Patent GB-360644-A (GB)
Title: Improved means for automatically opening gates and the like
IPC: E05F13/04
Filed: 1930-10-27
Abstract: 360,644. Operating gates by treadles ; fastenings. STAPLES, E. H., 2, Ravensfell Parade, Bromley, Kent. Oct. 27, 1930, No. 32201. [Classes 44 and 65 (i).] A treadle is provided in the roadway on each side of the gate, and when either treadle is depressed the gate is unfastened and opened by a link and lever mechanism ; the gate is held open by a holder which releases after a certain time to allow the gate to close under the action of a spring connected to one of the treadles. In the case of double gates, one gate is so connected as to allow of opening by hand. In another arrangement, the first treadle depressed by the vehicle opens the gate, which is then held by a catch in the mechanism, no separate holder being used, and the second treadle releases the catch. Each treadle comprises a platform d, Fig. 1, mounted on four bell cranks connected by a frame ; the spindle of one pair of cranks is extended, and carries an arm g<2>, Fig. 2, by which the gate-operating rod h<1> or h<2> is moved. One treadle is provided with springs d<3> by which the gate and treadles are returned when the gate is released. The rods h<1>, h<2> are connected to a member h, which operates a lever j<1>. To the upper end of the lever j<1> is pivoted a rod connected to a crank j<4> pivoted on the gate a; the other arm of the crank is connected to a crank j<8>, Fig. 4, which lifts the gate-bolt j<11> out of its hole ; a latch, where provided, may be similarly operated. When either treadle is depressed, the operating rods are moved to the right, and crank j<4> is pulled ; the first movement releases the bolt j<11>, and the gate is then pulled open. A second gate may be operated by a rod l, crank l<3> and rod l<5>, the rod l having a stop which engages a projection h<5> on the member h; the second gate may be opened by hand, the rod l sliding through the part h<5>, and is closed by a separate spring. The apparatus is preferably arranged underground as shown, but may be above the surface, in which case the rods h<1>, h2 may be connected directly to the crank j<4>. The gate holder, Fig. 5, comprises a lever bent to form a catch k and carrying a roller k<3>; as the gate reaches the open position, a shoe a<3> on it depresses the roller against a spring to raise the catch behind the gate. The spring gradually lowers the catch, against the retarding action of a dashpot, so that the gate is released after a sufficient time for the passage of the vehicle. A modified holder engaging a loop on the striking post of the gate is also described. In the modified arrangement, the operating rods h<1>, h<2> are connected to separate levers n, o, Fig. 9, pivoted on either side of the lever j<1>, on the same axis. The top of lever n is notched to engage a projection n<2> on a catch n<1> pivoted to a bracket on the lever j<1>, and this catch is shaped to engage a fixed plate p when the lever is moved over ; the other end of the catch engages a stop q to raise the catch clear of lever n when the levers return to their normal position.' A similar catch o<1>, co-operating with lever o in the same way, is provided. When one of the treadles is operated, the corresponding lever, say n, is moved, and this engages with a stop j<14> on the lever j<1> to carry the latter with it; the other lever o is not moved, since the catches n<1>, o<1> are held clear of the levers n, o by the stop q until they have passed-the stationary lever o. When the gates are fully opened, catch o<1> drops over the fixed member p to hold them open, as shown, catch n<1> being held clear by the top of lever n. When the second treadle is depressed, lever o is moved over and raises catch o<1> to release the gates, which are closed by the treadle springs, all the mechanism returning to normal together.