US3825053A

US3825053A - Traction gate

Info

Publication number: US3825053A
Application number: US00270308A
Authority: US
Inventors: F Romberg
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-07-10
Filing date: 1972-07-10
Publication date: 1974-07-23
Anticipated expiration: 1991-07-23

Abstract

In a traction gate, a wire barrier extends between a pair of end standards. One of the end standards is pivotally supported on a first gate post, and the lower end of the other end standard is adapted for engagement with and support by structure projecting from a second gate post. A traction mechanism is mounted on the upper end of the second gate post for engagement with pivot means on the upper end of the adjacent end standard. When not in use, the traction mechanism rests on top of the gate post and is therefore readily accessible from either side of the gate. The gate is closed by engaging the traction mechanism with the pivot means and then pivoting the traction mechanism over center, whereby the gate is secured in traction by toggle action. Structure is provided for retaining the traction mechanism in the actuated position, and thereby both securing the gate in traction and locking the gate. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed, one comprising a wire traction gate and the other comprising a laterally swinging traction gate. In the laterally swinging traction gate and end standards are secured to a longitudinal frame member which interconnects the lower ends of the end standards.

Description

[111 3 3,825,053 [45 July 23, 1974 Romberg TRACTION GATE [76] Inventor: Felix B. Romberg, Po. Box 218,

Holland, Tex. 75001 [22] Filed: July .10, 1972 [21] Appl, No.: 270,308

[52] US. Cl 160/328, 49/381, 292/247 [51] Int. Cl E06b 3/80 [58] Field of Search 49/381, 386; 160/328; 292/113, 246, 247

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 882,692 3/1908 Kidder 160/328 887,676 5/1908 Malone 160/328 996,368 6/1911 Ryckman 292/113 1,458,664 6/1923 Schaefer 292/113 X 2,109,300 2/1938 :Mortensen 160/328 2,613,972 10/1952 Gifford 292/247 3,450,187 6/1969 Foltz 160/328 Primary Examiner-Dennis L. Taylor In a traction gate, a wire barrier extends between a pair of end standards. One of the end standards is pivotally supported on a first gate post, and the lower end of the other end standard is adapted for engagement with and support by structure projecting from a second gate post. A traction mechanism is mounted on the upper end of the second gate post for engagement with pivot means on the upper end of the adjacent end standard. When not in use, the traction mechanism rests on top of the gate post and is therefore readily accessible from either side of the gate.

The gate is closed by engaging the traction mechanism traction by toggle action. Structure is provided for retaining the traction mechanism in the actuated position, and thereby both securing the gate in traction and locking the gate. Two embodiments of the invention are disclosed, one comprising a wire traction gate and the other comprising a laterally swinging traction gate. 1n the laterally swinging traction gate and end .standards are secured to' a longitudinal frame member which'interconnects the lower ends of the end standards.

12 Claims, 21 Drawing Figures PATEMIEUWBIQH SHEET TN 7 mwm wvm oqm mmm mmm TRACTION GATE BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to traction gate improvements, including gate traction mechanism improvements useful both in conjunction with a novel laterally swinging traction gate and with traction gates generally.

Barbed wire combines the quality of repelling livestock with that of tensile strength. However, when an ordinary barbed wire gate barrier becomes slack the individual wires assume the curves and crooks that existed in the wire previous to tensioning, such as the coils the wire had in the spool.

It is common practice on farms and ranches to utilize simple wire gates (also called gaps). Such a gate typically comprises a barbed wire barrier strung between vertical standards which are in turn supported by spaced gate posts. In many instances no means is provided for exerting traction on such a gate. Instead, the operator simply positions the standard at the openable end of the gate as close as possible to the adjacent gate post and then loops a wire extending from the gate post over the standard.

Such gates do not utilize the potential of the wire. They are economical, but at many fence line locations there would be greater over-all economy if the tension of the wire barrier of the gate would be equal to and thereby support the tension of the fence line wires. Otherwise, the tension of the fence line wires must be supported by other means, such as tall gate posts interconnected with wire at the top.

Laterally swinging gates have generally been used instead of wire gates at locations where traffic demands a more easily handled or more pretentious looking gate. Mass production of the metal panel gate constructed of straight flanged sheet metal channel sections (US. Pat. No. 2,515,754) has made that gate popular on farms and ranches. However, that gate is difficult to open and close in a stiff wind on account of its broadside surface area. Moreover, the considerable length now required for gates by the width of modern farm equipment makes panel gates heavy and rather burdensome on the supporting gate post. In contrast, wire gates are virtually insensitive to wind and, with adequate tension, are well adapted for wide openings.

The present invention provides an improved traction gate of the type in which a wire barrier is supported between two end standards. In one disclosed embodiment the end standards are interconnected by a frame member at the bottom to provide a light swinging traction gate for which wires with end loops can be assembled over the ends of the standards.

In its closed position this swinging traction gate is anchored at all four corners between two gate posts. One end is hingedly mounted on one of the gate posts. At the other end the top of the gate is secured to the other gate post by means of a traction mechanism which also generates a downward thrustthat holds the lower'gate corner on a seat bolt extending through that post.

The traction mechanism is operated with a lever handle whereby the operator couples the traction mechanism to the gate standard and then draws the standard towards the post until the lever moves over center in toggle action to a final position where it can be padlocked. Concurrently with the releasing of traction, the

lever handle uncouples the gate and comes to rest on top of the gate post to which the traction mechanism is adjustably secured.

