Abstract:
An improved adjustable gate structure which is suitable for a fence with an opening therein which is too wide or narrow for a conventional gate, the gate&#39;s horizontal width can be increased or reduced by simple mechanical adjustments. The preferred embodiment of this gate consists of a main frame with a plurality of long horizontal panels of equal length affixed parallelographically to a vertical panel approximately 5′ in height and an extension frame with the same plurality of short horizontal panels of equal length also affixed to a panel approximately 5′ tall. All of the panels are spaced equally in relation to the ground. Apertures are punched or drilled equidistantly in the short panels and the distal ends of the long panels. The method to join the two frames at a pre-determined width is to interpose the short panels upon the distal ends of the long panels, thereby aligning the apertures with one or two apertures being secured on every set of panels with fasteners. Thus, the newly expanded or reduced width gate is made ready to be swingably upon its mounting post.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a gate whose horizontal width can be mechanically varied to properly fit the opening between two terminal fence posts. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART 
     In many instances, the exact width of a gate opening in a fence is not readily attainable before the fence is constructed. This leaves the fence builder with the option of waiting to install a gate until a custom or standard manufactured gate can be obtained, or trying to fit a gate into the opening. 
     Several types of adjustable gates have been proposed, i.e. U.S. Pat. No. 3,290,014 to Stapleton (1966) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,716,041 to Groves (1998). These gates require complex construction and are not unlimited in extending their horizontal widths in conventional ranch type fence construction. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES 
     The adjustable gate of this invention is suitable for use with a fence, or other fixed structure. It employees five horizontal panels or slats which are attached by rivets to 3 vertical members to form the gate frame. Panels extending from right to left have distal ends protruding a chosen distance beyond the center vertical member and contain a chosen number of equidistant apertures. Five shorter panels, whose lengths are approximately equal to the lengths of the longer panels&#39; distance beyond the center vertical panel, are mounted horizontally to the left most vertical panel and contain the same number of equidistant apertures as found in the aforementioned long panels. Therefore, by positioning the short panels against the long panels at a chosen distance with the appropriate apertures aligned, the panels can be made fast against each other secured by a series of bolts, washers and nuts. Thus, the width of the gate can be changed horizontally over the space of a few feet. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide an adjustable gate which is adjustable over a set horizontal width which is straight-forward and easy to assemble. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a design which is relatively simple to manufacture. 
     Yet another object of the invention is to produce a gate which is sturdy, yet relatively light-weight and affords ease in handling. 
     Further objects and advantages of my invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 depicts the adjustable gate of the invention in an environmental setting shown in mounted position between a pair of over-spaced posts. 
     FIG. 2 is an unassembled view of the framework of the adjustable gate of FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line  3 — 3  in FIG. 1, FIG. 4, FIG. 6, FIG.  8  and FIG.  9 : 
     FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line  4 — 4  in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line  5 — 5  in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the line  6 — 6  in FIG.  7 . 
     FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line  7 — 7  in FIG.  2 . 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line  8 — 8  in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view taken along the line  9 — 9  in FIG.  5 . 
    
    
     LIST OF PARTS 
     Part No. Description 
       10  Gate 
       11  Gate frame 
       12  Adjustable extension unit 
       13  Long horizontal panel 
       14  Long horizontal panel 
       15  Long horizontal panel 
       16  Long horizontal panel 
       17  Long horizontal panel 
       18  Short horizontal panel 
       19  Short horizontal panel 
       20  Short horizontal panel 
       21  Short horizontal panel 
       22  Short horizontal panel 
       23  Angle brace panel 
       24  Vertical mounting panel 
       25  Vertical mounting panel 
       26  Vertical mounting panel 
       27  Apertures 
       28  Rivets 
       29  Washer 
       30  Bolt 
       31  Panel base portion 
       32  Panel inner straight portion 
       33  Panel outer straight portion 
       34  Panel flange reversely rolled 
       35  Wing nut 
       36  Bolt 
       37  Washer 
       38  Nut 
       39  Hinge bracket 
       40  Hinge bracket 
       41  Hinge post 
       42  Upstanding spindle 
       43  Hinge assembly socket 
       44  Fence post 
       45  Fence post 
       46  L-shaped holder 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to the drawings, the gate apparatus of this invention is indicated generally at  10  in FIG.  1  and is shown in assembled mounted position between a pair of stationary fence posts— 44  and  45 . 
     The gate apparatus  10  comprises basically a frame unit  11  and a longitudinally adjustable extension unit  12 . Gate  10  encompasses the preferred embodiments of this invention. 
     The frame unit  11  includes a plurality, five in this structure, of elongated horizontal panels or slats  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 , and  17  arranged as best illustrated in FIG.  1  and FIG. 2 in a parallel manner, with the vertical spacing there between gradually lessening toward the ground. The frame unit  11  further includes a plurality, two in this instance, of upright panels  24  and  25 . All panels employ rivets as fasteners  28 , FIG. 6, represented as. On the drawings. FIG. 7 illustrates how the vertical and horizontal panels are riveted together. It will be noted that the upper and lower horizontal panels  13  and  17  form a rectangular outline with the inner and outer upright panels  25  and  24 . 
     Additionally, the adjustable extension frame unit  12  includes a plurality, five in this structure, of short horizontal panels  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  and  22  arranged as shown in FIG. 2 in a parallel manner, with the vertical spacing there between gradually lessening toward the ground. The frame unit  12  also includes one upright outer panel  26  to which panels  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  and  22  are fastened at their left distal ends and spaced exactly as panels  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17 . This is essential so that when panels  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  and  22  are interposed upon the relative panels  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17  of the adjustable extension unit  12  there will be snug fits as shown in FIG.  5 . 
     As shown in FIG.  1  and FIG. 2, ½″ diameter apertures  27  (all apertures  27  are shown as o on the drawings) are punched in plurality at equidistant pre-determined spacings specified by the builder. The apertures  27  are slightly oversized when the ⅜″ bolt  30 , washers  29  and wingnut  35  assemblies are used to fasten chosen pairs of apertures  27  on the panels  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 ,  17  and  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  and  22 ; this provides some slack in aligning the apertures. This is best illustrated in FIG.  5 . 
     The lengths of all of panels  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17  are identical, as are the lengths of panels  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  and  22 . The lengths of the vertical panels  24 ,  25  and  26  are identical. Furthermore, the cross-section of all horizontal and vertical panels is identical as illustrated in FIG.  3 . Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen that FIG. 3 is taken across both a horizontal panel  13 , and an upright panel  24 . Each panel comprises in cross-section a straight base portion  31  (FIG.  3 ), a pair of straight inner portions  32  diverging from the ends of the base portion  31  at equal angles, a pair of straight side portions  33  parallel to the base portion  31  and lying within the same plane and diverging relative to each adjacent inner portion  32  at the same angle relative to the parallel base  31  and inner  32  portions. At the outer end of each straight side portion  33 , a flange  34  is reversely rolled relative to the side portion  33 . The material for the panels is preferred as being # 24  to # 18  gauge galvanized steel. The panels also can be constructed from aluminum or plastic. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a panel  23  is mounted angularly to assure a rigid parallelographic form to the frame  11 . Panel  23  is materially identical to all of the other panels and FIG. 3 is taken across it. 
     As the connection between each end of the adjustable extension unit  12  and the frame unit  11  is the same, only one will be described. Panel  18  is placed upon panel  13  in an overlapped position whereby two sets of apertures  27  on panel  18  coincide with corresponding apertures  27  on panel  13 . Each pair of apertures  27  should be spaced as far apart as possible to maintain rigidity while allowing the adjustable extension unit  12  to be extended or reduced to its desired feet or inches. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the interposed panels  18  and  13  are secured through each set of apertures  27  by a ⅜″ bolt  30  and washer  29  on panel  18  shown in FIG.  8 . Shown in FIG. 9, washer  29  and wing nut  35  tighten the bolt  30  after it passes through panel  13 . Stainless steel bolts, washers and wing nuts are recommended for durability. In this manner, when all five pair of the panels are connected one can expand or reduce the horizontal width of gate  10 . 
     To swingably attach the frame unit  11  to the post  44  illustrated on the right side of FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of hinge bracket assemblies illustrated generally at  43  in FIGS. 1 and 2 are provided. Each hinge bracket  43  includes plates  39  and  40  as side support members. These plates are fastened to the locations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 (onto panel  24 ) by two bolts  36 , two washers  37  and two nuts  38 . Plates  39  and  40  are welded to a swivel socket  41  at their distal ends. When so assembled, each hinge bracket  43  is placeable by means of its socket  41  upon the upstanding spindle  42  (FIG. 1) of an L-shaped holder  46  inserted into the post  44 . The gate  10  is typically chained or tied to post  45 . 
     OPERATION—MAIN EMBODIMENT 
     The gate&#39;s main frame unit  11  is held in an upright position. The adjustable extension unit  12  is placed against frame unit  11  at the desired spacing of the apertures  27  in an overlapped position. Panels  18 ,  19 ,  20 ,  21  and  22  are placed in interposed positions upon panels  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16  and  17  respectively. 
     Two pair of apertures  27  opposing each other on each set of interposed panels should coincide evenly. Each chosen pair of apertures  27  should be spaced as far apart as possible to maintain rigidity of the extension unit  12 . 
     As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the interposed panels  18  and  13  (as well as  19 - 14 ,  20 - 15 ,  21 - 16  and  22 - 17 ) are secured through each set of selected apertures  27  by a ⅜″ bolt  30  and washer  29  shown in FIG.  8 . As shown in FIG. 9, washer  29  and wing nut  35  tighten the bolt  30  after it passes through aperture  27 . In this manner, when all five pair of the panels are interposably connected one can expand or reduce the horizontal width of gate  10 . 
     ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to the drawings, the gate apparatus of this invention is indicated generally at  50  in FIG.  1 A and is shown in an assembled mounted position between a pair of statiopnary fence posts— 114  and  116 . 
     The gate apparatus  50  comprises basically a frame unit  52  and a longitudinally telescopically adjustable extension frame unit  54 . Gate  50  encompasses the preferred embodiments of this invention. 
     The frame unit  52  includes a plurality, six in this structure, of elongated horizontal tubes or pipes  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  and  64  arranged as best illustrated in FIG. 1A in a parallelographic manner, with the vertical spacing there between being equal. All six tubes are of equal length. The frame unit  52  further includes a plurality, two in this instance, of upright equal length tubes  66  and  68 . 
     Additionally, the adjustable extension frame unit  54  includes a plurality, six in this structure, of short equal length horizontal tubes  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80  and  82  arranged as shown in FIG. 2A in a parallel manner connected to a vertical left side tube  70  of equal length to tubes  66  and  68  and equal center-to-center distances apart. The center-to-center distances must coincide with those of tubes  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  and  64  so that they will be slidable upon the latter. 
     The cross section  92  of the smaller inside tubes  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  and  64  is aluminum or galvanized steel with approximately a {fraction (3/16)}″ wall and 1¾″ outside diameter. It is illustrated in FIGS. 3A and 2A. 
     The cross section  94  of the larger outside tubes  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80  and  82  is aluminum or galvanized steel with approximately a {fraction (3/16)}″ wall and a 2″ inside diameter for ease of slideability. It is best illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 2A. 
     All tubes employ welding to fasten them together (if plastic tubes are used, they can be bolted together); as illustrated on tube  66  in FIG. 1A, tubes  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  and  64  are flattened on their distal ends and welded  86  on three sides to vertical tube  66 , as illustrated on tube  68  in FIG. 9A, tubes  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  and  64  are flattened and welded  90  on four sides to the center vertical tube  68 ; as best illustrated on tube  70  in FIG. 8A, tubes  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80  and  82  are flattened and welded  88  on three sides. 
     As shown in FIG.  1 A and FIG. 2A, ½″ apertures  84  (all apertures  84  are shown on the drawings as o) are drilled in plurality at equidistant pre-determined spacings specified by the builder. The apertures  84  are slightly over-sized when the ⅜″ bolt  96 , washers  98  and wing-nut  100  assemblies, along with tubes  92  and  94 , are used to fasten chosen pairs of apertures in the tubes  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80  and  82  slidable upon tubes  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62  and  64  respectively. This provides some slack in aligning the apertures. This is illustrated in FIG.  5 A. 
     As the connection between each distal end of the adjustable extension unit  54 &#39;s tubes and those of the gate frame  52  is the same, only one will be described. Tube  72  is slipped upon tube  55  in a chosen over-lapped position whereby two sets of apertures  84  on tube  72  coincide with corresponding apertures  84  in tube  55 . Each pair of apertures  84  should be as far apart as possible to maintain rigidity while still allowing the adjustable extension unit  54  to be extended or reduced to its desired inches or feet. As best illustrated in FIG. 5A, the chosen alignment of tubes  72  and  55  are secured through each set of apertures  84  by a ⅜″ bolt  96 , two ⅜″ washers  98  and a ⅜″ wing-nut  100 . Tighten the sub-assemblies after they pass through tubes  92  and  94 . In this manner, when all six pair of the tubes  72 ,  74 ,  76 ,  78 ,  80 ,  82  and  55 ,  56 ,  58 ,  60 ,  62 ,  64  respectively are connected, one can expand or reduce the horizontal width of the gate  50 . For durability, stainless steel bolts, washers and nuts are recommended. 
     FIG. 6A is a sectional top view of the gate assembly taken along the line  6 A— 6 A in FIG.  1 A. 
     FIG. 7A is a sectional view of the bottom of the gate assembly taken along the line  7 A— 7 A in FIG.  1 A. 
     To swingably attach the frame unit  52  to the right mounting post  114  opposite the left stationary post  116  illustrated in FIG. 1A, a pair of hinge bracket assemblies illustrated generally at  101  in FIG. 10A are provided. Each hinge bracket  101  includes plates  102  and  104  as side support members shown in FIG.  1 A. These plates are fastened to the locations shown in FIGS. 1A and 10A around tube  66  by bolt  106 , washers  108  and nut  110 . This forms socket  111  when so assembled and is placeable by means of each socket  111  upon the upstanding spindles of L-shaped holders inserted into the post  114 . The gate  50  is typically chained or tied to post  116 . 
     Thus, a gate structure has been disclosed which is adjustable outwardly and inwardly on a horizontal plane. The adjustable gate provides for easy installation of a gate regardless of the typical gate opening in a fence. Although a preferred embodiment of the adjustable gate, and a variation thereof, have been disclosed, it should be appreciated that further variations and modifications may he made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.