Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02782435 2012-07-06
CANADA
TITLE: GATE FRAME AND TENSIONING APPARATUS THEREFOR
INVENTOR: RICHARD BOROVIAK
CA 02782435 2012-07-06
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This
application is a provisional application and does
not claim priority from any other patent applications.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The
present invention relates to gate frames for use
in the installation of gates on a fence, and more particularly
to tensioning apparatuses for assembling such gate frames.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is
well known in the field of fence construction,
and in the industry that supplies hardware for fence
construction and for gate assembly in particular, that it is
significantly more difficult to construct a gate for
installation on a wooden fence, than it is to construct a wooden
fence itself.
Indeed, many people who construct wooden fences
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actually purchase a pre-constructed gate, or at least a gate
frame bracket kit, for ready installation on a fence.
[0004] Many
prior gate frames bracket kits and hardware for
gate assembly exist, including ones by the present inventor.
While known prior art gate frame bracket kits work well in many
cases, improvements are always possible, as with any invention.
[0005] One
such prior art patent, namely United States patent
5,628,149 to Kraczek, entitled Gate Tensioning System, discloses
a gate for a fence or the like. The gate is preferably formed
from hollow plastic elements interconnected by bolts or other
fastener devices at or adjacent their ends. A tensioning device
is located inside a hollow diagonal cross-brace to correct
misalignment between the vertical and horizontal elements of the
gate. A removable panel on the cross-brace provides access to a
turnbuckle, the ends of which are oppositely threaded to
elongated steel straps or the like which are anchored,
respectively, at the ends of the cross-brace to the vertical
members. One end of the cross-brace is fixedly secured to one
of the vertical members. The
other end of the cross-brace is
slidingly received over a bolt or the like fixedly secured to
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the other vertical member. Rotation of the turnbuckle shortens
or lengthens the tensioning device to "square" the gate with
respect to the adjacent supports through which the gate swings.
Small gaps are provided at the connection points to preclude
binding as the gate elements are adjusted.
[0006]
Another such prior art patent, namely United States
patent 7,992,842 to Boroviak, entitled Gate Bracket Systems And
Methods, discloses 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.
[0007]
Additionally, the present inventor has five co-related
prior art patents, namely United States patent 7,992,842;
7,448,599; 7,249,755; 7,032,892; and 6,896,244, all to Boroviak,
and all entitled Gate Bracket Systems And Methods. These
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patents disclose 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.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
gate frame and tensioning apparatus.
[0009] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
gate frame and tensioning apparatus that permits the assembly of
a gate of arbitrary height and width while mechanically
fastening the hinge apparatus to the gate frame.
[00010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
gate frame and tensioning apparatus that allows for
infinitesimal and instantaneous adjustment.
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SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[00011] In
accordance with one aspect of the present invention
there is disclosed a novel gate frame for installation on a
fence. The
gate frame comprises at least a first stile and a
second stile and at least one rail, wherein the first stile, the
second stile, and the at least one rail are secured together to
form the main body of the gate frame; a first male-threaded
member having a head portion and an elongate threaded portion,
and defining a first longitudinal axis along its length; wherein
the first male-threaded member is received and retained by the
first stile for rotation about the first longitudinal axis and
such that the head portion is in force transmitting relation
with respect to the first stile in a first direction generally
along the first longitudinal axis towards the second stile; a
second male-threaded member having a head portion and an
elongate threaded portion, and defining a second longitudinal
axis along its length; wherein the second male-threaded member
is received and retained by the second stile for rotation about
the second longitudinal axis and such that the head portion is
in force transmitting relation with respect to the second stile
in a second direction generally along the second longitudinal
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axis towards the first stile; an interconnecting apparatus
having at least one opening to receive the first male-threaded
member and the second male-threaded member in securely retained
yet rotatable relation; wherein the first male-threaded member
and the second male-threaded member are operatively
interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that
rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member and the
second male-threaded member moves the first male-threaded member
and the second male-threaded member with respect to each other
along their respective axes, to thereby adjust the tension
applied to the main body of the gate frame.
