Panels (e.g., Gates) Patents (Class 256/73)
  • Publication number: 20080277638
    Abstract: A cat confinement fence for limiting a cat from escaping from a confinement area includes a plurality of posts spaced apart and mounted in the ground to define the confinement area. Each of the posts includes a main section and a pivoting section. A first end of each main section is mounted in a ground surface and a second end of each main section is secured to the pivoting section. The pivoting section is pivotable between an upright position and an extended position. Upper fencing is mounted to and between the plurality of posts and extends across at least a portion of the main section and at least a portion of the pivoting section of each of the plurality of posts. A resilient member is mounted proximate to the second end of the main section of each post and biases the pivoting section of the respective post toward the upright position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: PURRFECT FENCE, LLC
    Inventors: David Alan Benner, Matthew E. Hough, Constantino Valerio
  • Patent number: 7448599
    Abstract: A bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprising at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Homax Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Boroviak
  • Patent number: 7448820
    Abstract: The internal tube connector assembly removeably secures hollow or solid tubes together having any desired angle there-between and comprises a receiving tube and an extending tube, each having a substantially continuous inside and outside surface. The receiving tube has a greater inner perimeter than an outer perimeter of the extending tube. A securing member having a centrally oriented fastener receiving aperture slidingly extends through apertures in the sidewall of the extending tube. A receiver having an outer surface coincident in shape with the inside surface of the receiving tube, and optionally having a receiving indentation, has a centrally oriented fastener aperture. A fastener removeably extends through the fastener opening in the sidewall of the receiving tube and into the fastener aperture in the receiver, and cooperates with the securing member to removeably secure the receiving tube with the extending tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Inventor: Eric B. Faber
  • Publication number: 20080265233
    Abstract: To open the two-action gate, a sliding of a latch and a lifting to disengage a double stop is required. Performing one step without the other fails to open the gate. The gate is engaged in a frame which may in turn be engaged in a partition or “inside the home” fence or other barrier. Via a thumb tab with the rest of the hand holding onto the top tube of the gate, a portion of the latch can be slid out of the frame. Then the hand may lift up the gate to lift a double stop up and clear of a lower portion of the frame such that the gate is swingable. Once the double stop is clear of the lower portion of the frame and the gate has been swung several degrees, the gate may be lowered and then swung at will. The two steps of sliding and lifting minimize the chance that children can open the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Flannery
  • Publication number: 20080237561
    Abstract: A hingeless fence assembly is described as having a free-standing post and a tubular member. The free-standing post extends upwardly from a hole in the ground and is positioned within the ground to a depth sufficient to provide the necessary stability. The tubular member is rotatably received over the free-standing post and has a greater diameter than the free-standing post. The tubular member is free to rotate about the free-standing post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: 440 FENCE COMPANY, INC.
    Inventor: Christopher A. Cozby
  • Patent number: 7429032
    Abstract: A balanced gate assembly utilizing plastic or vinyl fencing materials includes a rotatable center post that balances loads. An inner post assembly includes a bearing along a central axis for supporting the load of the gate. The balanced gate assembly carries loads along the center post to provide for the utilization of light weight materials such as plastic and vinyl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: Turnstyle Intellectual Property, LLC
    Inventor: Edward J. Stull
  • Publication number: 20080185566
    Abstract: A safety barrier for an inside of a house for partitioning off a portion of the house. The safety barrier includes a number of individual barrier sections where two adjacent barrier sections are engaged via a connector. The connector has an upper connection, a lower connection, and an elongate central member interconnecting the upper and lower connections. Each of the connections has a pair of relatively swingable arms. Each of the arms engages a barrier section. A threaded member draws the upper and lower connections closed simultaneously to fix the arms relative to each other and to thus fix the barrier sections relative to each other. The arms, prior to being fixed, are swingable relative to each other from about zero degrees to about 270 degrees such that a zig-zag, linear, or circular barriers can be made. A gate or door that can be opened and closed for access to the partitioned section of the house is engaged in one of the barrier sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Mark A. Flannery
  • Patent number: 7404532