The lever handle projects from the top of the gate post when the gate is not in traction and angles upwardly above the wire barrier when the gate is in traction. At each of these locations the handle is easily grasped and easily moved to theother location from either side of the gate without changing the grip on the handle.

After traction is released, the frame of this swinging traction gate supports the wire barrier in limited tension and that limited tension reciprocally supports the openable end of the gate so that it can be lifted very easily from the seat bolt and swung to an open position.

In another disclosed embodiment of the invention, the wiretractiongate, the gate end standards are not interconnected by a-frame member, but the gate is secured in traction by basically the same traction mecha nism in the same way. In the second embodiment a T- bolt is used as seat bolt for the end standard at the openable end of the gate and that standard has hook forks at the bottom for straddling and gripping the T- bolt.

DESCRIPTION'OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference may now be had to the following Detail Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings in which:

FIG. l is a fragmentary side view of a wire traction gate incorporating a first embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side view of the openable end of the gate of FIG. 1, with dotted lines showing the position of the traction lever and traction link when'the lever is positioned .on the gate post;

FIG. 3 is a sectionalview taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 and looking'in the direction of the arrows;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the traction mechanism shown in FIG. 2, with the traction lever in the terminal position;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the traction mechanism shown in FIG. 4 in which certain parts have been broken away more clearly to illustrate certain features of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5, but with the traction lever on the pivot in an upended position; I

FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along the line 7-7 of FIG. 6; p

FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along the line 88 of FIG. 4, with optional retaining means shown in dashed lines;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary view of a vertical wire wrapped around a horizontal wire;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary side view of a laterally swinging gate incorporating a second. embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 is a detailed fragmentary side view of the frame of the gate of FIG. .10;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view of the frame of FIG. 11; I

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary detailed longitudinal sectional view of the lower frame comer at the swinging more clearly to illustrate certain features of the invention;

FIG. 16 is a plan view of the traction leverv on a smaller scale than FIGS. 14 and 15; j

FIG. 17 is a detailed vertical longitudinal sectional view of the traction lever of FIG. 16 on the scale of FIGS. 14 and 1-5;

FIG. 18 is a detailed sectional view taken along the line of 18 18 of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of the spring retaining plate only, taken along the line 19-l9 of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary plan view showing how a previously formed terminal loop of longitudinal wire is slipped over the top of the frame standard of FIG. 15; and

FIG. 21 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line 21'21 of FIG. 10, showing details of the lower end of the stay.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WIRE TRACTION GATE A wire traction gate incorporating a first embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 9, inclusive. The gate 30 is mounted between gate posts 32 and 34 (FIG. 1) and comprises tubular end standards36 and 38 and a barrier of longitudinal barbed wires 40' strung between the end standards. The longitudinal wires may be connected by one or more stays 42 intermediate the

end standards

36 and 38.

The standard 38 has integral elongated

plates

44 and 46 extending perpendicularly across its top and bottom ends, respectively. The

plates

44 and 46 are perforated on each side of the end standards 38. The perforations nearest the gate post 34 are aligned with the eyelets of a pair of

eye bolts

48 and 50 which pass through the gate post 34 and which are located above and below the

plates

44 and 46, respectively. A pivot shaft 52 extends through the perforations of the

plates

44 and 46 and through the eyelets of the eye bolts 48 and S0. The ends of the

eye bolts

48 and 50 opposite the eyelets are threaded and receive washers and nuts 54, whereby the spacing between the pivot shaft 52 and the gate post 34 may be adjusted.

The perforations in

plates

44 and 46 on the opposite side of the end standard 38 from the pivot shaft 52 receive the ends of a vertical wire 56. The wire 56 is successively wrapped around each longitudinal barbed wire 40 in the manner shown in FIG. 9. By this means vertical spacing is maintained between the longitudinal" wires 40 adjacent theend standard 38 of the gate 30.

with a T-bolt 62 extending through the adjacent gate post 32. The opposite end of the T-bolt 62'is threaded and receives a washer and a nut 64, whereby the positioning of the T-bolt may be adjusted.

The T-bolt 62 is formed by welding a short shaft 66 perpendicularly across the end of athreaded shaft 68. The bottom plate 60 of the end'standard 36 is adapted to rest on the shaft 66 and has a pair of downwardly extending forks and 72 which are positionable beyond the shaft 66 on each side of the threaded shaft 68 of the T-bolt 62. The

forks

70 and 72 define a downwardly widening'opening therebetween which simplifies the positioning of the lower end'of the standard 36 in

enforks

70 and 72 to receive a vertical wire 74. Thewire 74 is wrapped around the longitudinal barbed wires 40 in the manner. shownin F IG.'9. By this means vertical spacing is maintained betweenthe wires 40 adjacent the endstandard 36 of the gate 30. Referring now .to FIGS. 2 and 4, the plate 58 at the top of the end standard '36 includes a pair of laterally spaced-

upstanding lugs

76 and 78 which are integral with the plate 58. The lugs 76 and 78'support a transverse pivotbolt 80 which is mounted in aligned openings formed through the lugs. The

lugs

76 and 78 are parallel to the longitudinalaxis of the plate 58 and the pivot bolt 80 is perpendicular to the

lugs

76 and 78.

The wire traction gate 30 further includes a traction mechanism 82 comprising a traction lever 84, a traction link 86, and an eyebolt 88 which supports the traction mechanism 82 on the gate post 32. As is best shown in FIGS. 4, 5., and 6, the traction lever 84 ofthe traction mechanism 82 includes a forked end 90 comprising

opposed lips

92 and 94 and a curved portion 96 having substantially the same radius as the pivot bolt 80 on the end standard 36. By this means the forked end 90 of'the'traction lever 84 is adapted for pivotal engagement with the pivot bolt 80. The lip 94 is wider than the remainder of the traction lever 84 and'it is substantially'equalin width to the space between the

upstanding lugs

76 and 78 on the end standard 36. The lip 94 thus functions to center the-traction lever 84 relative to .the

lugs

76 and 78.

The end of the traction lever 84 remote from the forked end 90 comprises a handle 98. A lug depends fromthe handle 98 and is provided with an aperture 102.. The plate 58 on the end standard 36isiprovided with an aperture l04which receives the lug 100 when the traction lever 84 is manipulated from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in FIG. 5.

At this point the aperture 102 is positioned beneath the plate 58.

The traction link 86 comprises spaced

straps

106 and 108 which are integrally connected by a web 110. The traction lever 84 is pivotally'supported on one end of the traction link 86 by a bolt 112 which extends through aligned apertures formed in the

straps

106 and 108 of the traction link 86 and through an aperture formed through the traction lever 84 at a point between the forked end 90 and the handle 98. By this means the bolt 112 provides a fulcrum for the traction lever 84 during pivotal movement of the lever about the pivot bolt 80. The opposite end of the traction link is pivotally supported on .the eye bolt 88 by a bolt 114 which passes through aligned apertures formed in the

straps

106 and 108 and through the eyelet of the eye bolt 88.

As is best shown in FIG. 2, the eye bolt 88 passes through the gate post 32. The end of the eye bolt 88 opposite the eyelet is threaded and receives a washer and a nut 116 whereby the positioning of the traction mechanism 82 relative to the gate post 32 may be adjusted. The positioning of the eye bolt 88 in the gate post 32, the overall height of the gate post 32, and the length of the traction link 86 of the traction mechanism 82 are inter-related in such a way that the traction lever 84 of the traction mechanism rests on the upper end of the gate post 32 when the traction mechanism 82 is not in use. This is advantageous in that the traction mechanism 82 is thereby rendered readily accessible from either side of the wire traction gate 30.

The plate 58 at the upper end of the end standard 36 extends first angularly upwardly to a point just beyond the aperture 104 and then angularly downwardly and terminates in an upstanding lug 118. The upper longitudinal barbed wire 40 is connected to the lug 118, and

the vertical wire 74 is secured to the upper longitudinal wire 40 at a point adjacent the lug 118. This construction is advantageous for a number of reasons. First, sufficient spacing is provided between the traction lever 84 of the traction mechanism 82and the upper longitu- I dinal wire 40 that the handle 98 is easily grasped in one hand of an operator. Second, sufficient spacing is provided between the' end standard 36 and the vertical wire 74 that the end standard 36 is easily grasped in the other hand of the operator.;Third, the offset positioning of the lug 118 relative to the end standard 36 provides a lever arm of sufficient length that the end standard 36 is automatically aligned when it is moved to the closed position, notwithstanding the fact that it may have been misaligned when it was in the open position.

To close the wire traction gate 30, the operator first advances the bottom end of the endstandard 36 and engages the

forks

70 and 72 of the plate 60 with the T- bolt 62. Next the upper end of the end standard 36 is moved towards the gate post 32, thereby tensioning at least the lower longitudinal barbed wires 40 of the gate 30. This tensioning positions both of the laterally spaced

forks

70 and 72 against the terminal portion 66 of the T-bolt 62, thereby automatically pivoting the end standard 36 into proper alignment, assisted by the offset position of the lug 118 relative to the standard 36.

When the end standard 36 is positioned adjacent the gate post 32, the forked end 90 of the traction lever 84 of the traction mechanism 82 is moved from the position shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2 to the position shown in FIG. 6 and is simultaneously engaged with the pivot bolt 80 at the upper end of the end standard 36. As is best shown in FIG. 7 this action is facilitated by beveled upper edges on the

lugs

76 and 78 whereby first the lip 94 of the traction lever 84 and subsequently the straps of the traction link 86 are centered between and received by the

lugs

76 and 78. After the traction lever 84 is engaged with the pivot bolt 80 itis moved from the position shown in FIG. 6to the position shown in FIG. 5. During this action the traction mechanism 82 operates as a toggle in that the fulcrum provided by bolt 112 moves over center, or beyond dead center, relative to alignment with pivot bolts 1'14 and 80 to secure the wire traction gate 30 in traction and the traction mechanism in a terminal or clamped position.

The bolt 114 is lower than the bolt 112 so that the tension in the traction link 86' imparts a downward thrust to the end standard 36 to keep its lower end firmly seated on the T-bolt 62. Owing to this downward thrust the gate is suff ciently secured for ordinary service when the lever 84 is drawn to its terminal. over center position. For extra security a padlock 120 orother retaining means may be inserted through the aperture 102 of the lug 100 to latch thetraction mechanism in its over center position.

