Abstract:
An adjustable gate is provided. The adjustable gate includes a body having an upper horizontal element and a lower horizontal element. The body also includes a first vertical side member, and a second vertical side member, with the upper and the lower horizontal elements moveably coupled to the first and second vertical side members. A hinge post has a first elongated member having a hinge and an adjustable hinge post mounting tab. A latch post has a second elongated member having a latch apparatus and an adjustable latch post mounting tab. The adjustable hinge post and latch post mounting tabs are structured to couple to a mounting surface, and the hinge is structured to couple to either the first or second vertical side members and the latch apparatus is structured to removeably couple to either the first or second vertical side members.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to enclosure systems. More particularly, the invention concerns an adjustable gate for obstructing entrances, exits, walkways and the like. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Enclosures provide an important function in society—they keep people and animals from entering unsafe areas, and well as preventing them from trespassing or wandering without supervision. For example, they keep children and pets from entering pools and from wandering in neighborhoods without the knowledge of the parent or owner. 
         [0003]    Virtually all enclosures include one or more gates for allowing access into, and out of, the enclosure. However, when mounting a gate to a post, wall or other surface, problems arise when the mounting surface is not “plumb.” That is, the post or wall is not exactly vertical or perpendicular to the ground. Also, in many cases, the surface across which the gate will extend is not level. For example, a gate may be located between a fence post and a wall, and the ground between the two is not exactly level, or horizontal. Installing a gate in these situations is problematic at best, and more often, very difficult. 
         [0004]    Therefore, there remains a need to overcome one or more of the limitations in the above-described, existing art. The discussion of the background to the invention included herein is included to explain the context of the invention. This is not to be taken as an admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is an elevation view of an adjustable gate apparatus embodying the principals of the invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is an elevation view of a gate body that is part of the adjustable gate apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a close-up view of a corner area of the gate body shown in  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  is an elevation view of a hinge post that is part of the adjustable gate apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 ; and 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  is an elevation view of a latch post that is part of the adjustable gate apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       
    
    
       [0010]    It will be recognized that some or all of the Figures are schematic representations for purposes of illustration and do not necessarily depict the actual relative sizes or locations of the elements shown. The Figures are provided for the purpose of illustrating one or more embodiments of the invention with the explicit understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or the meaning of the claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0011]    In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the adjustable gate apparatus (“AGA”) that embodies principals of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the adjustable gate apparatus may be practiced without some of these specific details. Throughout this description, the embodiments and examples shown should be considered as exemplars, rather than as limitations on the adjustable gate apparatus. That is, the following description provides examples, and the accompanying drawings show various examples for the purposes of illustration. However, these examples should not be construed in a limiting sense as they are merely intended to provide examples of the adjustable gate apparatus rather than to provide an exhaustive list of all possible implementations of the adjustable gate apparatus. 
         [0012]    Specific embodiments of the invention will now be further described by the following, non-limiting examples which will serve to illustrate various features. The examples are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the invention. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. In addition, reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0013]    As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , and adjustable gate apparatus (AGA)  10  is illustrated. The adjustable gate apparatus includes may novel features, including a symmetrical design that allows the adjustable gate apparatus  10  to be installed any one of four (4) different ways depending on an operators&#39; needs. The adjustable gate apparatus  10  includes a telescoping feature that makes every installation a perfect, professional fit. The adjustable gate apparatus  10  meets all state and local building codes for swimming pools and spas and self-closing code requirements. The adjustable gate apparatus  10  includes mounting tabs that address issues with un-level or out of plumb mounting surfaces allowing for a professional installation by non-skilled homeowners. 
         [0014]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-2 , the adjustable gate apparatus (AGA)  10  comprises a main gate body  15  that includes two horizontal elements  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the horizontal elements  20  are made from steel tubing having a square cross-section, but it will be appreciated that round, oval or other shapes may be employed. Near the end of each horizontal element  20 , a threaded insert  30  is located. Threaded inserts  30  are generally barrel-shaped fasteners that are used to create threads in plastic, metal, wood, or composite materials. They provide a surface suitable for fastener mating. For example, a threaded insert comprises threads on an inner surface into which a fastener can be screwed. Generally, threaded inserts are either threaded into an aperture, or pressed into an aperture so that they are securely attached to the host material. It will be appreciated that alternatives to a threaded insert  30  may be employed. For example, the steel tubing comprising the horizontal element  20  may have threads cut directly into the steel, or the end of the horizontal element  20  could include a stamping that deforms the steel so that threads could be cut directly into the steel. 
         [0015]    Joining the horizontal elements  20  are rods  35 , but panels, boards, plates, decorative elements, and other components may be used to join the horizontal elements  20 . 
         [0016]    As shown in  FIG. 2 , vertical side members  40  are joined to the horizontal elements  20 . The vertical side members  40  include a female collar  45  that is sized to receive the ends of the horizontal elements  20 . In a preferred embodiment, the female collar  45  has a square cross-section, and is dimensioned so that the ends of the horizontal elements  20  fit closely within the collar  45 , but yet allow relative movement between the female collar  45  and the ends of the horizontal elements  20 . 
         [0017]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , at the end of each of the vertical side members  40 , and adjacent to the female collar  45 , is a plate  25  with an elongated slot  50 . The locations of the female collar  45 , plate  25  and elongated slot  50  are arranged so that the threaded insert  30  can be accessed through the slot  50 . This allows a fastener to be installed in the threaded insert  30 , thereby fixing the position of the vertical side members  40  relative to the horizontal elements  20  (discussed in detail below). 
         [0018]    Referring again to  FIG. 2 , each of the vertical side members  40  includes two sets of threaded inserts  30 , with each set located near the end of each side member  40 . Looking closely and  FIG. 2 , it becomes clear that the gate body  15  is symmetric—if you flip it over or turn it over, the shape is the same. This feature provides tremendous flexibility that permits the installation of the AGA  10  into any enclosure opening. 
         [0019]    Illustrated in  FIG. 4  is a hinge post  55 . The hinge post  55  includes an elongated member, or post  60  that has a hinge  65  located near each end of the post  60 . The post  60  also has two threaded receivers  70 . In a preferred embodiment, the threaded receivers  70  are welded into the post  60  and are similar in function to the threaded inserts  30 , in that they are generally cylindrical in shape, and provide a surface suitable for fastener mating. In this case, the threaded receivers are sized to receive mounting tabs  75  that comprise a threaded rod  80  attached to a substantially rectangular mounting plate  85  that has two apertures (not shown) sized to receive mounting hardware  90 . It will be appreciated that the shape of the mounting plate  85  can vary—as long as it is sized so that it can include at least one aperture through which mounting hardware  90  can be placed. Mounting hardware  90  will differ, depending upon the material of the mounting surface  95  into which it will be inserted. For example, wood fasteners, or lag screws or bolts may be used when wood is the mounting surface  95 , but masonry anchors, cinder block fasteners or other types of fasteners may be used as mounting hardware  90  when the mounting surface  95  is masonry or cinder block. 
         [0020]    Turning now to  FIG. 5 , a latch post  17  is illustrated. Similar to the hinge post  55 , the latch post  17  includes an elongated member, or post  60  that has a latch assembly  21  comprising a gravity catch  23  that engages a latch strike or bar  31  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). It will be appreciated that different types of latching mechanisms may be employed by the present invention. For example, a floating gravity catch, a Suffolk latch, a twisted ring gate latch, or other latch designs may be employed. 
         [0021]    Again referring to  FIG. 5 , two threaded receivers  70  are also mounted in the post  60  of the latch post  17 . In a preferred embodiment, the threaded receivers  70  are welded into the post  60  and are similar in function to the threaded inserts  30 , in that they are generally cylindrical in shape, and provide a surface suitable for fastener mating. In this case, the threaded receivers are sized to receive mounting tabs  75  that comprise a threaded rod  80  attached to a substantially rectangular mounting plate  85  that has two apertures (not shown) sized to receive mounting hardware  90 . It will be appreciated that the shape of the mounting plate  85  can vary—as long as it is sized so that it can include at least one aperture through which mounting hardware  90  can be placed. Mounting hardware  90  will differ, depending upon the material of the mounting surface  95  into which it will be inserted. For example, wood fasteners, or lag screws or bolts may be used when wood is the mounting surface  95 , but masonry anchors, cinder block fasteners or other types of fasteners may be used as mounting hardware  90  when the mounting surface  95  is masonry or cinder block. 
         [0022]    The function of the mounting tabs  75  and the fitting and installation of the AGA  10  will now be described. As discussed above, when mounting a gate to a post, wall or other mounting surface  95 , problems arise when the mounting surface  95  is not “plumb.” That is, the post or wall is not exactly vertical or perpendicular to the ground. Also, in many cases, the surface across which the AGA  10  will extend is not level. For example, the AGA  10  may be located between a fence post and a wall, and the ground between the two is not exactly level, or horizontal. Installing a conventional gate in these situations is problematic at best, and more often, very difficult. 