    Abstract: A safety gate mounting kit is disclosed for use in the installation of a safety gate to a post, such as a newel post or similar structure, such kit having a first pair of clamping members for attachment to a top portion of a rectangular post and a second pair of clamping members for attachment to a lower portion of a rectangular post. First and second round post adapters for positioning around opposite sides of a round section of the post are provided for insertion between one pair of the clamping members. A wooden gate attachment member is provided to be attached to the first and second clamping members to which wooden gate attachment member the assembly/attachment hardware of a safety gate can be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Inventor: Jeffrey Baril
  • Patent number: 7389975
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for fencing and other outdoor structures that allow the structure to be changed or adjusted to modify the function, use or appearance of the structure. The structure can be adjusted into a selected position and releasably secured, or portions can be changed to modify the appearance of the structure. One aspect of the invention provides an accessible compartment in the structure to retain objects such as wires or other conduits, and allows for attaching selected objects to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: On the Fence Technologies, LLC Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Rowley, David Kurth
  • Patent number: 7380379
    Abstract: This invention resides in explosion-resistant walls, panels and partitions, particularly for use around buildings, works of art, public places, and so forth, and wherein, in certain embodiments, may include textures and/or graphics to disguise and/or beautify the structure. In terms of a typical construction, the system includes a plurality of vertical metal pipes, with a portion of each pipe being preferably buried several feet below the ground surface, and a portion of the pipe remains exposed above ground. Two or more horizontal metal pipes are interconnected to the vertical metal pipes, creating apertures that are filled with explosion-absorbing panels. In contrast to “explosion-proof” panels, which require sufficient strength to remain in tact in the presence of a blast, the infill panels according to the invention some form of attachment mechanism which “gives way” in the presence of an explosion, thereby effectively absorbing the shock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventor: Frank Venegas, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080073634
    Abstract: A spacer apparatus of the invention is attached to a fence post to occupy a space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The subject fence end spacer apparatus includes space occupying means, and fence attachment means are connected to the space occupying means, for attaching the space occupying means to the fence post. The space occupying means fills the space between the fence post and a nearby structure. The space occupying means can include horizontal members connected to the fence attachment means and can include vertical members connected to the horizontal members. Together, the horizontal members and the vertical members provide a space-occupying fence portion. The fence attachment means can include first and second fence attachment members for contacting first and second portions of the fence post.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Inventors: Robert B. Barter, Ruby G. Barter
  • Patent number: 7334778
    Abstract: A unitary stackable fence module having end assemblies and span members is provided for forming a perimeter fence having an inwardly inclined profile. A right angle end support has vertical and horizontal members and an angle arm, spaced from and attached to a side edge of the vertical and horizontal members adjacent the span members. The unique arrangement permits a plurality of fence modules to be stacked for transport or storage. Loops formed on the vertical members permit pivotal pinning of fence modules together to form perimeter fences of any polygonal shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: 747379 Alberta Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael J. Alberts
  • Patent number: 7249755
    Abstract: A bracket system for forming gate assemblies comprises at least two brace members that are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form two corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Inventor: Richard Boroviak
  • Patent number: 7178792
    Abstract: A child safety gate includes a flexible barrier that is retractable into a housing and extendable across a passageway to inhibit passage by a child. An electrically operable extension lock solenoid inhibits barrier extension until activated by a parent. The gate includes a motion sensor, a night light, a child monitor and an interactive audio-visual display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: The First Years Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Monahan, Ronald J. Sidman, Jon R. Rossman, Bryan R. Hotaling, Thomas A. Hagerty
  • Patent number: 7174617
