Patent Publication Number: US-2018030759-A1

Title: Electronic Gate Latch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/366,637, entitled “Electronic Latch Release,” filed on 26 Jul. 2016, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to fasteners for gates, doors, or other movable barriers; and more specifically, to a device, system, and method for electronically locking and unlocking a gate, door, or other movable barrier. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Personal residences, commercial real estate, and other properties commonly have security fences, walls, or other perimeter barriers. These fences generally have gates, doors, or otherwise movable barriers which provision access to secured areas. Such gates may be conventionally secured in a closed position by a mechanical gate latch apparatus, which may or may not have the ability to lock. 
     Where conventional gate latches can lock, the gate latch may include a manually-actuated locking system, or the gate latch may be secured by manually engaging, e.g., a padlock through holes formed in a latching portion of the gate latch. Both methods generally employ manual actuation to lock and unlock the gate latch. 
     SUMMARY 
     General aspects of the disclosure herein describe an electronic gate lock device. The electronic gate lock device includes a body having an opening configured to accept a latch bar. The electronic gate lock device also includes a pawl having a locked state and an unlocked state. The pawl is disposed in the opening and pivotally connected to the body. The electronic gate lock device also includes a motor configured to switch, change, or otherwise adjust the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state. The gate lock device includes a computing device configured to control the motor. 
     Representative implementations of the electronic gate lock device may include the pawl being configured to allow or otherwise permit the latch bar to enter the opening in the unlocked state or the locked state, allow or otherwise permit the latch bar to exit the opening in the unlocked state, and trap or otherwise retain the latch bar in the opening in the locked state. The electronic gate lock device includes a wireless communication device configured to provide wireless communication between the computing device and an external input device. The wireless communication device is configured to wirelessly communicate by one or more of Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), WiFi, radio-frequency identification (RFID), radio-frequency (RF), infrared radiation (IR), Z-Wave, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or other wireless communication protocol. The external input device may be at least one of a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, a key fob, a router, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) card, an RFID token, an external authentication device or a remote. The electronic gate lock device may further include a wired communication port configured to provide wired communication between the computing device and an input device. The input device may be at least one of a weather-monitoring device, a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, a keypad, an external authentication device, or a biometric authentication device. The body of the electronic gate lock device may be configured to be weather resistant, shock resistant, and tamper-proof. The electronic gate lock device may further include at least one of a weather monitoring device, a speaker, a microphone, or a camera disposed within the body. The electronic gate lock device further includes a power source configured to provide power to the motor and the computing device. The power source includes at least one of a battery (e.g., internal, or external), a wired power source, or a power generation device. The electronic gate lock device may further include a panic button, e.g., disposed on an outside surface of the body. The panic button may be configured to place the computing device in an alarmed state. In the alarmed state, the computing device may be configured to activate a speaker to sound an alarm, and controls the motor to dispose the pawl in the locked state. The electronic gate lock device may further include a manual actuator configured to override computing-device control of the motor. 
     A general aspect includes a system for locking a movable barrier in a closed position relative to an enclosure. The system includes a latch bar attached to a movable barrier and a device attached to an enclosure. The movable barrier is rotatable between an open position and a closed position relative to the enclosure. The device includes a body having an opening configured to receive and retain the latch bar. The device further includes a pawl having a locked state and an unlocked state. The pawl is disposed in the opening and pivotally connected to the body. The pawl is configured to allow the latch bar to enter the opening in the unlocked state or the locked state, fasten the latch bar in the opening in the locked state, and allow the latch bar to exit the opening in the unlocked state. The device also includes a motor configured to switch the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state. The device includes a computing device disposed within the body. The computing device is configured to control the motor. 
     The latch bar may be configured to be removable from the movable barrier, and the device may be configured to be substantially removable from the enclosure when the pawl is in the unlocked state. The latch bar may be configured to be substantially irremovable from, or substantially affixed to, the movable barrier. The device may be configured to be substantially irremovable from, or substantially affixed to, the enclosure when the pawl is in the locked state. The latch bar may be attached to the movable barrier through a latch bar mounting plate, and the device may be attached to the enclosure through a device mounting plate. The device may replace an existing gate latch apparatus. The latch bar may be a latch bar that was previously installed on the movable barrier or may be part of the movable barrier itself. The pawl may be configured to pivot between an extended position and a retracted position in the unlocked state, pivot between the extended position and the retracted position when the movable barrier is rotated from the open position to the closed position in the locked state, and remain fixed in the extended position in the locked state when the movable barrier is in the closed position. The device may further include a detector configured to detect disposition of the latch bar in the opening, and to communicate with the computing device. The device may further include an internal locking device that is configured to substantially irremovably affix the device to a device mounting plate when the internal lock is in a fastened state. 
     A method for mounting an electronic gate lock device includes steps of disposing a latch bar on a movable barrier, and disposing a device on an enclosure. The device includes a body having an opening configured to accept and retain the latch bar. The device further includes a pawl having a locked state and an unlocked state. The pawl may be disposed in the opening and pivotally connected to the body. The pawl is configured to allow or otherwise permit the latch bar to enter the opening in the unlocked state or the locked state, secure the latch bar in the opening in the locked state, and allow or otherwise permit the latch bar to exit the opening in the unlocked state. The device further includes a motor that is configured to transition the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state. The device includes a computing device disposed within the body of the gate lock device. The computing device is configured to control the motor. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Representative aspects of the present disclosure may be understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying Figures. It is noted that, in accordance with standard practice in industry, various features may not be drawn to scale. For example, dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or reduced for clarity of illustration or description. Corresponding numerals and symbols in different Figures generally refer to corresponding parts, unless otherwise indicated. 
         FIG. 1  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a device attached to an enclosure and a latch bar attached to a movable barrier in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 2  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a device mounting plate attached to an enclosure and a latch bar mounting plate attached to a movable barrier in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 3A through 3D  representatively illustrate front elevation views of device structures corresponding to a method of attaching a device to a device mounting plate in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 4  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a device attached to a device mounting plate in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 5A and 5B  representatively illustrate a side elevation view and a front elevation view, respectively, of a device having a camera disposed adjacent to an opening in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  representatively illustrate a front elevation view and a side elevation view, respectively, of a device having a keypad disposed on a side surface in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 7  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a device having a manual actuator in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 8  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 9  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a latch bar disposed within an opening of a device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 10A and 10B  representatively illustrate perspective views of a device having a pawl in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively, in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 11  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a latch bar disposed in an opening of a device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 12  representatively illustrates a cross-sectional view of a device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 13  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a device that includes a wired communication port connected to an external input device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  representatively illustrates a side elevation view of a device in wireless communication with various external input devices in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 15  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a device in wireless communication with various external input devices in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 16  representatively illustrates a side elevation view of a device that includes a panic button in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 17  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of an external authentication device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 18  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a system for locking a movable barrier in a closed position relative to an enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIGS. 19A through 19C  representatively illustrate front elevation views corresponding to a method of removing a conventional gate latch apparatus from and attaching a device to an enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 20  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a device attached to an enclosure in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 21  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a device attached to an enclosure and a latch bar attached to a movable barrier in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 22  representatively illustrates a front elevation view of a latch bar disposed within an opening in a device in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 23  representatively illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 24  representatively illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 25  representatively illustrates a method in accordance with an embodiment. 
         FIG. 26  representatively illustrates a cellphone displaying weather data in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Representative embodiments are discussed in detail below; however, it should be appreciated that concepts disclosed herein may be embodied in a variety of contexts, and that specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. Furthermore, various changes, substitutions, or alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. 