[00012] In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention there is disclosed a noveltensioning apparatus for use
in a gate frame for installation on a fence. The tensioning
apparatus comprises a first male-threaded member having a head
portion and defining a first longitudinal axis along its length;
a second male-threaded member having a head portion and defining
a second longitudinal axis along its length; an interconnecting
apparatus having at least one opening to receive the first male-
threaded member and the second male-threaded member in securely
retained yet rotatable relation; wherein the first male-threaded
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member and the second male-threaded member are operatively
interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that
rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member and the
second male-threaded member moves the first male-threaded member
and the second male-threaded member with respect to each other
along their respective axes, to thereby permit adjustment of the
tension applied to the main body of the gate frame.
[00013] Other
advantages, features and characteristics of the
present invention, as well as methods of operation and functions
of the related elements of the structure, and the combination of
parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent
upon consideration of the following detailed description and the
appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, the
latter of which is briefly described herein below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00014] The novel features which are believed to be
characteristic of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus
therefore according to the present invention, as to its
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structure, organization, use and method of operation, together
with further objectives and advantages thereof, will be better
understood from the following drawings in which a presently
preferred embodiment of the invention will now be illustrated by
way of example. It is
expressly understood, however, that the
drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description
only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the
invention. In the accompanying drawing:
[00015]
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the first preferred
embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus according
to the present invention, about to be installed on a fence;
[00016]
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the first
preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus
of Figure 1;
[00017] Figure 3 is a front elevational view of the first
preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus
of Figure 1;
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[00018] Figure 4 is an exploded front elevational view of the
first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning
apparatus of Figure 1;
[00019] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the first preferred
embodiment of the tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;
[00020] Figure 6 is a top plan view of the first preferred
embodiment of a portion of the tensioning apparatus of Figure 1;
[00021] Figure 7A is a perspective view of the interconnecting
member found in the first preferred embodiment of the tensioning
apparatus of Figure 1;
[00022] Figure 7B is an end elevational view of the
interconnecting member of Figure 7A;
[00023] Figure 7C is a side elevational view of the
interconnecting member of Figure 7A;
[00024] Figure 7D is a top plan view of the interconnecting
member of Figure 7A;
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[00025] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the second preferred
embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus according
to the present invention;
[00026] Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the second
preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus
of Figure 8;
[00027] Figure 10 is a front elevational view of the second
preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus
of Figure 8;
[00028] Figure 11 is an exploded front elevational view of the
second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning
apparatus of Figure 8; and,
[00029] Figure 12 is a front elevational view of the second
preferred embodiment of the tensioning apparatus of Figure 8.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[00030]
Referring to Figures 1 through 12 of the drawings, it
will be noted that Figures 1 through 7D illustrate a first
preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus
according to the present invention, and Figures 8 through 12
illustrate a second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and
tensioning apparatus according to the present invention.
[00031]
Reference will now be made to Figures 1 through 7D,
which show a first preferred embodiment of the gate frame and
tensioning apparatus of the present invention. In brief, in one
aspect of the present invention, in a first preferred embodiment
according to the present invention, the present invention
comprises a gate frame, as indicated by the general reference
numeral 100, for installation on a fence 102, a first stile 110,
a second stile 120, a first rail 130, a second rail 140, a first
male-threaded member 150, a second male-threaded member 160, and
an interconnecting apparatus 170. In
another aspect of the
present invention, in the first preferred embodiment according
to the present invention, the present invention further
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comprises a tensioning apparatus 180 for use in the gate frame
100 for installation on the fence 102.
[00032] More specifically, the first preferred embodiment
according to the present invention comprises the gate frame 100
for installation on a fence 102. In
the first preferred
embodiment, as illustrated, the gate frame 100 comprises at
least the first stile 110 and the second stile 120 and at least
one rail. Accordingly, the first stile 110, the second stile
120, and the at least one rail are secured together to form the
main body of the gate frame 100. More
specifically, the at
least one rail comprises the first rail 130 and the second rail
140. The first stile 110, the second stile 120, the first rail
130, and the second rail 140, are secured together to form the
main body of the gate frame 100. There
is a tensioning
apparatus 180 associated with the first rail 130, and also a
tensioning apparatus 180 associated with the second rail 140.
[00033] A
first male-threaded member 150 has a head portion
152 and an elongate threaded portion 154 that together
substantially define its length "141". The
first male-threaded
member 150 also defines a first longitudinal axis "Al" along its
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length "Ll". In the first preferred embodiment, the first male-
threaded member 150 is received and retained by the first stile
110 for rotation about the first longitudinal axis "Al" and such
that the head portion 152 is in force transmitting relation with
respect to the first stile 110 in a first direction "Dl"
generally along the first longitudinal axis "Al" towards the
second stile 120.