    Abstract: A fencing system that includes a plurality of interconnected accordion-style fence segments is disclosed. The accordion-style fence segments include a plurality of slats having a predetermined width, a predetermined height, and a predetermined thickness. A plurality of supple folding zones interconnect respective adjacent slats. The supple folding zones have a second predetermined thickness. The plurality of supple folding zones are operable to allow the plurality of slats to fold in an accordion fashion such that the plurality of slats stack on top of one another to form a compact storage arrangement, and wherein the plurality of slats are capable of being expanded to a predetermined length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen G. Wright
  • Patent number: 7150584
    Abstract: A steel-pipe sheet pile including a steel pipe and joints for coupling the steel pipe to another steel pipe and multiple steel pipes arranged in a building direction of a steel-pipe sheet pile wall, wherein the joints include a male joint and a female joint each made of an H-shaped steel-beam coupled at flange edges to the steel pipe, and wherein the male joint is slightly smaller in size relative to the female joint so that the male joint can be fitted in a space defined by flange inside surfaces and web surface of a female joint of a neighboring steel-pipe sheet pile. The steel-pipe sheet pile is a joined-steel-pipe sheet pile including multiple steel pipes integrally coupled to one another via H-shaped steel-beams as tying members of H-shaped transverse cross-section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Data-Too Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Nishiyama, Yoshiki Sono, Makoto Kimura
  • Patent number: 7147213
    Abstract: A gate stop that extends from the rear lip across the back and side of the gate with a cantilevered portion diverging from the gate across the closure fence post. The gate stop has a plurality of apertures for the placement therein of fasteners to secure the gate stop to the gate. Once installed, the force generated from the engaging gate stop and the fence post are evenly dissipated across the gate preventing warping of the gate or varying torsional forces on the hinges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Inventor: Michael Amendola
  • Patent number: 7121531
    Abstract: A gate assembly with moving gate members with one pivoting end and a moving end. This moving end includes upper and lower tubular members that receive the ends of a protruding reinforcement member mounted to a housing for the locking hardware. The ends of the protruding reinforcement member extend internally a sufficient distance to enhance the structural integrity of the moving end. The reinforcement member readily aligns the housing with the tubular members of the moving end and provides a sturdy structure that is tamper proof. Through openings in the walls of the housing cooperate to permit the operation of the locking hardware.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Jesus Gonzalez
  • Patent number: 7121041
    Abstract: A system for upgrading new and existing gates or barriers to provide improved crash barrier rating. This system comprises a reinforcing attachment to the gate or barrier and improved reinforced bollards with catch hooks to absorb the energy of impact from a vehicle. The reinforcing attachment is an arrangement of cable and structural members that provide for increased reinforcement by ensuring that the load is distributed on the cable to minimize the risk of breakthrough as a result of cable failure. The bollards have been improved by strengthening the catch hook attachments and adding reinforcement positioning elements to facilitate proper assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Performance Development Corporation
    Inventors: Joe W. Anderson, Michael W. Light, Victor J. Kaminsky, James Powers, Richard W. Schenk
  • Patent number: 7114706
    Abstract: A frame for bracing a gate includes a first and second upright brace having respective outboard edges positioned flush to opposite vertical edges of the gate. First upper and lower cross braces have respective opposite ends received within upper and lower ends of the first and second upright braces. Second upper and lower cross braces respectively have opposite ends abutting upper and lower ends of the first and second upright braces. First and second upper mounting members respectively have outboard ends abutting upper ends of the first and second upright brace member and inboard ends secured to the first and second upper cross braces. First and second lower mounting members respectively have bases abutting lower ends of the first and second upright braces and inboard ends secured to the first and second bottom cross braces. The structure enables mounting of a gate on a non-level surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Alumi-Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeff Bemis, William Woodard, Dan Perry
  • Patent number: 7086642
    Abstract: A rackable gate having a gate panel with spaced-apart rails connected to a plurality of first pickets and a second picket. The second picket attaches to the respective rails on a side edge opposing the attachment of the first pickets to the rail. Distal opposing ends of the rails are received and pivotally secured in openings defined in opposing gate posts. The gate racks or moves so that the rails are disposed at an oblique angle relative to the pickets. The opposing fastening of the second picket and the opposing distal end of the rail received in the post restrict the rail from pivoting away from the pickets when the panel is racked to track the contour of the terrain. A method of making a rackable gate is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: XFM, Inc.