     Many conventional gate latch apparatuses either cannot be locked, or generally require manual actuation for locking/unlocking. Conventional manual gate latch apparatuses typically include a hole through which a padlock or similar locking device may be passed through in order to secure and lock the gate latch apparatus. These gate latch apparatuses must be manually unlocked and locked each time the gate is used. Accordingly, conventional gate latch apparatuses have several disadvantages. For example: keys can be misplaced, lost, or forgotten; keys can easily be duplicated; gate latches cannot be opened remotely or without a key; and “hide-a-key” implementations are generally not secure. Conventional gate latch apparatuses and locking devices used on these gate latch apparatuses cannot give the status of the latch to a user, allow a user to control whether the gate latch apparatus is locked or unlocked from another geographical location, detect whether the gate is open or closed, or allow entry for specific date or times or allow a discrete number of ingress/egress transits for specific visitors. In many cases, a property owner may want to allow people to access their property without giving those people access to a key. For example, a property owner may wish to allow a landscaper access to a secured area on their property in order to mow the lawn, or the property owner may wish to allow a delivery person to deliver a parcel in a secured area on their property, without the property owner needing to be present. Moreover, a property owner may lose or misplace their keys, and therefore not be able to access a secured area of their property. Accordingly, there is a need for a device which allows a property owner to control access to a secured external area of their property without the need for keys. An electronic gate lock device according to representative embodiments may replace a conventional gate latch apparatus and may provide additional automation, accessibility, security features, or the like. 
     According to representative aspects, an enclosure, such as a fence or a wall, may be used to restrict access to a secured external area of a property. For example, an enclosure may surround a perimeter of a property, or an enclosure may be attached to a house, a building, or other structure. The enclosure and the house together may surround the perimeter of the property. In some embodiments, the enclosure may be provided with a movable barrier, e.g., a gate or door, to allow people to enter or exit a secured area of the property. 
     According to various embodiments, an electronic gate lock device may be attached to the enclosure and a latch bar may be attached to the movable barrier in order to secure access. According to other embodiments, an electronic gate lock device may be attached to a movable barrier, and a latch bar may be attached to the enclosure. 
     A movable barrier may be in either an open position to permit entry to or exit from a secured area, or a closed position to prevent or otherwise impede ingress to or egress from a secured area. The electronic gate lock device may have a locked state and an unlocked state. In an unlocked state, the movable barrier may be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In accordance with a representative embodiment corresponding to a locked state, the movable barrier may be configured to move from the open position to the closed position, but not be movable from the closed position to the open position. 
       FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of electronic gate lock device  100  and latch bar  140  attached to enclosure  152  and movable barrier  150 , respectively, in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  100  includes body  102 , pawl  104 , opening  106 , computing device  108 , and motor no. Electronic gate lock device  100  further includes battery  114 , wired power source  116 , camera  118  and gyroscope  119 . 
     In accordance with various embodiments, movable barrier  150  may be a gate, a door, or any other movable barrier. Enclosure  152  may be a fence, a wall, a post, a frame, a doorway, or any other enclosure having an opening for movable barrier  150 . Electronic gate lock device  100  is attached to enclosure  152 . Latch bar  140  may be a latch bar, a bar, a bolt, a rod, a hook, a pin, a fastener, any other engaging structure, or the like. Latch bar  140  is attached to movable barrier  150  such that latch bar  140  is disposed in opening  106  of electronic gate lock device  100  when movable barrier  150  is in a closed position, and latch bar  140  is disposed outside of opening  106  when movable barrier  150  is in an open position. Latch bar  140  may be attached to movable barrier  150  by various means. For example, latch bar  140  may be attached to movable barrier  150  by screws, nails, bolts, a mounting plate, welding, combinations thereof, or the like. Similarly, electronic gate lock device  100  may be attached to enclosure  152  by screws, nails, bolts, a mounting plate, welding, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     Pawl  104  is disposed in opening  106 . Pawl  104  may comprise a pawl, a tooth-like engagement, a spring-loaded tooth, a latch, any other retaining structure, or the like. Pawl  104  is pivotally connected to the body  102  of electronic gate lock device  100 . Pawl  104  is configured to have a locked state (e.g., an active state) and an unlocked state (e.g., a passive state). When pawl  104  is in the locked state, movable barrier  150  may be moved from the open position to the closed position, but may not be moved from the closed position to the open position. However, when pawl  104  is in the unlocked state, movable barrier  150  may be moved from the open position to the closed position or from the closed position to the open position. Thus, access to a secured area may be restricted based on whether pawl  104  is in the locked state or the unlocked state. 
     Motor  110  is connected to pawl  104 . Motor  110  is configured to switch pawl  204  between the locked state and the unlocked state. Computing device  108  is electrically connected to motor  110 . Computing device  108  is configured to control motor no. For example, computing device  108  may send signals to motor  110  to switch pawl  104  between the locked state and the unlocked state. 
     Electronic gate lock device  100  may further include indicator lights  132   a ,  132   b . Indicator lights  132   a ,  132   b  may be connected to and controlled by computing device  108 . Indicator lights  132   a ,  132   b  may be used to indicate an operating condition of electronic gate lock device  100 . For example, computing device  108  may turn on indicator lights  132   a ,  132   b  to indicate that battery  114  is low, to indicate whether pawl  104  is in the locked state or the unlocked state, to indicate other information regarding a state of electronic gate lock device  100 , combinations thereof, or the like. Indicator lights  132   a ,  132   b  may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, or any other type of light source. 
     Electronic gate lock device  100  may include a plurality of openings  121   a ,  121   b . For example, electronic gate lock device  100  may include a plurality of openings  121   a ,  121   b  which allow a speaker, a microphone, a camera, or another device disposed within body  102  of electronic gate lock device  100  to interact with an area surrounding electronic gate lock device  100  In accordance with a representative aspect, camera  118  may be disposed in a central portion of body  102 . Camera  118  and a microphone may be used for any purpose, e.g., such as to authenticate the identity of a potential entrant into a secured area, monitor an area around electronic gate lock device  100  at any time, view current weather or environmental conditions, record the area around electronic gate lock device  100 , combinations thereof, or the like. Gyroscope  119  may be configured to orient camera  118 . For example, output of camera  118  may be flipped or rotated based on a signal from gyroscope  119  depending on which side of movable barrier  150  electronic gate lock device  100  is disposed. Accordingly, the output of camera  118  may be right-side-up, regardless of orientation of electronic gate lock device  100 . 
     Battery  114  may provide power to computing device  108 , motor no, camera  118 , gyroscope  119 , indicator lights  132   a ,  132   b , the microphone, the speaker, and any other device(s) disposed within body  102 . Wired power source  116  may be included to supply power to battery  114 . 
     Body  102  of gate lock device  100  includes a major surface. The major surface of body  102  is disposed opposite a surface of body  102  which is adjacent enclosure  152 . Gate lock device  100  and latch bar  140  are configured such that latch bar  140  enters and exits opening  106  in a direction substantially perpendicular to (e.g., substantially normal, or substantially orthogonal to) the major surface of body  102 . More specifically, when movable barrier  150  is moved from the open position to the closed position, movable barrier  150  rotates around a pivot (e.g., an axis of rotation distally disposed from latch bar  140 ), latch bar  140  moves from a position outside of opening  106  to a position within opening  106  in a direction perpendicular to the major surface of body  102 , and pawl  104  engages latch bar  140 . When movable barrier  150  is moved from the closed position to the open position, movable barrier  150  rotates around the pivot, and latch bar  140  moves from a position within opening  106  to a position outside of opening  106  in a direction perpendicular to the major surface of body  102 . 
       FIG. 2  is a front elevation view of latch bar mounting plate  154  and device mounting plate  156 , in accordance with a representative embodiment. Latch bar mounting plate  154  may be used to attach latch bar  140  to movable barrier  150 . Device mounting plate  156  may be used to attach electronic gate lock device  100  to enclosure  152 . Latch bar mounting plate  154  may be attached to movable barrier  150  by screws, nails, bolts, welding, combinations thereof, or the like. Similarly, device mounting plate  156  may be attached to enclosure  152  by screws, nails, bolts, welding, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, latch bar mounting plate  154  may be attached to movable barrier  150 , and device mounting plate  156  may be attached to enclosure  152  by screws provided in a plurality of screw holes  164   a - n  formed in each of latch bar mounting plate  154  and device mounting plate  156 . 
