US5098140A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gate closer
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1991-05-02
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Granted: 1992-03-24
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Expires: 2011-05-02
Abstract
Abstract A closer mechanism for a flexible gate is disclosed. The mechanism is mountable to a member at one end of the gate opening. A bail for receiving the upper end of a gate post is moveable toward and away from the stationary member by the pivoting motion of an operating lever. The mechanism provides a mechanical advantage to provide a force to tension the gate as it is closed. The mechanism has adjustable features for mounting the mechanism and adjusting the distance the bail is moved as the lever is pivoted. A lower loop is provided for receiving the lower end of the gate post.
Inventors
- 👤 Lester J. Kentner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 14:52
CPC Classifications
E; E06; E06B; E06B11/00; E06B11/02; E06B11/021; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T292/00; Y10T292/08; Y10T292/087; Y10T292/0871; Y10T292/1043; Y10T292/1075; Y10T292/1083; Y10T292/1086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
259 words
A closer mechanism for a flexible gate having a gate end post to be secured to a stationary member defining one end of an opening to be closed by the flexible gate, said closer mechanism comprising: a bail for receiving the upper end of the gate end post; a pair of rigid L shaped straps having a first leg and a second leg, an end of the first leg attached to the stationary member and an opposite end of the first leg extending toward the opening, the second leg extending upward from the opposite end of said first leg; a lever forming a loop having its two ends pivotally attached to the upwardly extended second legs of the L shaped straps for pivotal movement of the lever between a first position and a second position; said bail forming a loop for encircling the gate end post and having its ends pivotally attached to the lever inwardly of the pivotal connections thereof to the L shaped straps for movement of said bail as said lever is pivoted between the first and second positions, said lever having its first position with the loop of the lever pivoted into the opening and its second position with the loop of the lever pivoted to surround the stationary member whereby as the lever is pivoted between the first and second positions, the bail and gate end post received in the bail are drawn from a position spaced from said stationary member to a position closer to said stationary member to thereby tension the gate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
259 words
A closer mechanism for a flexible gate having a gate end post to be secured to a stationary member defining one end of an opening to be closed by the flexible gate, said closer mechanism comprising: a bail for receiving the upper end of the gate end post; a pair of rigid L shaped straps having a first leg and a second leg, an end of the first leg attached to the stationary member and an opposite end of the first leg extending toward the opening, the second leg extending upward from the opposite end of said first leg; a lever forming a loop having its two ends pivotally attached to the upwardly extended second legs of the L shaped straps for pivotal movement of the lever between a first position and a second position; said bail forming a loop for encircling the gate end post and having its ends pivotally attached to the lever inwardly of the pivotal connections thereof to the L shaped straps for movement of said bail as said lever is pivoted between the first and second positions, said lever having its first position with the loop of the lever pivoted into the opening and its second position with the loop of the lever pivoted to surround the stationary member whereby as the lever is pivoted between the first and second positions, the bail and gate end post received in the bail are drawn from a position spaced from said stationary member to a position closer to said stationary member to thereby tension the gate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
A closer mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein a closed loop strap is attached to the stationary member for receiving the lower end of the gate post.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
113 words
A closer mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein the pivoting of the lever causes pivoting of the pivotal connection of the bail, said pivoting of the bail causing the gate end post received in the bail to move toward the stationary member creating increased tension resulting in a force, the force being directed in a line from the bail connections to the engagement of the bail loop with the gate end post, said connections of the lever on the second legs of the straps being positioned above the line of force when closed whereby said force urges the lever to pivot downwardly and thereby maintain the closed position of the closer mechanism.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A closer mechanism as defined in claim 3 wherein length adjusting means are provided to adjust the length of the straps extended toward said opening.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A closer mechanism as defined in claim 4 wherein adjusting means are provided to adjust the position of the bail connections relative to the ends of the lever.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A closer mechanism as defined in claim 1 wherein locking means are provided to lock the lever in the second position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-03-24 | 1995-09-23 | 1996-03-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-03-24 | 1999-09-23 | 2000-03-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-03-24 | 2003-09-23 | 2004-03-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |