CA2512573C - Automatic corral gate closure - Google Patents
Automatic corral gate closure Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2512573C CA2512573C CA2512573A CA2512573A CA2512573C CA 2512573 C CA2512573 C CA 2512573C CA 2512573 A CA2512573 A CA 2512573A CA 2512573 A CA2512573 A CA 2512573A CA 2512573 C CA2512573 C CA 2512573C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- gate
- corral
- closed position
- central closed
- opposing directions
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000006096 absorbing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 claims description 10
- 238000009499 grossing Methods 0.000 abstract description 2
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 3
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 3
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 3
- 244000144972 livestock Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000014653 Carica parviflora Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000243321 Cnidaria Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000032683 aging Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007935 neutral effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002699 waste material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002023 wood Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K3/00—Pasturing equipment, e.g. tethering devices; Grids for preventing cattle from straying; Electrified wire fencing
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
- A01K1/0005—Stable partitions
- A01K1/0017—Gates, doors
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D3/00—Hinges with pins
- E05D3/06—Hinges with pins with two or more pins
- E05D3/08—Hinges with pins with two or more pins for swing-doors, i.e. openable by pushing from either side
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05F—DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION; CHECKS FOR WINGS; WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05F1/00—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass
- E05F1/08—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings
- E05F1/10—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance
- E05F1/1008—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance with a coil spring parallel with the pivot axis
- E05F1/1016—Closers or openers for wings, not otherwise provided for in this subclass spring-actuated, e.g. for horizontally sliding wings for swinging wings, e.g. counterbalance with a coil spring parallel with the pivot axis with a canted-coil torsion spring
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05DÂ AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/40—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for gates
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Husbandry (AREA)
- Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
- Zoology (AREA)
- Soil Working Implements (AREA)
- Gates (AREA)
- Closing And Opening Devices For Wings, And Checks For Wings (AREA)
Abstract
A ranch gate arm assembly which incorporates a gate arm that is mounted to allow swiveling about a longitudinal pivot when an external man or machine force is applied to either side of the gate arm thereby inducing the gate arm to swing out, and two torsion springs, one assembled on each side of the ranch gate arm which push against correlating sides of the gate and push the gate back to a centre position after the external force has passed completely through the opening.
This gate arm assembly is equipped with a smoothing release assembly, which eliminates the jolt force caused by the quick returning of the gate assembly to the centre position that the gate was originally in before the external force was applied.
This gate arm assembly is equipped with a smoothing release assembly, which eliminates the jolt force caused by the quick returning of the gate assembly to the centre position that the gate was originally in before the external force was applied.
Description
AUTOMATIC CORRAL GATE CLOSURE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an agriculture/rancher gate arm which is used at higher traffic machinery entrances to and from the pasture and corral containment areas for livestock and such.
More specifically, the invention relates to a swivel class gate arm, which is mounted to allow pivoting longitudinally when an external force is applied to either side of the mechanism. There are prior art mechanisms disclosed that attempt to perform this action, but they do not attempt to control the return of the spring loaded gate arms in a safe manner.
The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic gate closer that is controlled by a smoothening damper that will provide safety for family members and pets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Small and large scale livestock producers are constantly going in and out of their corrals either on foot or while driving a farm implement. Every time they choose to move thru these corrals, they physically have to get off the vehicle, move it through the gate, get back off, close the gate and then proceed back onto their vehicle. These producers are constantly looking for ways to make their operations more efficient. Another clear fact is the aging producer is not able to or fond of all the effort required to get on and off of implements.
There are very few innovative ideas presently available to correct this waste of effort required to efficiently get through a corral gate that safely closes automatically behind you.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a swivel spring adapted assembly, which will safely return a gate arm to a fully closed neutral position in the absence of external forces.
Advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is an apparatus for providing an improved method for farm implements to go through gates, and have them automatically close without getting off the implement.
When the apparatus is installed for use, the frame assembly and the shock absorber assembly are fastened to the wooden gate stake post. Once these assemblies are attached to the post, the steel gate is slid between the two spring assemblies and attached also to the primary gate stake post. The latter steel gatepost must be positioned far enough away from the gatepost to allow the steel gate the capability of swiveling axially when a force is applied.
In a preferred embodiment, the improved gate arm is attached to the gate mechanism through a swivel bracket and is maintained in a preferred is by the centering force of the springs in the swivel frame assembly all the while the action being dampened by the shock absorber assembly.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an agriculture/rancher gate arm which is used at higher traffic machinery entrances to and from the pasture and corral containment areas for livestock and such.