    Inventor: James R. O'Brien
  • Patent number: 7036799
    Abstract: A structural glass panel railing includes glass panels supported on a floor by a base assembly including a railing support assembly. The railing support assembly includes a shoe fastened to the floor, a base member locked to the shoe by a cam lock lever and a channel member having a pocket receiving the panel. The base member may be attached directly to the floor. The channel member is received in a groove of the base member and is held by a wedge system. The wedge system can be formed by mating tapers on the channel member and the groove or by a wedge member inserted into the groove. A handrail assembly includes a handrail channel member receiving the top edge of the panel. The handrail channel member is received in a groove in a handrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Inventor: John D. Shepherd
  • Patent number: 7032892
    Abstract: A bracket system for forming gate assemblies. Four separate brace members are provided, and two of the brace members are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form the corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Boroviak
  • Patent number: 7025335
    Abstract: A modular picket fence including a pair of vertical separated posts and adapted to be secured to a suitable support surface. A pair of horizontal upper and lower rails extend between and secured to the vertical posts. The upper rail has a plurality of apertures which are aligned with a plurality of apertures on the lower rail. A plurality of vertical pickets are respectively inserted through into aligned apertures of the upper and lower rails. The end portion of each vertical picket has two transverse apertures. A locking member is assembled inside each end portion of the vertical picket. The locking member has spring biased stoppers extending through the transverse apertures at the end portion of the vertical picket, and further extending into and engaging inside the horizontal rail when the end portion of the vertical picket is inserted into one of the apertures of the horizontal rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Inventor: Alan Qing Zhu
  • Patent number: 7024823
    Abstract: A sentinel event reduction door comprises a trapezoidally-shaped panel comprising four sides. A continuous hinge is connected to the panel along substantially the full length of a first side thereof. A second side of the panel is adjacent to the first side, wherein the angle defined by the intersection of the first and second sides of the panel is an acute angle. A third side of the panel, the side opposite the side of the panel from the first side, may comprise a pliable material attached thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: The Pines Residential Treatment Center, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Keller
  • Patent number: 7021678
    Abstract: A four position gate latch (20) that is used to fasten and lock a gate. The gate latch includes a self fastening gravity gate latch (22) that is fastened to one face of the gate. A gate latch bracket (28) is fastened to the gate on an opposed face, mating with said gate latch. A latch striker bar slideably extends from the bracket such that the striker bar interfaces with the gate latch and links the gate portions together. A locking bolt (60) slideably extends though the bracket, allowing it to interface with the gate latch and provide positive locking capabilities. The gate latch is capable of being placed in a self fastening gravity gate latch conventional position, a locked position with the locking bolt penetrating a padlock hole, an unlatched position that permits the gate to swing inward on the gate latch side without interference, and a free-swinging position that permits the gate to pivot in both directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2006
    Inventor: Philippe P. Raoult
  • Patent number: 7017958
    Abstract: A latching and locking mechanism for fence gates or doors. The gate latch of this invention is comprised of a steel locking pin that slides through the latch device. When the locking pin slides out of the latch device, the gate can easily be opened or closed. When the locking pin is inserted through the latch device and around the gate, the gate is held in a closed position. The locking pin can be locked in the closed position with a lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Clifford Allen Bowers
  • Patent number: 6938882
    Abstract: An apparatus for internally framing a vinyl gate suitable for use with vinyl fencing provides completely hidden structures formed of sheet metal and assembled for greater strength and rigidity. Beams may be formed as channels from sheet metal, which may be placed together, with open edges of the channel juxtaposed and positioned within each other, in order to provide fully closed perimeters for beams. Various types of corner ties are provided to support loads and squareness required between vertical and horizontal members of the frame. In various embodiments, vinyl sleeves may be placed over various beams before or after the beams have been fully assembled, as appropriate, possible, or required. In certain embodiments, the entire systems of gate framing may be shipped in a long format appearing primarily as linearly-extending, channel-shaped stock. Likewise sheathing can ship as long stock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Vinyl Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Hadfield, Sr., Robert H. Calton
  • Patent number: 6896244