The

straps

106 and 108 of the traction link are arched to fit on or closely over the pivot bolt 80 when tive bolts. This is preferably accomplished while the gate 'is in the closed position in thatthe tension of the wires is more readily determinable at thattime. Any natural resiliency of the upper ends of the gate posts 32 and 34 imparts resilient tension to the longitudinal wires40 comprising the upper portion of the wire traction gate 30. V

The traction gate 30 is opened by moving the traction lever 84 of the traction mechanism 82 from the position shownin FIG. 5 through the positionshown in FIG. 6 to the position shown in dashed lines inFIG. 2.

During this movement the tension of the longitudinal wires 40 of the gate 30 on the traction mechanism 82 imparts a sharp impulse to the movement of the lever 84 so that the operator naturally releases the lever on the top of the gate post 32. While the traction lever is being lifted with one hand, the operator grips the upper end of the end standard 36 in the other hand. After the top of the end standard has been disengaged from the traction mechanism 82, the. lower end of the end standard 36 is disengaged from the T-bolt 62 and the gate 30 is opened.

LATERALLY SWINGING TRACTION GATE A laterally swinging traction gate 128 incorporating a second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGS. 10 through 21, inclusive. The gate 128 is mounted between spaced gate posts 130 and 132 (FIG. 10) and has a frame 134 comprising a longitudinal tubular member 136 (FIGS. 10, 11, and 12) and

tubular end standards

138 and 140 extending upwardly from the ends of the longitudinal member 136 and supporting a barrier of longitudinal barbed wires 142. Flat plates 144 and-146 are sandwiched diagonally between the

end standards

138 and 140 and the longitudinal member 136 of the frame 134, as by welding to each member of each joint. The

plates

144 and 146 extend horizontally outward beyond each joint as shown.

The'outward extension of the plate 144 has an aperture 148' formed in it for receiving the upper end of a round bar 150 (FIGS. 10 and 13) integral with the end of a bolt 152 which extends through the gate post 130. The bolt 152 is threaded at the opposite end to receive a washer and nut 154 by means of which the bolt 152 can be adjusted longitudinally until the upper end of the bar 150 centers in the aperture 148, the latter being somewhat larger in diameter than the bar 150. The bolt 152 thus supports the plate 144 when the gate 128 is closed. The bar 150 extends downwardly from the bolt 152 and into a socket or narrow vertical groove in the gate post 130, thereby maintaining an upright position.

The upper end of the end standard 140 comprises an integral plate 156 (FIGS. 10 and 11) which extends horizontally toward the adjacent gate post 132 and has a perforation 158 formed in it. The plate 146 includes a similar perforation 160. A pivot shaft 162 passes gate 128 from being raised.

The plate 156 is bent upwardly on the opposite side 'of the end standard 140 from the pivot shaft 162 and receives an eye bolt 176 to which the upper end of a'diagonal guy wire 178 is secured. Theeye bolt 176 has a long threaded shank which passes through a perforation 180 in the plate 156 and is adjustable longitudinally by means of a nut 182 in the manner shown in FIG. 10. The opposite end of the guy wire 178 extends around the end standard 138, whereby the guy wire 178 prevents the gate 128 from sagging.

The end standard 138 has a integral block 184 (FIGS. 11 and 12) at its upper end. Theblock 184 has an upstanding lug 186 including a concave socket 188 which is occupied in traction by a pivot bolt 190 (FIGS. 14 and extending between and secured to a pair of

parallel forks

192 and 194 of a traction lever 196. The

forks

192 and 194 are spaced to receive the lug 186 and have a common connection 198 which forms a base for a tubular handle 200. Aligned perforations (FIG. 16) through the

forks

192 and 194 receive a.

pivot bolt 202 by means of which the ends of a pair of

parallel straps

204 and 206 of a traction link 208 are pivotally connected to the traction lever 196. The

straps

204 and 206 are perforated for this purpose and are spaced to receive the

forks

192 and 194 of the traction lever 196 between them. The

straps

204 and 206 of the traction link 208 are joined by a web 210 and preferably fit closely over the block 184. By this means any upward movement of the standard 138 is prevented when secured in traction. This in turn assures that the plate 144 is not disengaged from the bar 150 when the gate is secured in traction.

The opposite ends of the

straps

204 and 206 receive the eyelet end of an eye bolt 212 and are pivotally connected thereto by means of a transverse bolt 214 which passes through the eyelet of the eye bolt and through aligned openings in the straps. The eye bolt 212 passes through the upper end of the adjacent gate post 130 and is threaded at the opposite end to receive a washer and the adjusting nut 216 whereby the bolt can be adjusted longitudinally.

An upstanding integral section 218 of the block 184 is shaped andlocated to fit within the space between the

forks

192 and 194 of the traction lever- 196 and the bolt 202. The section 218 extends upwardly beyond the

forks

192 and 194 when the traction lever is in the position shown in FIG. 15 and has an aperture 220 which is exposed above the

forks

192 and 194 when the traction lever 196 is in such position. The aperture 220 may receive the shackle of a padlock when the gate is closed. The base of the section 218-is rounded in cross section to anchor the top longitudinal wire 142 of the gate 128. I

A latch bolt 222 extends through the length of the handle 200 and through an opening in the base 198. A latch recess 224 is provided in the adjacent edge of the section 218 to receive the end of the latch bolt 222 when the traction lever 196 is in the position shown in FIG. 15. The edge of the section 218 is suitably sloped above the recess 224 to cam the latch bolt 222 into the recess. 4

The latch bolt 222 is urged in. the latch recess 224 by a compression spring 226 (FIG. 17) acting against a disk 228 that is integral with the bolt 222 and positioned thereon to limit outward movement of the bolt 222 through the base 198. The other end of the compression spring 226 rests against. a plate 230 which seats aga'inst'blocks 232 and 234 secured to the interior of the tubular handle 200, as by spot welding. The plate 230 has a central opening which receives the bolt 222.