More specifically, the invention relates to a swivel class gate arm, which is mounted to allow pivoting longitudinally when an external force is applied to either side of the mechanism. There are prior art mechanisms disclosed that attempt to perform this action, but they do not attempt to control the return of the spring loaded gate arms in a safe manner.
The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic gate closer that is controlled by a smoothening damper that will provide safety for family members and pets.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Small and large scale livestock producers are constantly going in and out of their corrals either on foot or while driving a farm implement. Every time they choose to move thru these corrals, they physically have to get off the vehicle, move it through the gate, get back off, close the gate and then proceed back onto their vehicle. These producers are constantly looking for ways to make their operations more efficient. Another clear fact is the aging producer is not able to or fond of all the effort required to get on and off of implements.
There are very few innovative ideas presently available to correct this waste of effort required to efficiently get through a corral gate that safely closes automatically behind you.
Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a swivel spring adapted assembly, which will safely return a gate arm to a fully closed neutral position in the absence of external forces.
Advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention is an apparatus for providing an improved method for farm implements to go through gates, and have them automatically close without getting off the implement.
When the apparatus is installed for use, the frame assembly and the shock absorber assembly are fastened to the wooden gate stake post. Once these assemblies are attached to the post, the steel gate is slid between the two spring assemblies and attached also to the primary gate stake post. The latter steel gatepost must be positioned far enough away from the gatepost to allow the steel gate the capability of swiveling axially when a force is applied.
In a preferred embodiment, the improved gate arm is attached to the gate mechanism through a swivel bracket and is maintained in a preferred is by the centering force of the springs in the swivel frame assembly all the while the action being dampened by the shock absorber assembly.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
a pair of swing arms, each pivotally supported at an inner and on the brace member and being arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end;
the pair of spring members each being coupled between the brace member and a respective one of the swings arms so as to apply the closing force to the respective one of the swing arms to bias the corral gate from the respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
and a dampening mechanism arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate; and a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of said two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
the spring members being adjustable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently adjustable.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate; and a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
the spring members being releasable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently releasable.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
a pair of swing arms, each pivotally supported at an inner end on the brace member and being arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end; and a pair of spring members coupled between the brace member and a respective one of the swings arms, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to the respective one of the swing arms to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the 5 corral gate.
The free outer end of each swing arm according to the illustrated embodiment comprises an upright bar arranged to engage the gate.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate; and a dampening mechanism arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members.
The dampening mechanism in the illustrated embodiment comprises a single shock absorber member arranged to dampen movement of the gate from both of said two opposing directions to the central closed position.
More particularly, the dampening mechanism of the illustrated embodiment comprises a linear dampening member arranged to be compressed upon 1 Ii CA 02512573 2010-01-15 movement of the gate from either of said two opposed directions towards the central closed position.
The member comprising the dampening mechanism in the illustrated embodiment is pivotally coupled to the brace member at first end and arranged to be pivotally coupled to the corral gate at an opposing second end wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the brace member at a location spaced radially outward from the upright axis of the corral gate.
The spring members of the illustrated embodiment each comprise sprung harrow tine members.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic gate closer for use with a gate member to provide for automatic directing of the gate member to a center closed position when the gate member is released from its open position after the gate member has been pressed either inwardly or outwardly away from the closed position, the gate closer comprising:
a pair of upper spaced plates and a pair of lower spaced plates each horizontally mounted to a stationary post;
a respective spacer bolt assembly connected to the adjacent upper plates and to the adjacent lower plates, the respective spacer bolt assembly controlling the spacing between the adjacent upper plates and the adjacent lower plates;
at least one brace secured to at least one of the plates, the at least one brace having an aperture therein for receiving a threaded end of an eyebolt;
at least one harrow tine spring interconnected with at least one tube proximate the post and a square tubing distant from the post, the at least one tube being secured to at least one of the plates;
a pair of swing arms, each pivotally supported at an inner and on the brace member and being arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end;
the pair of spring members each being coupled between the brace member and a respective one of the swings arms so as to apply the closing force to the respective one of the swing arms to bias the corral gate from the respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
and a dampening mechanism arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members.
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate; and a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of said two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
the spring members being adjustable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently adjustable.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate; and a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
the spring members being releasable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently releasable.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
a pair of swing arms, each pivotally supported at an inner end on the brace member and being arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end; and a pair of spring members coupled between the brace member and a respective one of the swings arms, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to the respective one of the swing arms to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the 5 corral gate.