     Latch bar  140  and electronic gate lock device  100  may be attached to latch bar mounting plate  154  and device mounting plate  156 , respectively, by way of, e.g., a system of rails. Latch bar mounting plate  154  and device mounting plate  156  may each include horizontal rails  160   a - e . Horizontal rails  160   a - e  may include grooves or recesses formed in surfaces of latch bar mounting plate  154  and device mounting plate  156 . Alternatively, conjunctively, or sequentially, horizontal rails  160   a - e  may include projections that extend from surfaces of latch bar mounting plate  154  and device mounting plate  156 . Horizontal rails  160   a - e  may be provided such that latch bar  140  and electronic gate lock device  100  may be attached to latch bar mounting plate  154  and device mounting plate  156 , respectively, such that neither latch bar  140  nor electronic gate lock device  100  can be removed when pawl  104  is in the locked state. 
     Electronic gate lock device  100  and latch bar  140  may each include complementary rails. For example, if horizontal rails  160   a - e  include recesses or grooves formed in device mounting plate  156  and latch bar mounting plate  154 , then complementary rails may be configured to include projections extending from back surfaces of electronic gate lock device  100  and latch bar  140 . Alternatively, conjunctively, or sequentially, if horizontal rails  160   a - e  include projections extending from surfaces of device mounting plate  156  and latch bar mounting plate  154 , then complementary rails may be configured to include recesses or grooves formed in back surfaces of electronic gate lock device  100  and latch bar  140 . 
     In an embodiment, electronic gate lock device  100  may be configured to include an internal locking device. The internal locking device may include at least one of a bolt, a tab, a bar, a latch configured to lock electronic gate lock device  100  onto device mounting plate  156 , or the like, when pawl  104  is in the locked state. The internal locking device may allow electronic gate lock device  100  to be mounted to device mounting plate  156  when pawl  104  is in either the locked or the unlocked state. The internal locking device may be further configured to secure electronic gate lock device  100  to device mounting plate  156  when pawl  104  is in the locked state. 
     The internal locking device may be separately operable from pawl  104 . For example, the internal locking device may have a fastened state and an unfastened state. Electronic gate lock device  100  may be removable from device mounting plate  156  when the internal locking device is in the unfastened state, and electronic gate lock device  100  may be secured to device mounting plate  156  when the internal locking device is in the fastened state. Motor  110  may be connected to the internal locking device. For example, motor  110  may switch the internal locking device between the fastened state and the unfastened state. Computing device  108  may be configured to control the internal locking device. For example, computing device  108  may send a signal to motor  110  to switch the internal locking device between the fastened state and the unfastened state. 
       FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate front elevation views of a method of mounting electronic gate lock device  200  onto device mounting plate  256  in accordance with a representative embodiment. As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 3A , device mounting plate  256  may include a plurality of screw holes  264   a - h , horizontal rails  260   a ,  260   b , and vertical rails  262   a ,  262   b , and power router  266 . Device mounting plate  256  may be attached to an enclosure or a movable barrier by screws, nails, bolts, welding, combinations thereof, or the like. For example, device mounting plate  256  may be attached to an enclosure or a movable barrier by screws disposed in the plurality of screw holes  264   a - h . Horizontal rails  260   a ,  260   b  and vertical rails  262   a ,  262   b  may be rails that project from a major surface of device mounting plate  256 , or may be recessed or grooved into the major surface of device mounting plate  256 . 
     As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 3D , electronic gate lock device  200  includes body  202  and battery  214 . Body  202  may include horizontal complementary rails. The horizontal complementary rails may include projections which extend from a back surface of electronic gate lock device  200 , or grooves or recesses formed in the back surface of electronic gate lock device  200 . The horizontal complementary rails may be coupled to horizontal rails  260   a ,  260   b  of device mounting plate  256  to fasten body  202  to device mounting plate  256 . Battery  214  may include vertical complementary rails. The vertical complementary rails may include projections which extend from a back surface of battery  214 , or grooves or recesses formed in the back surface of battery  214 . The vertical complementary rails may be coupled to vertical rails  262   a ,  262   b  of device mounting plate  256  to fasten battery  214  to device mounting plate  256 . 
     As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 3B , electronic gate lock device  200  is mounted to device mounting plate  256  by first sliding the vertical complementary rails of battery  214  onto vertical rails  262   a ,  262   b  to attach battery  214  to device mounting plate  256 . Then, as representatively illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the horizontal complementary rails of body  202  are slid onto horizontal rails  260   a ,  260   b . Body  202  is secured to device mounting plate  256  when electronic gate lock device  200  is in the locked state, but is removable from device mounting plate  256  when electronic gate lock device  200  is in the unlocked state. 
     When electronic gate lock device  200  is mounted to device mounting plate  256 , power router  266  may provide power from battery  214  to body  202  of electronic gate lock device  200 . In some embodiments, power router  266  may not be included and battery  214  may be substantially directly connected to body  202  of electronic gate lock device  200 . 
     Body  202  and battery  214  of electronic gate lock device  200  may be attached to device mounting plate  256  by various combinations of vertical or horizontal rails, and in various sequences. For example, both body  202  and battery  214  may be attached by horizontal rails, by vertical rails, or body  202  may be attached by vertical rails and battery  214  may be attached by horizontal rails. Alternatively, conjunctively, or sequentially, battery  214  may be attached before body  202 , or body  202  and battery  214  may be attached at a same time. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a front elevation view of a method of attaching electronic gate lock device  300  to device mounting plate  356 , in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  300  includes body  302 , pawl  304 , and opening  306 . Device mounting plate  356  includes horizontal rails  360   a ,  360   b  and a plurality of screw holes  364   a - d . In a representative embodiment, device mounting plate  356  is attached to an enclosure or a movable barrier by screws disposed in screw holes  364   a - d ; it will be appreciated, however, that other mechanisms of attachment are also possible. For example, device mounting plate  356  may be attached to an enclosure or a movable barrier by screws, nails, bolts, welding, combinations thereof, or the like. 
     Horizontal rails  360   a ,  360   b  may project from a major surface of device mounting plate  356 , or may be recessed or grooved into the major surface of device mounting plate  356 . Body  302  of electronic gate lock device  300  may include complementary rails. The complementary rails may be recessed or grooved into a back surface of electronic gate lock device  300 , or may project from the back surface of electronic gate lock device  300 . Electronic gate lock device  300  may be attached to device mounting plate  356  by way of horizontal rails  360   a ,  360   b  and complementary rails. As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 4 , electronic gate lock device  300  may be attached to device mounting plate  356  by sliding the complementary rails of electronic gate lock device  300  onto horizontal rails  360   a ,  360   b  of device mounting plate  356 . 
       FIG. 5A  and  FIG. 5B  are a side elevation view and a front elevation view, respectively, of electronic gate lock device  400 , in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  400  includes body  402 , pawl  404 , opening  406 , and camera  418 . Camera  418  may be disposed within body  602  of electronic gate lock device  400 . More specifically, camera  418  may be disposed in body  402  such that camera  418  extends through an aperture formed in opening  406  of body  402 , as representatively illustrated in  FIG. 5A . 
       FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B  are a front elevation view and a side elevation view, respectively, of electronic gate lock device  500 , in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  500  includes body  502 , pawl  504 , opening  506 , computing device  508 , motor  510 , battery  514 , and keypad  57 o. Battery  514  may supply power to computing device  508 , motor  510 , keypad  570 , and any other devices included in electronic gate lock device  500 . Keypad  570  is a representative example of an input device, in accordance with an embodiment. In a representative aspect, keypad  570  may be connected to computing device  508 . Computing device  508  may be configured to control motor  510  in response to a signal from keypad  570 . More specifically, if a user enters a predetermined key sequence into keypad  570 , computing device  508  may signal motor  510  to switch pawl  504  from a locked state to an unlocked state. According to at least one embodiment, keypad  570  may be disposed on a side surface of body  502  of electronic gate lock device  500 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . According to various other embodiments, keypad  570  may be disposed on a front surface, a top surface, or a bottom surface of body  502  of electronic gate lock device  500 . 