[00034] A
second male-threaded member 160 has a head portion
162 and an elongate threaded portion 164 that together
substantially define its length "L2". The second male-threaded
member 160 defines a second longitudinal axis "A2" along its
length "L2". In the first preferred embodiment, the second male-
threaded member 160 is received and retained by the second stile
120 for rotation about the second longitudinal axis "A2" and such
that the head portion 162 is in force transmitting relation with
respect to the second stile 120 in a second direction "D2"
generally along the second longitudinal axis "A2" towards the
first stile 110.
[00035] The pitch of the thread of the elongate threaded
portion 154 of the first male-threaded member 150 and the pitch
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of the thread of the elongate threaded portion 154 of the second
male-threaded member 160 should be the same one as the other.
[00036] In
the first preferred embodiment as illustrated, the
gate frame 100 comprises not just an interconnecting apparatus
170, but a first interconnecting apparatus 170a and a second
interconnecting apparatus 170b.
Further, the first
interconnecting apparatus 170a comprises a first interconnecting
member 170a, and the second interconnecting apparatus 170b
comprises a second interconnecting member 170b.
[00037] As illustrated and described, the first
interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting
member 170b are substantially identical one to the other. If
desired, the first interconnecting member 170a and the second
interconnecting member 170b could be dissimilar one from the
other. For
the sake of clarity, the specific structure of the
first interconnecting member 170a will be described. The same
description of the specific structure also applies to the second
interconnecting member 170b.
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(00038]
Preferably, each interconnecting member 170 comprises
a solid block of material having a slightly elongate cuboid
shape, and most preferably comprises a solid block of metal such
as aluminium, or an aluminium alloy. Any suitable size, shape
and material could be used.
The first interconnecting member 170a has at least one
opening 172 to receive both the first male-threaded member 150
and the second male-threaded member 160 in securely retained yet
rotatable relation. As can be best seen in Figures 7A through
7D, the at least one opening 172 in each interconnecting member
170 comprises a single opening, and more specifically comprises
a single throughpassage. The single throughpassage comprises a
first borehole 174a and a second borehole 174b open along their
lengths one to the other, to thereby make one common dual
throughpassage. The
first borehole 174a is defined by a
substantially smooth wall surface 176a and the second borehole
174b is defined by a second substantially smooth wall surface
176b.
Preferably, the first borehole 174a and the second
borehole 174b are substantially parallel one to the other.
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[00039] As
can readily be seen in Figures 5 and 6, the first
male-threaded member 150 is received and retained in frictional
relation by the first wall surface 176a defining the first
borehole 174a and the second male-threaded member 160 is
received and retained in threaded relation by the second wall
surface 176b defining the second borehole 174b. This structural
situation applies to both the first interconnecting member 170a
and the second interconnecting member 170b. Further, the first
male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160
engage each other directly in threaded relation, to thereby
permit tensile forces to be transmitted from each to the other.
More specifically, the first male-threaded member 150 and the
second male-threaded member 160 engage each other directly in
threaded relation within the first interconnecting member 170a
and the second interconnecting member 170b.
[00040] As
can be best seen in Figures 2 and 4, the first
male-threaded member 150 comprises a separate elongate threaded
main body portion 154. Further, the head portion 152 comprises
a separate portion secured onto the elongate threaded main body
portion 154.
Similarly, the second male-threaded member 160
comprises a separate elongate threaded main body portion 164.
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Further, the head portion 162 comprises a separate portion
secured onto the elongate threaded main body portion 164. This
specific configuration is for ease of assembly.
[00041] In the first preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the gate frame 100 comprises the first stile 110, the
second stile 120, the first rail 130, and the second rail 140,
all of which are secured together to form the main body of the
gate frame 100. The
first male-threaded member 150 extends
through a co-operating aperture in the first stile 110 and the
second male-threaded member 160 extends through a co-operating
aperture in the second stile 120.
[00042] In
order to assemble the tensioning apparatus 180 onto
the gate frame 100, the elongate threaded main body portion 154
of the first male-threaded member 150 may be first threadibly
engaged into the first interconnecting member 170a and the
second interconnecting member 170b, then passed through the co-
operating aperture in the first stile 110. The
separate head
portion 152 is then threadibly engaged onto the elongate
threaded main body portion 154 of the first male-threaded member
150.