The free outer end of each swing arm according to the illustrated embodiment comprises an upright bar arranged to engage the gate.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate; and a dampening mechanism arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members.
The dampening mechanism in the illustrated embodiment comprises a single shock absorber member arranged to dampen movement of the gate from both of said two opposing directions to the central closed position.
More particularly, the dampening mechanism of the illustrated embodiment comprises a linear dampening member arranged to be compressed upon 1 Ii CA 02512573 2010-01-15 movement of the gate from either of said two opposed directions towards the central closed position.
The member comprising the dampening mechanism in the illustrated embodiment is pivotally coupled to the brace member at first end and arranged to be pivotally coupled to the corral gate at an opposing second end wherein the first end is pivotally coupled to the brace member at a location spaced radially outward from the upright axis of the corral gate.
The spring members of the illustrated embodiment each comprise sprung harrow tine members.
According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided an automatic gate closer for use with a gate member to provide for automatic directing of the gate member to a center closed position when the gate member is released from its open position after the gate member has been pressed either inwardly or outwardly away from the closed position, the gate closer comprising:
a pair of upper spaced plates and a pair of lower spaced plates each horizontally mounted to a stationary post;
a respective spacer bolt assembly connected to the adjacent upper plates and to the adjacent lower plates, the respective spacer bolt assembly controlling the spacing between the adjacent upper plates and the adjacent lower plates;
at least one brace secured to at least one of the plates, the at least one brace having an aperture therein for receiving a threaded end of an eyebolt;
at least one harrow tine spring interconnected with at least one tube proximate the post and a square tubing distant from the post, the at least one tube being secured to at least one of the plates;
a sliding pin passing through the at least one tube;
a chain link connecting the sliding pin to the eyebolt;
a round tubing having a first end attached to the post and a second end pivotally attached to a shock absorber, and two metal straps each attached at a first end to the post and at a second end to the round tubing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the automatic gate closer.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the spring tensioning eyebolt.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
More particularly, Figure 1 is an elevational view showing a swivel assembly 1, whereby the mentioned frame of the assembly is attached by lag bolt fasteners to the stationary wood post 16 of the corral. The metal gate is attached with pivot points above and below the gate closer mechanism.
Thus, when a horizontal machine force engages the gate arm, it will tend to pivot the gate, which will induce pressure on the effected square tubing 5, which in turn administers pressure on the swing arm 20. The more the vehicle moves into the gate area forcing the gate open the more the force on the springs 4.
The springs 4 are attached to the swivel assembly I first by sliding bolt, washer and nut assembly 6.
Figure 1 shows a spring bracket weldment, which is the edifice for supporting the controlled movement of a gate arm. The spring bracket weldment included the tube 3, which is welded to a strap fabricated plate 15. The gate force control assembly I has two spacer bolt assemblies 9, which controls the front space between the two mirror image swivel assemblies I.
a chain link connecting the sliding pin to the eyebolt;
a round tubing having a first end attached to the post and a second end pivotally attached to a shock absorber, and two metal straps each attached at a first end to the post and at a second end to the round tubing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the automatic gate closer.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the spring tensioning eyebolt.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
More particularly, Figure 1 is an elevational view showing a swivel assembly 1, whereby the mentioned frame of the assembly is attached by lag bolt fasteners to the stationary wood post 16 of the corral. The metal gate is attached with pivot points above and below the gate closer mechanism.
Thus, when a horizontal machine force engages the gate arm, it will tend to pivot the gate, which will induce pressure on the effected square tubing 5, which in turn administers pressure on the swing arm 20. The more the vehicle moves into the gate area forcing the gate open the more the force on the springs 4.
The springs 4 are attached to the swivel assembly I first by sliding bolt, washer and nut assembly 6.
Figure 1 shows a spring bracket weldment, which is the edifice for supporting the controlled movement of a gate arm. The spring bracket weldment included the tube 3, which is welded to a strap fabricated plate 15. The gate force control assembly I has two spacer bolt assemblies 9, which controls the front space between the two mirror image swivel assemblies I.
It is at this point that I will describe the spring factors, which have been designed to control the returning of the gate to the normal position after the ranch vehicle has passed through it. The force on the spring tines 4 and square tubing 5 will be at its maximum when the gate is fully open. This force will propel the gate back to its original position.