       FIG. 7  is a front elevation view of electronic gate lock device  600  in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  600  includes body  602 , pawl  604 , opening  606 , computing device  608 , and motor  610 . Body  602  further includes manual override  672 . In a representative aspect, manual override  672  may comprise a key hole. Manual override  672  may be used, e.g., to bypass computing device  608  and motor  610  to control pawl  604 . For example, manual override  672  may be used to switch pawl  604  from the locked state to the unlocked state, or from the unlocked state to the locked state without using computing device  608 . A user may use manual override  672  to lock or unlock pawl  604  in cases where, e.g., the user does not have an external input device, there is a connection error between electronic gate lock device  600  and an external input device, there is a loss of power to electronic gate lock device  600 , combinations thereof, or the like. Manual override  672  may also be used to fasten or unfasten internal locks used to fasten electronic gate lock device  600  to a device mounting plate attached to an enclosure or a movable barrier, either together with or independently from the locking and unlocking action of the pawl  604 . For example, manual override  672  may be used to switch the internal locks from the fastened state to the unfastened state, or from the unfastened state to the fastened state without using computing device  608 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of electronic gate lock device  700  in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  700  may be attached to an enclosure (e.g., a fence, a wall, or the like), a stationary structure (e.g., a post, a doorway, or the like), or a movable barrier (e.g., a gate, a door, or the like). In a representative aspect, electronic gate lock device  700  may be used to restrict access to a secured area. 
     Electronic gate lock device  700  comprises a body  702  having an opening  706 , indicator lights  732   a ,  732   b , bolt holes  758   a ,  758   b , and cameras  718   a ,  718   b . Pawl  704  is disposed in opening  706 . Pawl  704  may comprise a pawl, a tooth-like engagement, a spring-loaded tooth, a latch, any other retaining structure, combinations thereof, or the like. Pawl  704  is pivotally connected to the body  702  of electronic gate lock device  700 . Pawl  704  is configured to have a locked state (i.e., an active state) and an unlocked state (i.e., a passive state). When pawl  704  is in the locked state, the movable barrier may be moved from the open position to the closed position, but may not be moved from the closed position to the open position. However, when pawl  704  is in the unlocked state, the movable barrier may be moved from the open position to the closed position, or from the closed position to the open position. Thus, access to a secured area may be restricted based on whether pawl  704  is in the locked state or the unlocked state. 
     Indicator lights  732   a ,  732   b  may be used to indicate the status of electronic gate lock device  700 . For example, indicator lights  732   a ,  732   b  may be used to indicate whether a battery is low, whether pawl  704  is in the locked state or the unlocked state, to indicate other information regarding a state of electronic gate lock device  100 , combinations thereof, or the like. Indicator lights  732   a ,  732   b  may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, or any other type of light source. Bolt holes  758   a ,  758   b  may be used to secure body  702  of electronic gate lock device  700  to the enclosure. For example, a plurality of bolts may be disposed through bolt holes  758   a ,  758   b  to attach body  702  to the enclosure. As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 8 , camera  718   b  may be disposed in the backside of electronic gate lock device  700  opposite opening  706 . Camera  718   b  may be used to record an area around electronic gate lock device  700 . 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of electronic gate lock device  700  and latch bar  740  in accordance with a representative embodiment. Latch bar  740  may be attached to an enclosure (e.g., a fence, a wall, or the like), a stationary structure (e.g., a post, a doorway, or the like), or a movable barrier (e.g., a gate, a door, or the like). According to various embodiments, electronic gate lock device  700  may be attached to an enclosure, and latch bar  740  may be attached to a movable barrier. According to other embodiments, electronic gate lock device  700  may be attached to a movable barrier, and latch bar  740  may be attached to the enclosure. 
     Electronic gate lock device  700  and latch bar  740  may be attached to a gate and an enclosure such that latch bar  740  is disposed in opening  706  when the movable barrier is in the closed position, and latch bar  740  is disposed outside of opening  706  when the movable barrier is in the open position. More specifically, pawl  704  allows latch bar  740  to enter or exit opening  706  when pawl  704  is in the unlocked state. When pawl  704  is in the locked state, pawl  704  allows latch bar  740  to enter opening  706 , but traps, fastens, secures, or otherwise prevents latch bar  740  from exiting opening  706 . Electronic gate lock device  700  may include camera  718   a  disposed on the same side of body  702  as opening  706  (e.g., the front side). Camera  718   a  may be used to record an area around electronic gate lock device  700 . 
       FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10B  are perspective views of electronic gate lock device  700  in accordance with a representative embodiment where pawl  704  is in an extended position and a retracted position, respectively. Pawl  704  is in the extended position unless the movable barrier is moved from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position. When the movable barrier is moved from the closed position to the open position, or from the open position to the closed position, latch bar  740  contacts pawl  704  and pivots pawl  704  from the extended position to the retracted position. Pawl  704  then pivots back to the extended position when latch bar  740  no longer contacts pawl  704 . Pawl  704  may be spring-loaded, a spring may be attached to pawl  704  or body  702 , or another passive force, such as gravity, may be used such that pawl  704  automatically moves to the extended position unless contacted by latch bar  740 . 
     When pawl  704  is in the unlocked state, pawl  704  is configured to pivot from the extended position to the retracted position when the movable barrier is moved from the open position to the closed position or from the closed position to the open position. Pawl  704  may retain latch bar  740  in opening  706  when pawl  704  is in the unlocked state and the movable barrier is in the closed position, unless a user opens the movable barrier. When pawl  704  is in the locked state, pawl  704  is configured to pivot from the extended position to the retracted position when the movable barrier is moved from the open position to the closed position, but pawl  704  is configured to secure latch bar  740  in opening  706  by remaining fixed in the extended position once the movable barrier is in the closed position and latch bar  740  is disposed in opening  706 . When pawl  704  is in the locked state, latch bar  740  cannot exit opening  706 , and access to the secured area may be accordingly restricted. 
       FIG. 11  is a front elevation view of electronic gate lock device  700  and latch bar  740  in accordance with a representative embodiment. When latch bar  740  is disposed within opening  706 , latch bar  740  is secured by pawl  704 . When pawl  704  is in the extended position, pawl  704  may extend beyond the lower edge of opening  706 . For example, a recess may be formed in a lower portion of opening  706  such that pawl  704  may extend into the recess. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of electronic gate lock device  800  in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  800  includes a body  802  having an opening  806  formed therein. Pawl  804  is disposed within opening  806 . Pawl  804  is pivotally connected to body  802 . Electronic gate lock device  80 o may include a plurality of components at least partially disposed within body  802 . For example, electronic gate lock device  80 o may include computing device  808 , motor  810 , a memory card  811 , wireless communication device  812 , battery  814 , power generation device  815 , camera  818 , speaker  82 o, microphone  822 , weather monitoring device  824 , gyroscope  819 , radio-frequency identification (RFID) writer  827  and latch bar detection device  828  disposed at least partially within body  802 . 
     Body  802  may include a plurality of openings (e.g., vents, holes, or the like) which allow at least some of the plurality of components to interface with the external environment of electronic gate lock device  800 . For example, body  802  may include openings for power generation device  815 , camera  818 , speaker  820 , microphone  822 , weather monitoring device  824 , and latch bar detection device  828 . Electronic gate lock device  80 o may further include wired power source  810  and wired communication port  830 . Wired power source  810  and wired communication port  830  may be disposed in additional openings formed in body  802 . Wired power source  810  and wired communication port  830  may be optionally included as auxiliary power. Body  802  of electronic gate lock device  800  may be configured to be theft-proof, tamper-proof, shock-proof, water-proof, or the like. 
     Motor  810  is connected to pawl  804 . Motor  810  is configured to switch pawl  804  between the locked state and the unlocked state. Computing device  808  is electrically connected to motor  810 . Computing device  808  is configured to control motor  810 . For example, computing device  808  may send signals to motor  810  to switch pawl  804  between the locked state and the unlocked state. The status of pawl  804 , computing device  808 , or motor  810  may be presented to a user via a plurality of output devices, or via a plurality of indicator lights disposed on body  802 . 
     Computing device  808  may have internal memory or may communicate with memory card  811  for memory. Memory card  811  may be any type of memory card such as a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a flash card, a memory cartridge, combinations thereof, or the like. Memory card  811  may be removable from electronic gate lock device  800 . As such, a user may update the software or firmware of electronic gate lock device  800  by replacing memory card  811 . 