Opposite the base 198 the bolt 222 passes through a central opening in an end wall 236 of an outer tubular member 238 which telescopes slidably over the end portion of the primary tube of the handle 200.

A pin 240 projects through a perforation in the latch bolt 222 adjacent the inner side of the end wall 236. An elastomeric washer 242, a metal washer 244, and a nut 246 are mounted on the outside of the wall 236. Hence the latch bolt 222 moves with the outer end portion 238 of the traction lever handle 200.

To assemble the plate 230 beyond the

blocks

232 and 234 from the terminal entrance tov the interior of the tubular handle 200, the plate 230 includes notches 248 and 250 (FIGS. 18 and 19). The

notches

248 and 250 are aligned with the

blocks

232 and 234 by a special tool which moves the plate 230 against the compression spring 226. When the tool has moved the plate beyond the blocks'232 and 234, the plate 230 is rotated to position the plate in engagement with the

blocks

232 and 234 and to center the

notches

248 and 250 betweenthe blocks 232 and 234. The plate 230 is provided by

pads

252 and 254 which limit rotation of the plate 230 in service. The

pads

252 and 254 are secured to the plate 230, as by spot welding.

To release the gate 128 from traction the operator moves theouter tubular portion 238 of the traction lever 196 outwardly to withdraw the latch bolt 222 from the latch recess 224. The spring 226 limits this action when it is fully compressed. The traction lever 196 is then pivoted upwardly and is positioned on top of the gate post as described above in connection with the wire traction gate 30 of FIGS. 1 through 9.

The'gate frame is constructed from straight lengths of tubing, with the end standards 138 and perpendicular to the longitudinal member 136 and parallel to each other. After the longitudinal wires 142 are applied their tension causes the distal ends of the

standards

138 and 140 to draw toward each other and the longitudinal member 136 to bow downwardly in themiddle. However, when traction is applied in sufficient magnitude to restore the

standards

138 and 140 to the parallel condition,'the longitudinal frame member 136 is relieved of bending moment and returns to its original straight condition. By manipulation of the nut 216 on make the longitudinal frame member 136 straight and thereby relieve it of bending strain can be effected.

In order to achieve precise tension in the longitudinal barbed wires 142 and to mount them on the frame 134 of the swinging gate 128 with minimum labor and highest quality workmanship, it is desirable that the wires 142 be prepared in exact lengths and with end loops before they are assembled on the frame. The block 184 is short and is tapered longitudinally towards the section 218 as shown in FIGS. 11, 12, and 20. By bowing the longitudinal member 136 downwardly in the middle, the upper ends of the

end standards

138 and 140 are brought closer together. By hooking one end loop of each wire 142 around the standard 140 first,the other end loop can he slipped over the top of the block 184 of the standard 138 as shown in FIG. 20. The first wire so applied is then slid downwardly along both standards simultaneously until it is properly positioned. The other wires are then put into their positions on the standards in the same way, except that the top wire is provided with a smaller end loop and is positioned over the section 218 and around its'shank as shown in FIG. 15. The longitudinal member 136 is then released from its bowed condition, leaving the wires 142 taut.

Vertical wires

256 and 258 are then applied adjacent the

standards

138 and 140, respectively, and are wrapped around the longitudinal wires 142 as shown in FIG. 9 to hold them in properly spaced positions. The lower ends of the

vertical wires

256 and 258 are drawn around the longitudinal frame member 136. At the plate 156, the top longitudinal wire 142 may be held against downward displacement by a separate wire 260 looped about the top wire and the plate 156. The vertical wire 256 may also be employed to secure'the lower end of the diagonal guy wire 178 to the longitudinal member 136 and thereby prevent the lower end of the guy wire 178 from slipping upwardly, or a separate wire may be used for this purpose.

One or more stays 262 may be utilized between the

end standards

138 and 140 of the gate 128. A preferred stay 262 is shown in FIG. 1 and 21. At the bottom end the stay 262 is flattened and widened and shaped to fit over the longitudinal member 136 and against its sides. Connection of the stay 262 to the member 136 is completed by looping wire 264 around the bottom of the member 136 and through perforations in the'flattened sides of the stay 262.

The

bolts

152 and 166 extending through the gate posts 130 and 132 are initially adjusted longitudinally so the gate 128 is centered between the gate posts and so that the top of the bar 150 is centered in the opening 148 provided in the plate 144. Then, with the guy wire 178 slack, the bolt 164 is adjusted longitudinally with the gate 128 open, so the height of the horizontal end of plate 144 corresponds to that of the bolt 152.

At this point the tension of the longitudinal wires 142 of the gate 128 is equal to the stress in the frame 134. This means that the lifting force required of a person to raise the plate 144 over the top of bar 150 isonly that force which constitutes the departure from equilibrium. In actual use it has been found that the tension of the wires so effectively counterbalances the weight of the gate at the openable end that the openable end is extremely easy to lift. The slackin the guy wire 178 is next taken up by adjusting the nut 182 to the extent that does not lift the plate 144 from the seat bolt 152.

This provides emergency support to the openable .end of the gate. a

If the frame 134 of the gate 128 did not yield, the tension of the longitudinal wires 142, unaided by the guy wire 178, would sustain the swinging end of the gate 128 at a nearly constant height against variations in downward force when the gate is open. However, since the frame 134 yields resiliently, the guy wire 178 is provided to protect the frame against undue downward strain while the gate 128 is'open. After the gate is closed, it can withstand relatively large forces since it is then secured at all four corners.

Although the wire. traction gate 30 of FIGS. 1 through 9and the laterally swinging traction gate 128 of FIGS. l0'through 21 are presented with traction mechanisms having different details, principles of either mechanism can be used with either gate. A simpler tractionmechanism is more applicable where a gate will not be opened and closed frequently. In both traction mechanismsthe traction lever is preferably inclined upward from the pivoted end when latched. This provides a desirable clearance above the top barbed wire for gripping the lever. It also protects the telescoped tube 238 (FIG. 17 from receiving water and then freezing.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the useof the-present invention results in numerous advantages over the prior art. Being anchored at all four corners when closed, the swinging traction gate of this invention may be consideredas stock proof as conventional laterally swinging gates. But it is more economical of material, lighter in weight and unhampered by wind. It is especially advantageous where unrestricted visibility, unrestricted air circulation or an inconspicuous gate are desired. It also has the special advantage of exerting tractionon the two associated gate posts. This substantially reduces the amount of bracing required in the fence sections. The resulting savings in material'and labor costs are often equal to or greater than the cost of the gate. Another advantage over conventional laterally swinging gates is the counterbalancing of the openable end of the gate by the tension of the gate s longitudinal wires.

Although invented for securing the laterally swinging traction gate, the traction mechanism of this invention is also useful for other gates, notably for the disclosed wire traction gate embodiment. With this traction mechanism and cooperating gate structure, gate end coupling and uncoupling, the application of traction, padlocking and adjustability are all uniquely facilitated. At the beginning of and during each traction lever handle movement the lever handle affords optimum convenience from each side of the gate, yet remains out of peoples way.

Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. A traction gate comprising:

a gate post,

a standard serving as a wire supporting gate end,

pivot means at the top of said standard,

a T-bolt secured to said post for supporting the lower end of said standard and comprising a shaft and an end portion perpendicular to said shaft,

the lower end of said standard comprising a pair of prongs spaced apart to stradle the shaft of said T- bolt and hook theend'portion to the T-bolt on each side of that shaft for retension of said standard and for its angular orientation about its axis,

said prongs defining a downwardly widening opening between themto facilitate placement on said T- bolt,

a traction link, I

a bolt secured to said post and pivotally supporting one end of said traction link, and

a traction lever pivotally connected at a fulcrum with the other end of said traction link,

said traction lever having a handle end and being pivotal at its other end on said pivot means,

said parts being constructed and arranged for engagement of said other end of the traction lever with said pivot means and for subsequent movement of the handle end of said traction lever in the direction away from said post to force said pivot' and the upper end of said standard toward said post until the fulcrum of the'traction lever, passes over center. i 2. The gate according toclaim 1 wherein the pivot means on the standard and the perpendicular'end portion of the T-bolt are parallel and extend horizontally and wherein the traction link and the traction lever are supported for pivotal movement about axes parallel to the perpendicular portion of the T-bolt.

3. The gate according to claim 1 wherein the movement of the traction lever is limited by contact with said standard toa terminal position at which the fulcrum is over center and higher than the pivot axis of the bolt supported end of said traction link, thereby subjecting said standard to downward pressure against said T-bolt at the lowerend of said standard.

4. In a traction gate, the combination of:

a gate post,

a traction link,

means secured to said post and pivotally supporting said traction link,

an upright standard positionable adjacent said gate post and comprising a wire supporting gate end,

said standard comprising a shaft and a plate topping said shaft and extending therefrom in the direction away from said gate post, p

a pair of upstanding lugs projecting from the top of said plate and integral therewith,

a slot through said plate beyond said shaft and said lugs from the direction of said gate post,

a pivot bolt extending between and mounted on said lugs,

a traction lever pivotally connected to said traction link at a fulcrum and pivotal at one end about said pivot bolt past dead center relative to the fulcrum to a terminal position adjacent said slotin said plate,

a lug integral with said traction lever and projecting through said slot in the plate when said' lever is in said terminal position, and I said lug having an aperture formed through it which is exposed beyond said plate when said traction lever is in said terminal position to receive retaintion link is bent to fit closely over said pivot bolt when 5 the traction lever is insaid terminal position.

6. The gate as defined in claim 5 wherein:

said traction link is comprised of two longitudinal I straps spaced to receive said traction lever therebetween, said lugs of the plate are spaced to receive the two straps of the traction link therebetween, the end of said traction lever has a longer lip and a shorter lip for receiving the pivotbolt, and said longer lip-is receivable on the traction side of said pivot bolt and is substantially equal in width to the space between'said lugs. 7. In a traction gate, the combination comprising: a vpair of gate posts, a pair of upright gate end standards adjacent said gate posts, respectively, 1 a wire barrier extending between said standards, means hingedly connecting one of said standards to the adjacent gate post, 1 hooking means for connecting the lower end of the other standard to the other post, and traction means for'applying traction to the upper end of-said other standard, said hooking means comprising a Tbolt mounted through said other post and an adjusting nut on said bolt on the other side of that post, and hook forks on said standard'for stradling and gripping saidT- bolt, I v 1 said traction means comprising an elongated plate at the top of said standard, said plate having attachment atone end to said wire barrier for tensioning the same and having a pivotseat adjacent thevother end, j said traction means further comprising a traction bolt secured'to said other post, a traction link pivotally secured at one end to said traction bolt, and a traction lever pivotally secured at its fulcrum to the other end of said traction link and pivotal at one end on said pivot seat from an upended position to a terminal position past dead center in toggle action. 8. The traction gate according to claim 7 wherein: the traction lever includes a projecting lug having an aperture formed through it, the plate onthe gate end standard has an aperture formed through it for receiving the lug of the traction lever, and v said lug of the traction lever extends through the aperture in the plate when the traction lever is in the terminal position to receive a retaining member in the aperture of the lug and thereby retain the traction lever in the terminal position.

