inwardly from the upper edge and the closure mechanism a...

: *.: engages with this to prevent rotation of the one part of the rotational control * means thereof relative to the hanging post. S. S S S *

P14088-SP-OI doc - 10-

Claims

1. A self-closing gate assembly comprising: an elongate hanging post adapted to be positioned substantially vertically, having a longitudinally-extending axis and a hollow upper end; a sleeve mounted coaxially with and rotatably around the hanging post an annular flange attached to the top end of said sleeve on the inside surface thereof; a gate-forming barrier connected to the sleeve and extending at least * 10 partially radially of the axis; and * I... rotational control means located wholly within the hollow upper end of the **** hanging post and comprising; a first part connectable to the upper end of the * S ** * : *.: hanging post, a second relatively rotatable part connectable, through a * . horizontally mounted bearing plate on the upper end thereof, to the annular flange, and damping means adapted to regulate the relative rotation of the first and second parts including urging the sleeve to a predetermined rotational position relative to the hanging post when displaced therefrom; and controlling the rotational velocity of the sleeve relative to the hanging post.

2. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sleeve is open at its upper end and is selectively covered by a removable cap positioned over said open upper end.

4. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the hanging post is cylindrical in external profile, the sleeve is tubular and the outer diameter of the hanging post is smaller than the inner diameter of the sleeve.

PJ4088-SP-OI doc -Il- 5. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, which is further provided with abutments adapted to limit the range of rotation of the sleeve about the hanging post.

6. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the abutments are provided on the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the hanging post.

7. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein a bearing is provided between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the hanging post.

i0 8. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, : :*S which is further provided with a closing post adjacent the outer end of the bamer I..

* ** when the sleeve is at the single predetermined position relative to the hanging * S..

: post.

9. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 8, wherein the closing S..

is post is connected to the hanging post.

10. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in claim 9, wherein the closing post is connected to the hanging post by a connecting bar which, in use, is buried beneath the surface upon which the self-closing gate is positioned.

11. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the closing post is provided with a latch stop against which the barrier abuts.

12. A self-closing gate assembly as claimed in any of the preceding claims, and substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

P1408S-SP-O1 dcc