     Wireless communication device  812  may be connected to computing device  808 . Wireless communication device  812  generally provides wireless communication between computing device  808  and external devices. Representative external devices may include predetermined verbal commands and passwords a computer, a cellphone, a tablet, a remote, a key fob, a wall-mounted switch, a weather monitoring device, a router, a keypad, a motion detector, a camera, radio-frequency identification (RFID) cards, tags, or tokens, or the like. Wireless communication device  812  may communicate with external devices by one or more wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), WiFi, radio-frequency identification (RFID), radio-frequency (RF), infrared radiation (IR), Z-Wave, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or any other wireless communication protocols, whether now known or hereafter derived). 
     Elements of a plurality of device components (e.g., computing device  808 , motor  810 , memory card  811 , wireless communication device  812 , battery  814 , power generation device  815 , camera  818 , speaker  82 o, microphone  822 , weather monitoring device  824 , latch bar detection device  828 , RFID writer  827 , gyroscope  819 , or the like) may be powered by at least one of battery  814 , power generation device  815 , or wired power source  816 . Power generation device  815  or wired power source  816  may be configured to charge battery  814 . Battery  814  may be on-board and disposed within body  802  or may be external and located outside of body  802 . Power generation device  815  may include a solar panel (which may be configured to generate power from solar energy) or a kinetic power generator (which may be configured to generate power from kinetic movement). 
     Camera  818 , speaker  820 , and microphone  822  may be communicatively connected to computing device  808 . Computing device  808  may be configured to receive or send information from/to camera  818 , speaker  820 , microphone  822 , other devices connected to the electronic gate lock device&#39;s network, or any other external devices through wireless communication device  812 . The external devices may use at least one of camera  818  and microphone  822  to record an area surrounding electronic gate lock device  800 . Computing device  808  and the external devices may use at least one of camera  818  or microphone  822  to authenticate the identity of a potential entrant. For example, computing device  808  may authenticate the identity of a potential entrant based on data obtained by camera  818  (e.g., face recognition, iris pattern, or the like) or microphone  822  (e.g., voice recognition, pass phrase, or the like), and may signal motor  810  to switch pawl  804  to the unlocked state once the potential entrant&#39;s identity has been authenticated. 
     Gyroscope  819  may be configured to orient camera  818 . For example, the output of camera  818  may be flipped or rotated based on a signal from gyroscope  819  depending on which side of movable barrier  850  electronic gate lock device  800  is disposed. Accordingly, the output of camera  818  may be right-side-up, regardless of orientation of electronic gate lock device  800 . 
     Wireless communication device  812  may be configured to communicate signals between at least one of camera  818 , microphone  822 , speaker  820 , other devices connected to the electronic gate lock device&#39;s network, or any other external device(s). Accordingly, a user may verify the identity of a potential entrant based on a signal from camera  818  or microphone  822 , and may use the external device to signal computing device  808  to switch pawl  804  to the unlocked state once the potential entrant&#39;s identity has been authenticated. The user can also communicate with a potential entrant through microphone  822  and speaker  820  from any location using external devices. Wireless communication device  812  may also communicate notifications to external devices based on the status of electronic gate lock device  800  (including, for example, a battery percentage or a low battery warning). 
     Weather monitoring device  824  may include a plurality of sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a seismic sensor, a vibration sensor, an air quality monitor, combinations thereof, or the like. Weather monitoring device  824  may be used to detect or otherwise measure environmental changes occurring in an area surrounding electronic gate lock device  800 . Weather monitoring device  824  may be connected to computing device  808 , and computing device  808  may be configured to communicate weather data collected by weather monitoring device  824  to external devices through wireless communication device  812 . Weather monitoring device  824  may use a seismic sensor coupled with a vibration sensor in order to detect theft of or tampering with electronic gate lock device  800 . Weather monitoring device  824  may be used to rule out false alarms caused by current weather conditions, natural phenomena (e.g., earthquakes) or the like. 
     Latch bar detection device  828  may be connected to computing device  808 . Latch bar detection device  828  may be used to detect whether a latch bar is disposed in opening  806  of electronic gate lock device  800 . Computing device  808  may switch pawl  804  from the unlocked state to the locked state when the movable barrier is moved from an open position to a closed position. For example, computing device  808  may be configured to switch pawl  804  from the unlocked state to the locked state when a latch bar is detected in opening  806  by latch bar detection device  828 . 
     Computing device  808  may be configured to switch pawl  804  from the unlocked state to the locked state after, e.g., a predetermined duration of time. For example, after computing device  808  switches pawl  804  from the locked state to the unlocked state, computing device  808  may switch pawl  804  back to the locked state after a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time may be a duration of time such as, e.g., about 1 second, about 3 seconds, about 5 seconds, about 10 seconds, about 15 seconds, about 30 seconds, or any other time between about 1 second and about 3 minutes. Computing device  808  of electronic gate lock device  80 o may be programmed to detect a predetermined number of openings and closings of the movable barrier and automatically switch pawl  804  to the locked state after the predetermined number of openings and closings has been achieved. Computing device  808  may also be programmed to switch pawl  804  to the locked state once a usage confirmation has been received. For example, a gardener may communicate usage confirmation to computing device  808  through any of the above-described external devices once they have finished gardening, or a deliveryman may communicate usage confirmation once a package has been delivered. 
     Wired communication port  830  may be connected to computing device  808 . Wired communication port  830  may be configured to allow external devices to communicate with computing device  808  by wired communication. Wired communication port  83 o maybe, e.g., a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, an Ethernet port, a FireWire port, a Thunderbolt port, or any other type of wired communication port, whether now known or hereafter derived. 
     RFID writer  827  may be used to configure an RFID card, tag, or token. For example, RFID writer  827  may be used to configure an RFID card to allow a potential entrant access to the secured area. Computing device  808  may be configured to control RFID writer  827 . RFID cards may be tracked by computing device  808  such that a discrete RFID card can be used to access the secured area a predetermined number of times. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of electronic gate lock device  900  having wired input device  925  connected thereto, in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  900  includes body  902 , which includes opening  906 , and pawl  904  disposed in opening  906 . Pawl  904  is pivotally connected to body  902 . Electronic gate lock device  900  further includes motor  910 , which is configured to switch pawl  904  between a locked state and an unlocked state. Electronic gate lock device  90 o further includes computing device  908 , which is configured to control motor  910 . Body  902  further comprises wired communication port  930 . Wired communication port  93 o may comprise a USB port, an Ethernet port, a FireWire port, a Thunderbolt port, other wired communication port, or the like. Wired input device  925  may be connected to electronic gate lock device  900  through wired input cord  926 , which is connected to wired communication port  930 . According to various embodiments, wired input cord  926  may comprise a USB cable, an Ethernet cable, a FireWire cable, a Thunderbolt cable, other wired input cable or cord, or the like. 
     Wired input device  925  may comprise at least one of a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, a remote, a weather monitoring device, a sensor, a keypad, a biometric authentication device, or any other type of input device. Wired communication port  930  may be configured to allow wired input device  925  to be connected to electronic gate lock device  900 —even if electronic gate lock device  900  does not include a wireless communication device, or if the wireless communication device is inoperable. Wired communication port  930  may also aid in the installation of firmware or other startup software to electronic gate lock device  900  or wired input device  925 . 
     Wired input device  925  may communicate with computing device  908 . For example, wired input device  925  may be used to authenticate a potential entrant&#39;s credentials or identity. Once a potential entrant&#39;s credentials or identity have been authenticated, wired input device  925  may instruct computing device  908  to signal motor  910  to switch pawl  904  from the locked state to the unlocked state, or from the unlocked state to the locked state. 
     Body  902  of electronic gate lock device  900  may further include at least one bolt hole  958 . In a particular embodiment, body  902  may include two bolt holes  958   a ,  958   b . Bolt holes  958   a ,  958   b  may be used to attach the device to an enclosure or a movable barrier by way of bolts, screws, other fastener devices, or the like. According to at least one embodiment, bolts, screws, or other fastener devices may be used to fasten electronic gate lock device  900  to the enclosure. Alternatively, conjunctively, or sequentially, the movable barrier may include unique patterns that require an implementation-specific tool in order to attach or remove electronic gate lock device  900  from the enclosure or the movable barrier. 