It is now that I will describe the smoothing action of the shock absorber assembly 10. The sub assembly 10 & 11 are fabricated to be the solid support system for the dampening mechanism. The round tubing 10 has an anchor plate welded to one end, which creates the mounting brace required to secure it to the corral wooden stud 16. On the opposite end of the metal tube assembly is located two welded oval plates fabricated above and below, designed to provide a support swivel anchor for the shock absorber 12. This support plate must allow the absorber to swivel approximately 180 degrees. This entire mechanism is designed to provide a smooth regulated slower return of the gate to its original closed position.
The two metal straps 11 are designed to give maximum support to anchor the shock absorber assembly 10. These straps provide the strength by containing the triangular support on each side of the shock absorber assembly.
At this point in the detailed description, I will describe the spring tension eyebolt assembly 8. Figure 1 & 2 shows this assembly, The pin 6 runs through the pipe 3.
This pin 6 holds the tension spring intact on the outside of the mechanism and provides an anchor for the chain link 7, which is slid through the open end of the eyebolt 8. The threaded part of the eyebolt 8 is threaded through the right angle brace mechanism 2, whereby the eyebolt nut is secured at whatever tension is required to keep the spring assembly 4 firm against the gate. The importance of this . I I CA 02512573 2010-01-15 mechanism is ultimate. As spring permeability changes this mechanism can be tightened or loosened in union with different temperatures apparent for all the different seasons of the year.
As described and illustrated herein, the present invention relates to an automatic corral gate closer 21 for use with a corral gate 22 supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis 23 in two opposing directions 24 from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a coral opening.
The closer 21 includes a brace member 1 (or swivel assembly) for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis 23 of the corral gate 22.
The pair of swing arms 20 are each pivotally supported at an inner end on the brace member I and are arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end where there is provided an upright bar 5 to engage the gate.
The pair of spring members 4 as described above are each coupled between the brace member 1 and a respective one of the swings arms 20 such that each spring member is arranged to apply a closing force to the respective one of the swing arms 20 to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions 24 to the central closed position of the corral gate. The spring members 4 each comprise sprung harrow tine members.
As understood and apparent by persons skilled in the art, due to the threaded nature of the adjustment eyebolts 8, and the sliding nature of the pins 6, the spring members 4 are adjustable and releasable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently adjustable and independently releasable.
The dampening mechanism 10 as described above comprises a single, linear acting, shock absorbing, dampening member 12 arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members 4. The linear nature of the dampening member 12 and the pivotal mounting at opposing ends 13 thereof relative to the brace member 1 at an 5 inner end and relative to the gate at the outer end arranges the dampening member 12 to provide dampening of movement of the gate from both of said two opposing directions to the central closed position.
By pivotally coupling the inner one of the ends 13 of the member 12 relative to the brace member 1 at a location which is spaced radially outward from the 10 upright axis of the corral gate, the member 12 is arranged to be compressed upon movement of the gate from either of the two opposed directions towards the central closed position.
Since various modifications could be made in my invention herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrated only and not in a limiting sense.
It is now that I will describe the smoothing action of the shock absorber assembly 10. The sub assembly 10 & 11 are fabricated to be the solid support system for the dampening mechanism. The round tubing 10 has an anchor plate welded to one end, which creates the mounting brace required to secure it to the corral wooden stud 16. On the opposite end of the metal tube assembly is located two welded oval plates fabricated above and below, designed to provide a support swivel anchor for the shock absorber 12. This support plate must allow the absorber to swivel approximately 180 degrees. This entire mechanism is designed to provide a smooth regulated slower return of the gate to its original closed position.
The two metal straps 11 are designed to give maximum support to anchor the shock absorber assembly 10. These straps provide the strength by containing the triangular support on each side of the shock absorber assembly.
At this point in the detailed description, I will describe the spring tension eyebolt assembly 8. Figure 1 & 2 shows this assembly, The pin 6 runs through the pipe 3.
This pin 6 holds the tension spring intact on the outside of the mechanism and provides an anchor for the chain link 7, which is slid through the open end of the eyebolt 8. The threaded part of the eyebolt 8 is threaded through the right angle brace mechanism 2, whereby the eyebolt nut is secured at whatever tension is required to keep the spring assembly 4 firm against the gate. The importance of this . I I CA 02512573 2010-01-15 mechanism is ultimate. As spring permeability changes this mechanism can be tightened or loosened in union with different temperatures apparent for all the different seasons of the year.
As described and illustrated herein, the present invention relates to an automatic corral gate closer 21 for use with a corral gate 22 supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis 23 in two opposing directions 24 from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a coral opening.
The closer 21 includes a brace member 1 (or swivel assembly) for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis 23 of the corral gate 22.