         [0023]    However, due to the novel features of the AGA  10 , installation against mounting surfaces  95  that are not “plumb” is quick and easy. First, the desired direction for the gate body  15  to open, or swing is determined. Then, the hinge post  55  is positioned so that when the gate body  15  is coupled to the hinge post  55 , the gate body  15  will open in the desired direction. For example, if it is desired for the gate body  15  to swing toward the operator, with the hinges  65  on the right side of the gate body  15  (as shown in  FIG. 1 ) the hinge post  55  is placed on the right side of the gate body  15  with the hinge barrels  27  facing up, toward the operator. Then each hinge  65  is coupled, or bolted to the vertical side member  40  by inserting fasteners through the hinge apertures  29  and into the threaded inserts  30  located in the side of the vertical side member  40 . 
         [0024]    Next, a width of the gate body  15  is adjusted. First, the location where the gate will be installed is measured and the width of the gate body  15  is adjusted buy sliding the horizontal elements  20  relative to the vertical side members  40  until a desired gate body  15  width is achieved. Then, a fastener  22  is inserted into the slot  50  and into threaded insert  30  located near the end of each horizontal element  20  (shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 ). This locates, or secures the position of the horizontal elements  20  relative to the vertical side members  40 . In this way the AGA  10  can be installed into different width openings quickly and easily. 
         [0025]    Then, the gate body  15  and hinge post  55  are positioned next to the mounting surface  95  so that the mounting plates  85  are resting against the mounting surface  95 . The mounting surface  95  may be a wall, fence post, or other surface. The gate body  15  and hinge post  55  are elevated slightly, for example, by placing a wood block under them, so that when installed, the gate body  15  will swing freely. A level or other device is placed on top of the gate body  15  (on the horizontal element  20 ), and the mounting tabs  75  are rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby increasing or decreasing their distance from the post  60 . Specifically, by rotating the mounting tabs  75 , the threaded rod  80  is either threaded further into the post  60 , or unscrewed away from the post  60 . In so doing, the gate body  15  can be adjusted so that it is level, even if the mounting surface  95  is not exactly vertical. One feature of the AGA  10  is that the mounting tabs  75  can be adjusted to compensate for non-vertical mounting surfaces  95 . That is, the adjustable mounting tabs  75  allow the post  60  to be positioned vertically, even when the mounting surface  95  is not exactly vertical. Once the gate body  15  is level, fasteners  90  are inserted though the apertures in the mounting plate  85  and into the mounting surface  95 , attaching the hinge post  55  to the mounting surface  95 . 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , the latch strike  31  and the stop tab  33  are now coupled to the vertical side member  40  by threading fasteners through apertures in the latch strike  31  and the stop tab  33  and into threaded inserts  30 . One feature of the AGA  10  is that the latch strike  31  and the stop tab  33  can be installed on any corner of the gate body  15 . This feature, along with the hinge post  55 , which can be rotated, allows the AGA  10  to be installed in any orientation. For example, the gate body  15  can swing toward the operator, or away from the operator, and the hinge post  55  can be to the left or right of the operator. This flexibility allows the AGA  10  to be installed in any location. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 5 , the latch post  17  is positioned against the other mounting surface  95 . Similar to the procedure discussed above in connection with mounting the hinge post  55 , the mounting plates  85  are positioned against the mounting surface  95 . The mounting surface  95  may be a wall, fence post, or other surface. The mounting tabs  75  are rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, thereby increasing or decreasing their distance from the post  60 . Specifically, by rotating the mounting tabs  75 , the threaded rod  80  is either threaded further into the post  60 , or unscrewed away from the post  60 . As discussed above, the adjustable mounting tabs  75  allow the post  60  to be positioned vertically, even when the mounting surface  95  is not exactly vertical. Once the latch post  17  is vertical, fasteners  90  are inserted though the apertures in the mounting plate  85  and into the mounting surface  95 , attaching the latch post  17  to the mounting surface  95 . 
         [0028]    It is to be noted that the term “comprising”, used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to the elements listed thereafter. Thus, the scope of the expression “an apparatus comprising A and B” should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the apparatus are A and B. 
         [0029]    Similarly, it is to be noted that the term “coupled”, also used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limitative to a fixed or direct connection only. Thus, the scope of the expression “A element coupled to B element” should not be limited to arrangements where A is unmovably fixed to B, or that A is directly in contact with B. It means that A may move relative to B or that other elements may be positioned between A and B. 
         [0030]    The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, and “a preferred embodiment”, mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s)” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise. 
         [0031]    Thus, it is seen that an adjustable gate apparatus is provided. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be practiced by other than the above-described embodiments, which are presented in this description for purposes of illustration and not of limitation. The specification and drawings are not intended to limit the exclusionary scope of this patent document. It is noted that various equivalents for the particular embodiments discussed in this description may practice the invention as well. That is, while the present invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, permutations and variations will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims. The fact that a product, process or method exhibits differences from one or more of the above-described exemplary embodiments does not mean that the product or process is outside the scope (literal scope and/or other legally-recognized scope) of the following claims.