Alternatively, the separate head portion 152 may be
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threadibly engaged onto the elongate threaded main body portion
154 of the first male-threaded member 150, and then the elongate
threaded main body portion 154 of the first male-threaded member
150 may be passed through the co-operating aperture 151 in the
first stile 110 and then threadibly engaged into the first
interconnecting member 170a and the second interconnecting
member 170b.
[00043] Further, and similarly, the elongate threaded main
body portion 164 of the second male-threaded member 160 may be
first threadibly engaged into the second interconnecting member
170b and the first interconnecting member 170a, then passed
through the co-operating aperture in the second stile 120. The
separate head portion 162 is then threadibly engaged onto the
elongate threaded main body portion 164 of the second male-
threaded member 160.
Alternatively, the separate head portion
162 may be threadibly engaged onto the elongate threaded main
body portion 164 of the second male-threaded member 160, and
then the elongate threaded main body portion 164 of the second
male-threaded member 160 may be passed through the co-operating
aperture 161 in the second stile 120 and then threadibly engaged
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into the second interconnecting member 170b and the first
interconnecting member 170a.
[00044] Also, as can readily be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the
first male-threaded member 150 of the upper tensioning apparatus
180 secures an upper hinge 104a to the first stile 110.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 150 of the lower
tensioning apparatus 180 secures a lower hinge 104b to the first
stile 110.
[00045] As can be best seen in Figure 2, the first rail 130,
which is the upper rail, has a throughpassage 132 extending from
the first end 131a to the second end 131b of the first rail 130.
The first rail 130 comprises a main body member 134 having a
generally "U"-shaped cross-section defined a channel 136 and a
filler block 138 disposed within a portion of the channel 136 to
thereby cover the top portion of the channel 136 and define the
throughpassage 132. The first interconnecting apparatus 170a is
disposed within the throughpassage 132 in the first rail 130,
with the upper first male-threaded member 150 extending into the
throughpassage in the first rail 130 and the upper second male-
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threaded member 160 also extending into the throughpassage in
the first rail 130.
[00046] Similarly, the second rail 140, which is the lower
rail, has a throughpassage 142 extending from the first end 141a
to the second end 141b of the second rail 140. The second rail
140 also comprises a main body member 144 having a generally
"U"-shaped cross-section defined a channel 146 and a filler
block 148 disposed within a portion of the channel 146 to
thereby cover the top portion of the channel 142 and define the
throughpassage 142. The
second interconnecting apparatus 170b
is disposed within the throughpassage 142 in the second rail
140, with the lower first male-threaded member 150 extending
into the throughpassage 142 in the second rail 140 and the lower
second male-threaded member 160 also extending into the
throughpassage 142 in the second rail 140.
[00047] As
can be readily seen, when the gate frame 100 is
fully assembled, with the first stile 110, the second stile 120,
the first rail 130, and the second rail 140 being secured
together to form the main body of the gate frame 100, the first
male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160
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of the first tensioning apparatus 180 are operatively
interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that
rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 150 and
the second male-threaded member 160 moves the first male-
threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded member 160 with
respect to each other along their respective axes "Al", "A2", to
thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate
frame 100.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 150 and
the second male-threaded member 160 of the second tensioning
apparatus 180 are operatively interconnected in tensile force
transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the
first male-threaded member 150 and the second male-threaded
member 160 moves the first male-threaded member 150 and the
second male-threaded member 160 with respect to each other along
their respective axes "Al", "A2", to thereby adjust the tension
applied to the main body of the gate frame 100.
Accordingly,
the tensioning apparatus 180 allows for infinitesimal and
instantaneous adjustment of the gate frame 100.
[00048] In
another aspect, the present invention comprises the
tensioning apparatus 180 for use in the gate frame 100 for
installation on the fence 102. The
tensioning apparatus 180
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comprises the first male-threaded member 150 having a head
portion 152 and defining the first longitudinal axis "Ai" along
its length, and the second male-threaded member 160 having a
head portion 152 and defining a second longitudinal axis "Pe
along its length. The
interconnecting apparatus 170 has at
least one opening to receive the first male-threaded member 150
and the second male-threaded member 160 in securely retained yet
rotatable relation. The first male-threaded member 150 and the
second male-threaded member 160 are operatively interconnected
in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of
either one of the first male-threaded member 150 and the second
male-threaded member 160 moves the first male-threaded member
150 and the second male-threaded member 160 with respect to each
other along their respective axes "Al", "Ti21', to thereby permit
adjustment of the tension applied to the main body of the gate
frame 100.