     Memory slot  934  may be formed in body  902  of electronic gate lock device  900 . Memory slot  934  may be provided so that a memory card (e.g., such as a USB flash drive, a Flash Memory Stick, a Secure Digital (SD) card, or the like) can be connected to electronic gate lock device  900  as disposed in memory slot  934 . Memory slot  934  may be connected to computing device  908  such that computing device  908  communicates with an attached memory card. An attached memory card may be used to alter settings of computing device  908 , install updated software/firmware, or the like. 
     According to various embodiments, electronic gate lock device  900  may include a screen  973  disposed on an outside surface of body  902 . Screen  973  may be configured to display visual information, such as status of electronic gate lock device  900 , or the like. Screen  973  may include touch screen controls, and may be used to control computing device  908  and motor  910 . 
       FIG. 14  is a side elevation view of electronic gate lock device  1000  in addition to several external input devices in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  1000  includes body  1002 , which includes opening  1006  and bolt holes  1058   a ,  1058   b  which may be used to attach or mount electronic gate lock device  1000  to an enclosure or a movable barrier. Electronic gate lock device  1000  includes pawl  1004  that is disposed in opening  1006  and pivotally connected to body  1002 . Electronic gate lock device  1000  further includes motor  1010  configured to switch pawl  1004  between a locked state and an unlocked state. Electronic gate lock device  1000  further includes computing device  1008 , which is configured to control motor  1010 . Electronic gate lock device  1000  further includes wireless communication device  1012 , which is configured to send or receive signals to or from computing device  1008  and external input devices. Representative external input devices include predetermined verbal commands and passwords, cell phone  1074 , RFID token  1075 , tablet  1076 , RFID card  1077 , key fob  1078 , remote  1080 , and computer  1082 . External input devices may be configured to communicate with wireless communication device  1012  to send signals to computing device  1008  to instruct motor  1010  o switch pawl  1004  between the locked state and the unlocked state. Cell phone  1074 , tablet  1076 , and computer  1082  may include an application or a website address for communicating with electronic gate lock device  1000  (e.g., a graphical user interface). Various external input devices may be used to authenticate or otherwise identify a potential entrant before permitting a potential entrant to control electronic gate lock device  1000 . 
     Wireless communication device  1012  may communicate with external input devices through various wireless communication protocols. For example, wireless communication device  1012  may communicate with external input devices by one or more of Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), WiFi, radio-frequency identification (RFID), radio-frequency (RF), infrared radiation (IR), Z-Wave, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or other wireless communication protocol. 
       FIG. 15  is a front elevation view of electronic gate lock device  1100  in addition to several external input devices, in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  1100  includes body  1102 , which includes opening  1106  and bolt holes  1158   a ,  1158   b  which may be used to attach or mount electronic gate lock device  1000  to an enclosure or a movable barrier. Electronic gate lock device  1100  includes pawl  1104  that is disposed in opening  1106  and pivotally connected to body  1102 . Electronic gate lock device  1100  further includes motor  1110  configured to switch pawl  1104  between a locked state and an unlocked state. Electronic gate lock device  1100  further includes computing device  1108 , which is configured to control motor  1110 . Electronic gate lock device  1100  further includes wireless communication device  1112 , which is configured to send or receive signals to or from computing device  1108  and a plurality of external input devices. Representative external input devices include network hub  1184 , camera  1118 , camera with keypad  1185 , siren  1187 , or other devices connected to the wired or wireless network of electronic gate lock device  1100 . Plural external input devices may be configured to communicate with wireless communication device  1112  to send signals to/from computing device  1108 . Network hub  1184  may be a wireless router, a network hub, or the like, and may provide wireless communication between electronic gate lock device  1100  and various external devices. Camera  1118  may be a security camera which may record an area surrounding electronic gate lock device  1100 . Camera with keypad  1185  may be disposed on a house or building (e.g., the front side of a house or building) which is part of an enclosure on which electronic gate lock device  1100  is disposed. Camera with keypad  1185  may be used to alert a user of a potential entrant&#39;s presence while the potential entrant is out of the line-of-sight of cameras included in electronic gate lock device  1100 , such that the user may switch pawl  1104  to the unlocked state if the potential entrant&#39;s identity is verified. Camera with keypad  1185  may be configured to accept a wireless authentication, a biometric reading, or any other type of authentication used to verify the identity of a potential entrant. Siren  1187  may be used to sound an alarm in response to a panic or alarm signal activated by computing device  1108 . 
     Wireless communication device  1112  may communicate with plural external input devices through various wireless communication protocols. For example, wireless communication device  1012  may communicate with plural external input devices by one or more of Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), WiFi, radio-frequency identification (RFID), radio-frequency (RF), infrared radiation (IR), Z-Wave, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or other wireless communication protocol. 
       FIG. 16  is a side elevation view of electronic gate lock device  1200  having wired input device  1225  connected thereto in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  1200  includes body  1202 , which includes opening  1206 , bolt holes  1258   a ,  1258   b  for mounting or attaching electronic gate lock device  1200  to an enclosure or a movable barrier, and pawl  1204  disposed in opening  1206 . Pawl  1204  is pivotally connected to body  1202 . Electronic gate lock device  1200  further includes motor  1210 , which is configured to switch pawl  1204  between a locked state and an unlocked state, and computing device  1208 , which is configured to control motor  1210 . Electronic gate lock device  1200  further includes panic button  1234  disposed on an outside surface of body  1202 . Panic button  1234  sends electronic gate lock device  1200  into an alarmed state when pressed by a user. The alarmed state may also be activated by a predetermined verbal command communicated to computing device  1108  through a microphone or other connected audio capture device. In the alarmed state, pawl  1204  is switched to the locked state. Computing device  1208  may be configured, e.g., to actuate lights on electronic gate lock device  1200  to flash on and off. Computing device  1208  may further control a speaker to sound an alarm. Computing device  1208  may also silently signal a wired or wireless communication device to alert service authorities (e.g., police, security personnel, or the like). Electronic gate lock device  1200  may regularly ping a plurality of network devices connected wirelessly to electronic gate lock device  1200 . The alarmed state may be activated by a loss of signal during regularly transmitted pinging, or if the electronic gate lock device detects a loss of power. When the alarmed state is activated in electronic gate lock device  1200 , the plurality of network devices connected to the electronic gate lock device may also enter an alarmed state. 
       FIG. 17  is a front elevation view of external authentication device  1303  in accordance with a representative embodiment. External authentication device  1303  may include body  1302 , computing device  1308 , wireless communication device  1312 , battery  1314 , camera  1318 , a plurality of openings  1321   a ,  1321   b , indicator lights  1332   a ,  1332   b , keypad  1370 , biometric authentication device  1371 , and screen  1373 . Computing device  1308  may communicate with or otherwise control other electronic components of external authentication device  1303 , including, e.g., wireless communication device  1312 , camera  1318 , indicator lights  1332   a ,  1332   b , keypad  1370 , biometric authentication device  1371 , screen  1373 , a microphone disposed within body  1302 , a speaker disposed within body  1302 , or any other devices included in external authentication device  1303 . Wireless communication device  1312  may allow computing device  1308  to communicate wirelessly with a plurality of external devices. For example, wireless communication device  1312  may allow computing device  1308  to communicate wirelessly with an electronic gate lock device provided according to any of the above-described embodiments. 
     Battery  1314  may provide power to computing device  1308 , wireless communication device  1312 , camera  1318 , indicator lights  1332   a ,  1332   b , keypad  1370 , biometric authentication device  1371 , screen  1373 , a microphone disposed within body  1302 , a speaker disposed within body  1302 , or any other devices included in external authentication device  1303 . Battery  1314  may be disposed externally to body  1302 , as representatively illustrate in  FIG. 17 , or battery  1314  may be disposed within body  1302 . Battery  1314  may be rechargeable or replaceable. The plurality of openings  1321   a ,  1321   b  may allow a speaker, a microphone, a camera, or another device disposed within body  1302  of external authentication device  1303  to interact with an area surrounding external authentication device  1303 . Camera  1318  may be used to record an area surrounding external authentication device  1303 . Indicator lights  1332   a ,  1332   b  may be used to indicate an operating condition of external authentication device  1303 . For example, computing device  1308  may turn on indicator lights  1332   a ,  1332   b  to indicate that battery  1314  is low, to indicate whether external authentication device  1303  is connected to other devices, or to otherwise indicate a status of external authentication device  1303 . Indicator lights  1332   a ,  1332   b  may comprise light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, fluorescent bulbs, high-intensity discharge (HID) bulbs, or any other type of light source. Screen  1373  may be configured to display visual information, such as status of external authentication device  1303 , or the like. Screen  1373  may include touch screen controls, and may be used to control computing device  1308 . 