9. The traction gate according to claim 7 wherein:

the'pivot seat of the plate comprises a pair of spaced apart lugs and a transverse member extending be tween the lugs for engagement by the traction lever of the traction means,

the traction link of the traction means comprises a pair of integrally connected members receivable between said lugs above said transverse'member which are bent to pass over the transverse member, andv the traction lever is mounted between the spaced apart members of the traction link and includes a portion substantially equal in width to the space between the lugsof the pivot seat which portion is received between the lugs when the traction lever engages said transverse member.

10. In a traction gate the combination of:

a gate post,

a standard serving as a wire barrier supporting gate end and positionable in an upright position adjacent to said gate post,

means mounted on said gate post for receiving the lower end of said standard and thereafter for preventing lateral and downward displacement of said standard,

a horizontally entending pivot bolt secured to the top of said standard, v

a traction link,

means secured-to said gate post and supporting one end of said traction link for pivoting about a horizontal axis to an upright position adjacent said post, i i a a traction lever connected at its fulcrum to the other end of said traction link for pivotal movement in a vertical plane,

the top of said gate post being at a height such that it will receive said traction lever in an overlying position when said traction link is in said upright position,

said traction lever having a socket for engaging said pivot bolt, 7

said socket facing endward from one end of said traction lever for engagement with and disengagement from said pivot bolt by endwise movement of said traction lever when said traction lever is in an upended position over said pivot bolt,

the other end of said traction lever comprising a handle by which said traction lever can be pivoted from a position overlying said post to an upended position engaging said pivot bolt and thence to a position in which said fulcrum is over center and the upper end of said standard is secured in traction with the handle extending generally perpendicularly to the gate post and overlying the wire barrier.

11. A traction gate comprising:

a gate post,

a standard serving asa wire barrier supporting gate end and positionable adjacent said post,

said standard comprising an extended top portion including a receiving pivotand a wire terminal for supporting a longitudinal gate wire in tension,

stationary means secured to said gate post for seating the lower end of said standard against downward and lateral displacement,

a traction link,

a boltsecured to said post and pivotally connected to one end of said traction link, and

said traction lever having on one side of said fulcrum a handle section and on the other side a purchase section which is pivotal at its end on said receiving pivot,

said-parts being constructed and arranged for pivotal engagement of the end of the purchase section of the traction lever with said pivot means and for subsequent movement of the handle section of the traction lever in a direction away from said post to force said pivot means and the upper end of said standard toward said post until the fulcrum of the traction lever passes over. center,

said wire terminal on the extended top of said standard being in the same vertical plane with said traction lever and traction link,

said extended top of said standard serving to terminate by contact with said handle section the movement of said traction lever after the fulcrum has passed over center.

12. The traction gate according to claim 11 further including:

a lug projecting from the handle portion of the traction lever and having a retaining apparatus receiving aperture formed therethrough, and

an aperture formed in the extended top of the standard for receiving the lug therethrough whereby a retaining apparatus may be utilized to secure the gate in the closed condition.

Claims

1. A traction gate comprising: a gate post, a standard serving as a wire supporting gate end, pivot means at the top of said standard, a T-bolt secured to said post for supporting the lower end of said standard and comprising a shaft and an end portion perpendicular to said shaft, the lower end of said standard comprising a pair of prongs spaced apart to stradle the shaft of said T-bolt and hook the end portion to the T-bolt on each side of that shaft for retension of said standard and for its angular orientation about its axis, said prongs defining a downwardly widening opening between them to facilitate placement on said T-bolt, a traction link, a bolt secured to said post and pivotally supporting one end of said traction linK, and a traction lever pivotally connected at a fulcrum with the other end of said traction link, said traction lever having a handle end and being pivotal at its other end on said pivot means, said parts being constructed and arranged for engagement of said other end of the traction lever with said pivot means and for subsequent movement of the handle end of said traction lever in the direction away from said post to force said pivot and the upper end of said standard toward said post until the fulcrum of the traction lever passes over center.

2. The gate according to claim 1 wherein the pivot means on the standard and the perpendicular end portion of the T-bolt are parallel and extend horizontally and wherein the traction link and the traction lever are supported for pivotal movement about axes parallel to the perpendicular portion of the T-bolt.

3. The gate according to claim 1 wherein the movement of the traction lever is limited by contact with said standard to a terminal position at which the fulcrum is over center and higher than the pivot axis of the bolt supported end of said traction link, thereby subjecting said standard to downward pressure against said T-bolt at the lower end of said standard.