    Abstract: A bracket system for forming gate assemblies. Four separate brace members are provided, and two of the brace members are rigidly attached to hinge assemblies. The brace members are adapted to be attached to support members to form the corners of a gate box functioning as the structural portion of the gate assembly. The hinge assemblies are adapted to be rigidly attached to a fence post to allow the gate assembly to pivot relative to the fence post. Gate assemblies of arbitrary height and width can be formed using the bracket system of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Boroviak
  • Patent number: 6851660
    Abstract: A landscape timber anchoring system uses a series of posts that each having openings that receive an end of a landscape timber. Pairs of posts are located in spaced apart fashion and the ends of the timbers are received within respective openings on the posts. Additional openings can be located above the initial openings to receive additional timbers in stacked fashion. Further openings can be disposed on the posts in an orientation that is different relative to the orientation of the first openings to receive an end of additional timbers with the opposing end of such timbers received within appropriate openings located on additional posts. Planks can be received within slits located on the posts in lieu of or in addition to the timbers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Michael Thomas Cravatt
  • Patent number: 6845970
    Abstract: An improved gate section and base for a portable safety rail system which utilizes cast iron bases and hinged gate sections. The improved base includes four post receivers, recessed handles with smooth edges, and stacking recesses. The improved gate section incorporates a single pull double latching mechanism which includes two durable and robust latches each with its own manual operating tab but also a manual operating handle whereby both latches can be operated simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventor: Gregory S. Kenton
  • Patent number: 6811145
    Abstract: A barrier such as a fence is formed by welding conductive upright members to conductive U-shaped rails by a projection resistance welding process. The rail includes at least one weld-forming region which projects within the rail channel, and may be formed wither as a ridge, or as a longitudinally spaced series of nipple-shaped projections. The upright member is transversely positioned within the rail channel in contact with the weld-forming region. A welding current transmitted between the upright member and the rail causes the weld-forming region to at least partially melt and form a weld within the rail channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventors: Edward L. Gibbs, Fred L. Givens, Gary W. Vonnahme
  • Patent number: 6789786
    Abstract: A removable tensioned fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate comprises a plurality of spaced apart poles having a lower end inserted into holes drilled in the deck around the swimming pool and a mesh screening material stretched between such poles. A pair of support structures, each comprising a pair of spaced apart vertical poles, constitutes the outermost poles in the tensioned fence. A lower end of each of the poles is inserted into holes drilled into the deck. A pair of rigid horizontal cross bar extends between the poles in each support structure and mesh screening material is tensioned between the poles. A gate comprised of a pair of spaced apart vertical bars, a pair of spaced apart horizontal bars and mesh screening material tensioned therebetween is supported within a gate opening, defined by the innermost poles of the support structures, by a pair of spaced apart self-closing hinges mounted between one of the innermost poles of a support structure and the adjacent vertical bar of the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Inventor: Michael Schatzberg
  • Publication number: 20040164288
    Abstract: A barrier system for use with a material storage area comprises a pair of gates having a first closed position spanning a zone of access to the material storage area and a second open position displaced from the zone of access to the material storage area. A fluid, e.g., air or liquid, control system includes a sensor which activates the control system for movement of the gates between the gate positions, the sensor being activated or deactivated by sensing the presence of a material handling device, e.g., a forklift, approaching or withdrawing from the zone of access. The system is particularly useful for placement on mezzanine levels such that the gates at their closed position precludes workers on the mezzanine from accidentally stepping off the mezzanine while allowing for selectable access to the material storage area by material handlers on the ground floor therebelow. The system is adaptable for manual operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Michael F. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20040149977
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a security gate is disclosed which may comprise a drive mechanism arm having a first end and a second end, and including a security gate attachment member connected to the first end of the drive mechanism arm; a drive mechanism actuator operatively connected directly or indirectly to the drive mechanism arm and adapted to move the drive mechanism arm along a predefined path in relation to the actuator in response to operation of the actuator; and a release mechanism adapted to release the connection of the security gate attachment member to the first end of the drive mechanism arm in response to the application of a force to the security gate attachment member in a direction other than the force applied to the security gate attachment member by the drive mechanism arm in response to the operation of the actuator to move the security gate drive mechanism arm along the predefined path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Link Door Controls, Inc.