     Keypad  1370  may be connected to computing device  1308 . Computing device  1308  may be configured to send a signal to an electronic gate lock device provided according to any of the above-described embodiments through wireless communication device  1312  in response to a signal from keypad  1370 . For example, computing device  1308  may send a signal to the electronic gate lock device instructing the electronic gate lock device to be locked or unlocked based on a key sequence entered with keypad  1370 . Biometric authentication device  1371  may be connected to computing device  1308 . Computing device  1308  may be configured to send a signal to the electronic gate lock device in response to a signal from biometric authentication device  1371 . For example, biometric authentication device  1371  may authenticate an identity of a potential entrant based on a fingerprint, a retina scan, iris recognition, finger vein identification, facial recognition, voice recognition, or any other biometric data. Computing device  1308  may send a signal to the electronic gate lock device instructing the electronic gate lock device to be locked or unlocked based on the authenticated identification of the potential entrant obtained by biometric authentication device  1371 . 
     External authentication device  1303  may be attached to an enclosure (e.g., a fence, a wall, or the like), a stationary structure (e.g., a post, a doorway, or the like), or a movable barrier (e.g., a gate, a door, or the like). For example, in at least one embodiment, external authentication device  1303  may be attached to an enclosure. External authentication device  1303  may be attached to the enclosure by screws, nails, bolts, a mounting plate, welding, combinations thereof, or the like. 
       FIG. 18  is a front elevation view of a system in which electronic gate lock device  1400  is mounted on enclosure  1452 , latch bar  1440  is mounted on movable barrier  1450 , and external authentication device  1403  is mounted on enclosure  1452 , in accordance with an embodiment. In representative aspects, electronic gate lock device  1400  may be a device according to any of the above-described embodiments, latch bar  1440  may be a latch bar according to any above-described embodiment, and external authentication device  1403  may be an external authentication device according to any above-described embodiment. The system may further include computer  1482 , router  1484 , and wall-mounted switch  1486 . 
     Electronic gate lock  1400  may secure latch bar  1440  in any position along latch bar  1440 . For example, electronic gate lock  1400  may secure latch bar  1440  by a distal portion of latch bar  144 o, a central portion of latch bar  144 o, or any other portion of latch bar  1440 . Latch bar  1440  may be of a traditional size and shape, or may be a proprietary design. Electronic gate lock  1400  and latch bar  1440  may be complementary and electronic gate lock  1400  may be designed to operate with a specific design of latch bar  1440 . 
     Movable barrier  1450  may be in an open position or a closed position. Latch bar  1440  is disposed in an opening of electronic gate lock device  1400  when movable barrier  1450  is in the closed position, and latch bar  1440  is disposed outside of the opening of electronic gate lock device  1400  when movable barrier  1450  is in the open position. Electronic gate lock device  1400  is configured to have a locked state and an unlocked state. When electronic gate lock device  1400  is in the unlocked state, movable barrier  1450  can be moved between open and closed positions. However, when electronic gate lock device  1400  is in the locked state, movable barrier  1450  can be moved from the open position to the closed position, but not from the closed position to the open position. Accordingly, movable barrier  1450 , latch bar  1440 , enclosure  1452 , and electronic gate lock device  1400  are configured to control access to a secured area disposed on one side of movable barrier  1450  and enclosure  1452 . 
     External authentication device  1403  and wall-mounted switch  1486  may be configured to communicate with electronic gate lock device  1400  through at least one of a wired or a wireless connection. External authentication device  1403  may be used, e.g., to authenticate credentials of a potential entrant, and signal electronic gate lock device  1400  to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state once a potential entrant has been authenticated. Wall-mounted switch  1486  may be located in a secure location, and may be configured to switch electronic gate lock device  1400  between the locked state and the unlocked state without requiring authentication. 
     Computer  1482  may be configured to communicate wirelessly with electronic gate lock device  1400  through router  1484 . In a representative aspect, a user may use computer  1482  to control electronic gate lock device  1400 , and switch electronic gate lock device  1400  between the locked state and the unlocked state. External input devices may connect to router  1484  in order to wirelessly communicate with electronic gate lock device  1400 . Router  1484  may comprise a wireless router, a smart hub, a network hub, any other networking device, combinations thereof, or the like. A plurality of external devices may further be included in the system and may be configured to control electronic gate lock device  1400 , change various parameters of electronic gate lock device  1400 , supply updates to electronic gate lock device, or the like. 
       FIGS. 19A-19C  illustrate front elevation views of a method of replacing conventional gate latch apparatus  1501  with electronic gate lock device  1500  according to any of the previously-described embodiments, in accordance with an embodiment. As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 19A , latch bar  1540  may be attached to or mounted on movable barrier  1550 . Conventional gate latch apparatus  1501  may be attached to or mounted on enclosure  1552 . As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 19B , conventional gate latch apparatus  1501  may be removed from enclosure  1552 , and latch bar  1540  may remain attached to movable barrier  1550 . As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 15C , electronic gate lock device  1500  may be attached to or mounted on enclosure  1552 . Electronic gate lock device  1500  may include an opening and a pawl. Electronic gate lock device  1500  is configured to receive latch bar  1540  in the opening, and the pawl is configured to retain latch bar  1540 . 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of electronic gate lock device  1600  attached to enclosure  1652  in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  1600  includes body  1602 , pawl  1604 , opening  1606 , and bolt holes  1658   a ,  1658   b . In this embodiment, electronic gate lock device  1600  is attached to enclosure  1652  by bolts  1657   a ,  1657   b  disposed in bolt holes  1658   a ,  1658   b  and driven into holes formed in enclosure  1652 . Although the embodiment representatively illustrated in  FIG. 16  depicts two bolts  1657   a ,  1657   b  formed in two bolt holes  1658   a ,  1658   b , any number of bolts  1657  may be disposed in any number of bolt holes  1658 . For example, 3, 4, 5, 6, or any number of bolt holes  1658  may be formed in body  1602  of electronic gate lock device  1600  and bolts  1657  may be disposed in each of bolt holes  1658 . 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of latch bar  1640  attached to movable barrier  165 o and electronic gate lock device  1600  attached to enclosure  1652 , in accordance with a representative embodiment. Latch bar  1640  may comprise screw holes  1665   a ,  1665   b . Screws  1664   a ,  1664   b  may be disposed in screw holes  1665   a ,  1665   b , and may be used to attach latch bar  1650  to movable barrier  1650 . For example, screws  1664   a ,  1664   b  may be driven through screw holes  1665   a ,  1665   b  and into movable barrier  1650  in order to attach latch bar  1640  to movable barrier  1650 . Movable barrier  1650  may be in a closed position or an open position relative to enclosure  1652 . In the open position, latch bar  1640  may be disposed outside of opening  1606 , while in the closed position, latch bar  1640  may be disposed within opening  1606 . As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 21 , latch bar  1640  may be secured by pawl  1604  when latch bar  1640  is disposed within opening  1606 . 
       FIG. 22  is a front elevation view of electronic gate lock device  1700  and latch bar  1740 , in accordance with a representative embodiment. Electronic gate lock device  1700  includes body  1702 , pawl  1704 , and opening  1706 . Electronic gate lock device  1700  may be configured to accept latch bars  1740  having a variety of sizes and shapes. Moreover, electronic gate lock device  1700  may be configured to accept any part or portion of latch bar  1740 . For example, as representatively illustrated in  FIG. 22 , electronic gate lock device  1700  may be configured to accept a distal portion of latch bar  1740  within opening  1706  and secure the distal portion of latch bar  1740  with pawl  1704 . Electronic gate lock device  1700  may be configured to receive other portions or parts of latch bar  1740 , such as, e.g., a central portion, or a proximal portion. 