4. In a traction gate, the combination of: a gate post, a traction link, means secured to said post and pivotally supporting said traction link, an upright standard positionable adjacent said gate post and comprising a wire supporting gate end, said standard comprising a shaft and a plate topping said shaft and extending therefrom in the direction away from said gate post, a pair of upstanding lugs projecting from the top of said plate and integral therewith, a slot through said plate beyond said shaft and said lugs from the direction of said gate post, a pivot bolt extending between and mounted on said lugs, a traction lever pivotally connected to said traction link at a fulcrum and pivotal at one end about said pivot bolt past dead center relative to the fulcrum to a terminal position adjacent said slot in said plate, a lug integral with said traction lever and projecting through said slot in the plate when said lever is in said terminal position, and said lug having an aperture formed through it which is exposed beyond said plate when said traction lever is in said terminal position to receive retaining apparatus and thereby secure said traction lever in said terminal position.

5. The gate according to claim 4 wherein said traction link is bent to fit closely over said pivot bolt when the traction lever is in said terminal position.

6. The gate as defined in claim 5 wherein: said traction link is comprised of two longitudinal straps spaced to receive said traction lever therebetween, said lugs of the plate are spaced to receive the two straps of the traction link therebetween, the end of said traction lever has a longer lip and a shorter lip for receiving the pivot bolt, and said longer lip is receivable on the traction side of said pivot bolt and is substantially equal in width to the space between said lugs.

7. In a traction gate, the combination comprising: a pair of gate posts, a pair of upright gate end standards adjacent said gate posts, respectively, a wire barrier extending between said standards, means hingedly connecting one of said standards to the adjacent gate post, hooking means for connecting the lower end of the other standard to the other post, and traction means for applying traction to the upper end of said other standard, said hooking means comprising a T-bolt mounted through said other post and an adjusting nut on said bolt on the other side of that post, and hook forks on said standard for stradling and gripping said T-bolt, said traction means comprising an elongated plate at the top of said standard, said plate having attachment at one end to said wire barrier for tensioning the samE and having a pivot seat adjacent the other end, said traction means further comprising a traction bolt secured to said other post, a traction link pivotally secured at one end to said traction bolt, and a traction lever pivotally secured at its fulcrum to the other end of said traction link and pivotal at one end on said pivot seat from an upended position to a terminal position past dead center in toggle action.

8. The traction gate according to claim 7 wherein: the traction lever includes a projecting lug having an aperture formed through it, the plate on the gate end standard has an aperture formed through it for receiving the lug of the traction lever, and said lug of the traction lever extends through the aperture in the plate when the traction lever is in the terminal position to receive a retaining member in the aperture of the lug and thereby retain the traction lever in the terminal position.

9. The traction gate according to claim 7 wherein: the pivot seat of the plate comprises a pair of spaced apart lugs and a transverse member extending between the lugs for engagement by the traction lever of the traction means, the traction link of the traction means comprises a pair of integrally connected members receivable between said lugs above said transverse member which are bent to pass over the transverse member, and the traction lever is mounted between the spaced apart members of the traction link and includes a portion substantially equal in width to the space between the lugs of the pivot seat which portion is received between the lugs when the traction lever engages said transverse member.

10. In a traction gate the combination of: a gate post, a standard serving as a wire barrier supporting gate end and positionable in an upright position adjacent to said gate post, means mounted on said gate post for receiving the lower end of said standard and thereafter for preventing lateral and downward displacement of said standard, a horizontally entending pivot bolt secured to the top of said standard, a traction link, means secured to said gate post and supporting one end of said traction link for pivoting about a horizontal axis to an upright position adjacent said post, a traction lever connected at its fulcrum to the other end of said traction link for pivotal movement in a vertical plane, the top of said gate post being at a height such that it will receive said traction lever in an overlying position when said traction link is in said upright position, said traction lever having a socket for engaging said pivot bolt, said socket facing endward from one end of said traction lever for engagement with and disengagement from said pivot bolt by endwise movement of said traction lever when said traction lever is in an upended position over said pivot bolt, the other end of said traction lever comprising a handle by which said traction lever can be pivoted from a position overlying said post to an upended position engaging said pivot bolt and thence to a position in which said fulcrum is over center and the upper end of said standard is secured in traction with the handle extending generally perpendicularly to the gate post and overlying the wire barrier.

11. A traction gate comprising: a gate post, a standard serving as a wire barrier supporting gate end and positionable adjacent said post, said standard comprising an extended top portion including a receiving pivot and a wire terminal for supporting a longitudinal gate wire in tension, stationary means secured to said gate post for seating the lower end of said standard against downward and lateral displacement, a traction link, a bolt secured to said post and pivotally connected to one end of said traction link, and a traction lever pivotally connected at a fulcrum with the other end of said traction link, said traction lever having on one side of said fulcrum a handLe section and on the other side a purchase section which is pivotal at its end on said receiving pivot, said parts being constructed and arranged for pivotal engagement of the end of the purchase section of the traction lever with said pivot means and for subsequent movement of the handle section of the traction lever in a direction away from said post to force said pivot means and the upper end of said standard toward said post until the fulcrum of the traction lever passes over center, said wire terminal on the extended top of said standard being in the same vertical plane with said traction lever and traction link, said extended top of said standard serving to terminate by contact with said handle section the movement of said traction lever after the fulcrum has passed over center.

12. The traction gate according to claim 11 further including: a lug projecting from the handle portion of the traction lever and having a retaining apparatus receiving aperture formed therethrough, and an aperture formed in the extended top of the standard for receiving the lug therethrough whereby a retaining apparatus may be utilized to secure the gate in the closed condition.