[00049]
Reference will now be made to Figures 8 through 12,
which show a second preferred embodiment of the gate frame and
tensioning apparatus of the present invention. In brief, in one
aspect of the present invention, in the second preferred
embodiment according to the present invention, the present
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invention comprises a gate frame, as indicated by the general
reference numeral 200, for installation on a fence 202, a first
stile 210, a second stile 220, a first rail 230, a second rail
240, a first male-threaded member 250, a second male-threaded
member 260, and an interconnecting apparatus 270. In
another
aspect of the present invention, in the first preferred
embodiment according to the present invention, the present
invention further comprises a tensioning apparatus 280 for use
in the gate frame 100 for installation on the fence 202.
[00050] More specifically, the second preferred embodiment
according to the present invention comprises the gate frame 200
for installation on a fence 202. In
the second preferred
embodiment, as illustrated, the gate frame 200 comprises at
least the first stile 210 and the second stile 220 and at least
one rail. Accordingly, the first stile 210, the second stile
220, and the at least one rail are secured together to form the
main body of the gate frame 200. More
specifically, the at
least one rail comprises the first rail 230 and the second rail
240. The first stile 210, the second stile 220, the first rail
230, and the second rail 240, are secured together to form the
main body of the gate frame 200. There
is a tensioning
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apparatus 280 associated with the first rail 230, and also a
tensioning apparatus 280 associated with the second rail 240.
[00051] A
first male-threaded member 250 has a head portion
252 and an elongate threaded portion 254 that together
substantially define its length "1,1". The
first male-threaded
member 250 also defines a first longitudinal axis "Al" along its
length "Ll". In the second preferred embodiment, the first male-
threaded member 250 is received and retained by the first stile
210 for rotation about the first longitudinal axis "Al" and such
that the head portion 252 is in force transmitting relation with
respect to the first stile 210 in a first direction "Dl"
generally along the first longitudinal axis "Ai" towards the
second stile 220.
[00052] A
second male-threaded member 260 has a head portion
262 and an elongate threaded portion 264 that together
substantially define its length "L2". The second male-threaded
member 260 defines a second longitudinal axis "A2" along its
length "L2". In
the second preferred embodiment, the second
male-threaded member 260 is received and retained by the second
stile 220 for rotation about the second longitudinal axis "A2"
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and such that the head portion 262 is in force transmitting
relation with respect to the second stile 220 in a second
direction "D2" generally along the second longitudinal axis "A2"
towards the first stile 210.
[00053] The pitch of the thread of the elongate threaded
portion 254 of the first male-threaded member 250 and the pitch
of the thread of the elongate threaded portion 254 of the second
male-threaded member 260 should be the same one as the other,
for the sake of convenience during manufacturing.
[00054] There
is also an interconnecting apparatus 270 that
comprises a first strap apparatus 271 and a second strap
apparatus 272. The first strap apparatus 271 comprises a first
elongate strap portion 273 and a first connector body 275
secured to the first elongate strap portion 273. The
first
connector body 275 has a first female-threaded opening 277
therein for receiving the first male-threaded member 250 in
threaded relation.
Similarly, the second strap apparatus 272
comprises a second elongate strap portion 274 and a second
connector body 276 secured to the second elongate strap portion
274. The second connector body 276 has a second female-threaded
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opening 278 therein for receiving the second male-threaded
member 260 in threaded relation. The first strap apparatus 271
and the second strap apparatus 272 are operatively
interconnectable in tensile force transmitting relation.
[00055] As
can be readily seen in the figures, the at least
one rail comprises a first rail 230 and a second rail 240. The
gate frame and tensioning apparatus 200 according to the present
invention further comprises at least one fastener for fastening
the first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272
to the first rail 230 and a second rail 240. In the second
preferred embodiment of the gate frame and tensioning apparatus
according to the present invention, the first elongate strap
portion 273 and the second elongate strap portion 274 each have
a plurality of apertures 279a therein and the at least one
fastener comprises a plurality of threaded fasteners 279b that
extend through the plurality of apertures 279a to thereby fasten
the first strap apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272
to the at least one rail, as aforesaid.