    Inventors: Walter Parsadayan, Wayne C. Hom
  • Patent number: 6751906
    Abstract: An adjustable tension gate bracket for application to fencing panels, specifically gate panel, applied to the frame components of the gate panel with diagonally adjustable interlocking and engaging upper and lower members for adjusting the swing and pitch of the gate panel, providing a stable support for the opening end of the gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Inventor: Donnie E. Bass
  • Patent number: 6752438
    Abstract: An adjustable gate hinge and an adjustable latch unit each provide for adjustment of a fence gate. The hinge interconnects the gate to a first post of the fence. The hinge supports the gate and permits pivoting movement of the gate relative to the first fence post. The latch unit secures the gate, to a second post of the fence, in a closed position of the gate. The hinge and the latch unit are usable together in a system. As such, the system has the feature that at least one of the hinge and the gate unit has an arrangement to permit adjustment of the gate relative to the fence in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the fence. The arrangement includes two components that are relatively movable along the direction perpendicular to a plane of the fence and that are secured to each other subsequent to the movement along the direction perpendicular to the plane of the fence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: U.S. Fence, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph DeSouza
  • Patent number: 6739093
    Abstract: The present invention provides a farm gate stop device suitable for use on both level and unlevel terrain and reduces strain on the hinges of a gate. The farm gate stop device comprises a rod slide operably attached to a gate and a rod slidably connected to the rod slide. The rod slide has a plurality of notches in cooperation with a stud integral with the rod. The rod slide also has at least one rod guide which keeps the rod in a proper vertical alignment with the rod slide. The rod may be slidably adjusted within the at least one rod guide to hold the gate at which time the stud is moved into the notches of the rod slide to maintain the gate in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: Charles S. Holbert
  • Patent number: 6708956
    Abstract: A break away barrier utilizes first and second spaced apart upstanding posts positioned a predetermined safe distance away from the outer movement limit of a robot. A pair of barrier assemblies are hinged to the first and second spaced apart upstanding posts and are hinged for movement from a closed position inside the safe distance to an open position outside the safe distance. A break away latch permits the opening and separation of the first and second barriers in response to a predetermined force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Jan C. Mangelsen, Kirk W. Roys, Michael P. Skahill, Timothy A Scherer
  • Publication number: 20040000110
    Abstract: An architectural support assembly comprises an elongate member having a longitudinal channel formed therein, the channel having longitudinally extending ledge portion projecting from opposite sides thereof. A support is located on the exterior of the elongate member and a bolt extending from the support is screwed in a nut located in the channel. The nut bears against the ledge portion. When the bolt is unscrewed, the nut, bolt and associated support can be moved along the elongate member. The elongate member can be mounted upright on a walkway floor to support a hand rail which is carried on an uppermost support carried by the elongate member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventor: Rainer Clover
  • Patent number: 6666435
    Abstract: A gate for fence enclosures includes a pair of spaced vertical frame members with a pair of horizontal frame members extending between and into a top and bottom end of the vertical frame members. Mesh screen is tensioned between the vertical and horizontal frame members. A pair of support members is used for each of vertical frame member with mounting plates connecting the top and bottom of each pair of support members. Hinges connect the gate to the support members and facilitate closing and opening. A latching device enables the gate to be secured to the support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Ivar V. Blosfelds
  • Patent number: 6581914
    Abstract: Modular fence, consisting of wire-mesh panels (1) and tubular fixing posts (3), which are anchored at the bottom into the ground or into a supporting base. The panels (1) have horizontally shaped features (6) of a depth approximately equal to the diameter or width of the posts (6). These posts are fitted snugly between the rods of the shaped features and of the non-shaped regions, between two consecutive vertical rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Juan Jose Saura Sotillos, Jorge Antonio Saura Sotillos
  • Patent number: 6578827
    Abstract: Methods and devices for providing temporary handrail systems such as those used to surround the periphery of a building rooftop. A number of handrail sections are reversibly interconnected to one another to form a continuous protective rail. In practice, the rail is quite stable and resistant to tipping. In described embodiments, the handrail systems of the present invention feature load-distributing support bases and weight support platforms. Weights are selectively added to the weight support platforms to anchor the handrail in place. The weight support platforms are located above the surface of the roof and do not contact the roof surface. The weight load is transmitted via a support leg downwardly to a load-distributing support base that is placed in contact with the roof. As a result, the roof membrane is not damaged by a point load applied to it. In addition, a portion of the weight load from the weight support platform is transmitted directly to the vertical support rails of the rail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald G. McCracken
  • Patent number: 6565069