The pair of swing arms 20 are each pivotally supported at an inner end on the brace member I and are arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end where there is provided an upright bar 5 to engage the gate.
The pair of spring members 4 as described above are each coupled between the brace member 1 and a respective one of the swings arms 20 such that each spring member is arranged to apply a closing force to the respective one of the swing arms 20 to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions 24 to the central closed position of the corral gate. The spring members 4 each comprise sprung harrow tine members.
As understood and apparent by persons skilled in the art, due to the threaded nature of the adjustment eyebolts 8, and the sliding nature of the pins 6, the spring members 4 are adjustable and releasable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently adjustable and independently releasable.
The dampening mechanism 10 as described above comprises a single, linear acting, shock absorbing, dampening member 12 arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members 4. The linear nature of the dampening member 12 and the pivotal mounting at opposing ends 13 thereof relative to the brace member 1 at an 5 inner end and relative to the gate at the outer end arranges the dampening member 12 to provide dampening of movement of the gate from both of said two opposing directions to the central closed position.
By pivotally coupling the inner one of the ends 13 of the member 12 relative to the brace member 1 at a location which is spaced radially outward from the 10 upright axis of the corral gate, the member 12 is arranged to be compressed upon movement of the gate from either of the two opposed directions towards the central closed position.
Since various modifications could be made in my invention herein above described, and many apparently widely different embodiments of same made within the spirit and scope of the claims without department from such spirit and scope, it is intended that all matter contained in the accompanying specification shall be interpreted as illustrated only and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (8)
1. An automatic corral gate closer for use with a corral gate supported for pivotal movement about an upright axis in two opposing directions from a central closed position in which the corral gate is arranged to span a corral opening, the closer comprising:
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
a pair of swing arms, each pivotally supported at an inner end on the brace member and being arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end;
the pair of spring members each being coupled between the brace member and a respective one of the swings arms so as to apply the closing force to the respective one of the swing arms to bias the corral gate from the respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
and a dampening mechanism arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members.
a brace member for mounting at one end of the corral opening in proximity to the upright axis of the corral gate;
a pair of spring members supported on the brace member, each spring member being arranged to apply a closing force to bias the corral gate from a respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
a pair of swing arms, each pivotally supported at an inner end on the brace member and being arranged to abut a respective side of the corral gate at a free outer end;
the pair of spring members each being coupled between the brace member and a respective one of the swings arms so as to apply the closing force to the respective one of the swing arms to bias the corral gate from the respective one of the two opposing directions to the central closed position of the corral gate;
and a dampening mechanism arranged to dampen movement of the gate towards the central closed position under the closing force of the spring members.
2. The gate closer according to Claim 1 wherein the dampening mechanism comprises a single shock absorber member arranged to dampen movement of the gate from both of said two opposing directions to the central closed position.
3. The gate closer according to either one of Claims 1 or 2 wherein the dampening mechanism comprises a linear dampening member arranged to be compressed upon movement of the gate from either of said two opposed directions towards the central closed position.
4. The gate closer according to any one of Claims 1 through 3 wherein the dampening mechanism comprises a member pivotally coupled to the brace member at first end and arranged to be pivotally coupled to the corral gate at an opposing second end, the first end being pivotally coupled to the brace member at a location spaced radially outward from the upright axis of the corral gate.
5. The gate closer according to any one of Claims 1 through 4 wherein the free outer end of each swing arm comprises an upright bar arranged to engage the gate.
6. The gate closer according to any one of Claims 1 through 5 wherein the spring members are adjustable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently adjustable.
7. The gate closer according to any one of Claims 1 through 6 wherein the spring members are releasable independently of one another such that the closing force from each of said two opposing directions towards the central closed position is independently releasable.
8. The gate closer according to any one of Claims 1 through 7 wherein the spring members each comprise sprung harrow tine members.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2512573A CA2512573C (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2005-07-29 | Automatic corral gate closure |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2512573A CA2512573C (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2005-07-29 | Automatic corral gate closure |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2512573A1 CA2512573A1 (en) | 2007-01-29 |
| CA2512573C true CA2512573C (en) | 2010-10-26 |
Family
ID=37696146
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2512573A Expired - Fee Related CA2512573C (en) | 2005-07-29 | 2005-07-29 | Automatic corral gate closure |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2512573C (en) |
-
2005
- 2005-07-29 CA CA2512573A patent/CA2512573C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2512573A1 (en) | 2007-01-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |
Effective date: 20150729 |