[00056] In the second preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the gate frame 200 comprises the first stile 210, the
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second stile 220, the first rail 230, and the second rail 240,
all of which are secured together to form the main body of the
gate frame 200. The
first male-threaded member 250 extends
through a co-operating aperture in the first stile 210 and the
second male-threaded member 260 extends through a co-operating
aperture in the second stile 220.
[00057] In
order to assemble the tensioning apparatus 280 onto
the gate frame 200, the first strap apparatus 271 and the second
strap apparatus 272 placed in partially overlapping relation on
the first rail 230 and the second rail 240. The
first strap
apparatus 271 and the second strap apparatus 272 are then
secured to the first rail 230 and the second rail 240 by means
of the plurality of threaded fasteners 279b that extend through
the plurality of apertures 279a and secure into the first rail
230 and the second rail 240.
[00058] The
elongate threaded main body portion 254 of the
first male-threaded member 250 is then threadibly engaged into
the first female-threaded opening 277 of the first connector
body 275 of the first elongate strap portion 273.
Similarly,
the elongate threaded main body portion 264 of the second male-
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threaded member 260 is then threadibly engaged into the second
female-threaded opening 278 of the second connector body 276 of
the second elongate strap portion 274.
[00059] Also,
as can readily be seen in Figures 8 and 10, the
first male-threaded member 250 of the upper tensioning apparatus
280 secures an upper hinge 204a to the first stile 210.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 250 of the lower
tensioning apparatus 280 secures a lower hinge 204b to the first
stile 210.
[00060] There
is also a cover 290a secured to the first rail
230 in overlying relation to the first strap apparatus 271, and
a cover 290b secured to the second rail 240 in overlying
relation to the second strap apparatus 272. The
covers
290a,290b preclude damage to the first strap apparatus 271 and
the second strap apparatus 272 and also preclude dirt and debris
from interfering with their proper operation.
[00061] As
can be readily seen, when the gate frame 200 is
fully assembled, with the first stile 210, the second stile 220,
the first rail 230, and the second rail 240 being secured
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CA 02782435 2012-07-06
together to form the main body of the gate frame 200, the first
male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260
of the first tensioning apparatus 280 are operatively
interconnected in tensile force transmitting relation such that
rotation of either one of the first male-threaded member 250 and
the second male-threaded member 260 moves the first male-
threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded member 260 with
respect to each other along their respective axes "A2", "A2", to
thereby adjust the tension applied to the main body of the gate
frame 200.
Similarly, the first male-threaded member 250 and
the second male-threaded member 260 of the second tensioning
apparatus 280 are operatively interconnected in tensile force
transmitting relation such that rotation of either one of the
first male-threaded member 250 and the second male-threaded
member 260 moves the first male-threaded member 250 and the
second male-threaded member 260 with respect to each other along
their respective axes "A21', "A2", to thereby adjust the tension
applied to the main body of the gate frame 200.
[00062] In
another aspect, the present invention comprises the
tensioning apparatus 280 for use in the gate frame 200 for
installation on the fence 202. The
tensioning apparatus 280
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CA 02782435 2012-07-06
comprises the first male-threaded member 250 having a head
portion 252 and defining the first longitudinal axis "Al" along
its length, and the second male-threaded member 260 having a
head portion 252 and defining a second longitudinal axis "AZ'
along its length. The
interconnecting apparatus 270 has at
least one opening to receive the first male-threaded member 250
and the second male-threaded member 260 in securely retained yet
rotatable relation. The first male-threaded member 250 and the
second male-threaded member 260 are operatively interconnected
in tensile force transmitting relation such that rotation of
either one of the first male-threaded member 250 and the second
male-threaded member 260 moves the first male-threaded member
250 and the second male-threaded member 260 with respect to each
other along their respective axes "Al", "AZ', to thereby permit
adjustment of the tension applied to the main body of the gate
frame 200.
[00063] As
can be understood from the above description and
from the accompanying drawings, the present invention provides a
gate frame and tensioning apparatus that permits the assembly of
a gate of arbitrary height and width while mechanically
fastening the hinge apparatus to the gate frame, and that allows
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CA 02782435 2014-03-03
for infinitesimal and instantaneous adjustment, all of which
features are unknown in the prior art.
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