    Abstract: A hinge coupling and a lock for connecting a stationary handrail to a gate arm for a gate. The gate in closed position retains the structural integrity and peripheral profile of the handrail. The hinge coupling consist of a fixed connector and a mobile connector, both pivotally connected to a middle link by pins. The components of the hinge coupling pivot about the pins, enabling the gate arm to pivot through a 180° angle. One hinge connector is inserted and secured into an open end of the stationary handrail. The other connector is inserted and secured into an open end of the gate arm. The lock consists of two mating active and passive components that are fastened to respective terminal ends of the handrail and gate arm. The lock components are provided with a manually releasable latch. All components in the closed position of the gate compactly fit together and are shaped to provide peripheral continuity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventor: Charles H. Morris
  • Patent number: 6561493
    Abstract: An improved adjustable gate structure which is suitable for a fence with an opening therein which is too wide or narrow for a conventional gate, the gate's horizontal width can be increased or reduced by simple mechanical adjustments. The preferred embodiment of this gate consists of a main frame with a plurality of long horizontal panels of equal length affixed parallelographically to a vertical panel approximately 5′ in height and an extension frame with the same plurality of short horizontal panels of equal length also affixed to a panel approximately 5′ tall. All of the panels are spaced equally in relation to the ground. Apertures are punched or drilled equidistantly in the short panels and the distal ends of the long panels. The method to join the two frames at a pre-determined width is to interpose the short panels upon the distal ends of the long panels, thereby aligning the apertures with one or two apertures being secured on every set of panels with fasteners.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Inventor: Joe Lackey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6540209
    Abstract: A safety fence system provides a quick and easy way to attach, adjust, move, and remove safety railings at a construction site. The safety fence system is completely reusable and includes a plurality of fence post brackets and a plurality of fence panels. The fence post brackets each connect to a concrete slab or other floor of a building under construction by a C-shaped clamp member. The fence panels, such as chain link fence panels, are easily connected to the fence post brackets by slipping tubular end posts of the fence panels over short pipes on the clamp member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Cheryl Ross
  • Publication number: 20030038283
    Abstract: A gate support system for the free end of a swinging gate. The system can be secured to the free end of an existing gate or it may be included as an integral part of the gate at the time of manufacture. The system includes (a) an elongated support; (b) a foot member carried by the support member and being vertically moveable relative to the support member between raised and lowred positions; (c) bias means for biasing the foot member to the raised position; and (d) a lock for locking the foot member in a desired vertical position relative to the support member. When the gate has been pivoted to a desired position, the foot member can be pushed downwardly until it rests firmly on the ground. The lock will hold the foot member in a lowered position where it will support the weight of the free end of the gate. A trigger can be activated to release the lock and enable the foot member to move to a raised position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 27, 2003
    Inventor: James E. Stevenson
  • Publication number: 20030020058
    Abstract: A gate assembly for enclosures and the like which rigidly holds the gate in an open or closed position without the use of a cane bolt. Which uses a thrust washer and hinge bolt to control gate swing momentum. Which allows easy replacement of damaged panels with bolting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2001
    Publication date: January 30, 2003
    Inventor: Robert E. Martin
  • Publication number: 20020195596
    Abstract: The invention relates to an industrial gate having a gate body covering the gateway and comprising a multiplicity of segments (21) which are interconnected such that they may be oriented at a relative angle and which are formed to be double-walled, wherein the segment walls (211, 212) are interconnected at their longitudinal edges through the intermediary of a respective web (213), which web is formed of a material having a lower heat conductivity than the material of the segment walls (211, 212) so as to establish a thermal separation of the segment walls (211, 212). To this end, one substantially U-shaped profile groove (2111, 2121) each for receiving the edges of the webs (213) is formed at the longitudinal edges of the segment walls (211, 212), and one elastomer plastic element (214) each is arranged between the edges of the webs (213) and the inner surface of the profile groove (2111, 2121) in a press-fit, i.e., under deformation of the plastic element (214) in comparison with the load-free state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Applicant: EFAFLEX Tor-und Sicherheitssysteme GmbH & Co, KG
    Inventor: Petra Rejc
  • Patent number: 6464209
    Abstract: A gate is disclosed for positioning between a hinge post and a latch post. The gate comprises horizontally spaced-apart end members which are channel-shaped. Each of the end members has a base portion and spaced-apart side walls extending therefrom. A plurality of metal rail members are initially secured to and extend between the end members by means of pivot bolts. When the metal gate has been adjusted to conform to elevational differences between the hinge post and the latch post, the relationship of the rail members and the end members is fixed by means of screws extending through the side walls of the end members into the ends of the rail members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventors: William J. Meis, Robert W. Yard