       FIG. 23  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1800  in accordance with a representative embodiment. In step  1802 , various optional pre-processing steps may be engaged (e.g., site or equipment inspections, or other preparations preliminary to installation of an electronic gate lock device in accordance with representative aspects). In step  1804 , a latch bar is disposed on a movable barrier. In step  1806 , an electronic gate lock device is disposed on an enclosure, where the electronic gate lock device comprises a body (including an opening disposed therein, where the opening is configured to accept and retain the latch bar), a pawl having a locked state and an unlocked state (wherein the pawl is disposed in the opening and is pivotally connected to the body, and is configured to allow the latch bar to enter the opening in the unlocked state, secure the latch bar in the opening in the locked state, and allow the latch bar to exit the opening in the locked state), a motor configured to switch the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state, and a computing device disposed within the body (where the computing device is configured to control the motor). In step  1808 , various optional post-processing steps may be engaged (e.g., post-installation testing, inspections, or the like). 
       FIG. 24  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  1900  in accordance with a representative embodiment. In step  1902 , various optional pre-processing steps may be engaged (e.g., mounting a latch bar to a movable barrier, mounting an electronic gate lock device to an enclosure, programming the electronic gate lock device, connecting the electronic gate lock device to a plurality of external input devices, or other preparations preliminary to operation of an electronic gate lock device in accordance with representative aspects). In step  1904 , the electronic gate lock device is switched from a locked state to an unlocked state. The electronic gate lock device may include a body, a pawl, an opening, a computing device, and a motor. The pawl may be pivotally attached to the body in the opening. The pawl may have a locked state and an unlocked state. The electronic gate lock device may be configured such that the latch bar may enter or exit the opening when the pawl is in the unlocked state. The electronic gate lock device may further be configured such that the latch bar may enter the opening, but not exit the opening when the pawl is in the locked state. Accordingly, the electronic gate lock device and the latch bar may restrict access to a secured area on one side of the enclosure and the movable barrier. The motor may be configured to switch the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state in response to a signal sent from the computing device. In step  1906 , the electronic gate lock device may be switched from the unlocked state back to the locked state in response to a command. The computing device may issue the command after a predetermined time, a predetermined number of openings and closings of the movable barrier, once the latch bar is detected in the opening, once the gate has been closed, once a button on the electronic gate lock device has been pressed, or the like. In step  1908 , various optional post-processing steps may be engaged (e.g., electronic gate lock device testing, inspections, parts of the electronic gate lock device may be upgraded or updated, firmware or software may be updated, parameters stored in the electronic gate lock device may be altered, wireless or wired external input devices may be added to or removed from the electronic gate lock device&#39;s network, or the like). 
       FIG. 25  illustrates a flow diagram of a method  2000  in accordance with a representative embodiment. In step  2002 , various pre-processing steps may be engaged (e.g., performance of a service may be ordered, a product may be ordered, an order may be processed, a delivery may be set up, a customer may be notified of an upcoming delivery, an appointment may be made, an order may be mailed or other preparations preliminary to use of an electronic gate lock device in accordance with representative aspects). In step  2004 , an electronic gate lock device, such as an electronic gate lock device according to any of the previously-described embodiments, may generate a passcode. The electronic gate lock device may be attached to an enclosure, a latch bar may be attached to a movable barrier, and the electronic gate lock device coupled with the latch bar may restrict access to a secured area. The passcode may be randomly generated, generated by a user or property owners, or the like. The passcode may be sent to a potential entrant. The potential entrant may be a service provider, a deliveryman, an associate, or any other person the user wishes to grant access to a secured area. When the potential entrant arrives at the location of the electronic gate lock device, the electronic gate lock device may detect the presence of the potential entrant by way of a microphone, a camera, a motion detector, or another detection device included in the electronic gate lock device. In step  2006 , the potential entrant enters the passcode into the electronic gate lock device. The potential entrant may enter the passcode into a keypad provided on the electronic gate lock device, a keypad provided in wireless or wired communication with the electronic gate lock device, an application installed on the potential entrant&#39;s phone, tablet, laptop, or computer, or the like. The potential entrant may also verbally provide the passcode to a speaker included in the electronic gate lock device. The potential entrant may be recorded by a camera, a speaker, other recording devices, or the like included in the electronic gate lock device. A microphone, a screen, or the like provided in the electronic gate lock device may relay instructions to the potential entrant. The electronic gate lock device may detect various hazards to the potential entrant, such as dogs barking, and instruct the potential entrant to return at another time. The electronic gate lock device may produce an audible chime or buzz while the movable barrier is open. The audible chime or buzz may urge the potential entrant to shut the movable barrier after they have opened it. In step  2008 , the user may be notified of the operation of the electronic gate lock. For instance, the user may be notified once the movable barrier has been opened and closed. The potential entrant may also be able to confirm their use of the electronic gate lock via a keypad, a touch screen, a button, an audible message, or the like. In step  2010 , various post-processing steps may be engaged (e.g., follow-up appointments may be ordered, repeat appointments may be made, or the like). 
       FIG. 26  is a front elevation view of cell phone  2174  in accordance with a representative embodiment. Cell phone  2174  may be connected to an electronic gate lock device, such as an electronic gate lock device according to any of the previously-described embodiments, through a wireless or a wired connection. The electronic gate lock device may include a weather monitoring device. The weather monitoring device may include a plurality of sensors, such as a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a humidity sensor, a light sensor, a seismic sensor, a vibration sensor, an air quality monitor, or the like. As representatively illustrated in  FIG. 26 , cell phone  2174  may include an application having a graphical user interface (GUI), which displays weather data obtained from the weather monitoring device of the electronic gate lock device. 
     Specific benefits and advantages of representative embodiments include the ability to lock a movable barrier disposed in an opening of an enclosure in order to restrict access to a secured area without the need for keys. An electronic gate lock device according to some embodiments may be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state with keys or various input devices. Representative electronic gate lock devices may be used to allow a property owner to lock and unlock a movable barrier from a remote location, or on a temporary basis. For example, according to various embodiments, a property owner may grant a person a temporary password, or the property owner may remotely unlock the electronic gate lock device. Entry into the secured area may also be provided on certain dates, at specific times, or for a specified number of times before the pawl is switched to the locked state and the electronic gate lock device is locked. 
     In a representative embodiment, a device includes a body having an opening configured to accept a latch bar and a pawl having a locked state and an unlocked state. The pawl is disposed in the opening and pivotally connected to the body. The device further includes a motor configured to switch the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state. The device includes a computing device configured to control the motor. The pawl may be configured to allow the latch bar to enter the opening in the unlocked state or the locked state, allow the latch bar to exit the opening in the unlocked state, and trap the latch bar in the opening in the locked state. The device may further include a wireless communication device configured to provide wireless communication between the computing device and an external input device. The wireless communication device may be configured to wirelessly communicate by one or more of Bluetooth, near-field communication (NFC), WiFi, radio-frequency identification (RFID), radio-frequency (RF), infrared radiation (IR), Z-Wave, ZigBee, 6LoWPAN, Thread, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), or other wireless communication protocol. The external input device may be at least one of a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, a key fob, a router, a radio-frequency identification (RFID) card, an RFID token, an external authentication device, or a remote control. The device may further include a wired communication port configured to provide wired communication between the computing device and an input device. The input device may be at least one of a weather monitoring device, a cell phone, a tablet, a computer, a keypad, an external authentication device, or a biometric authentication device. The body may be configured to be weather resistant, shock resistant, and tamper-proof. The device may further include at least one of a weather monitoring device, a speaker, a microphone, or a camera disposed within the body. The device may further include a power source configured to provide power to the motor and the computing device. The power source may include at least one of a battery (e.g., internal, or external), a wired power source, or a power generation device. The device may further include a panic button disposed on an outside surface of the body. The panic button may be configured to place the computing device in an alarmed state. In the alarmed state, the computing device may be configured to activate a speaker to sound an alarm, and control the motor to switch the pawl to the locked state. The device may further include a manual actuator configured to override computing device control of the motor. 
     In another representative embodiment, a system for locking a movable barrier in a closed position relative to an enclosure includes a latch bar attached to a movable barrier and a device attached to an enclosure. The movable barrier is rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The device includes a body having an opening configured to accept and retain the latch bar and a pawl having a locked state and an unlocked state. The pawl is disposed in the opening and pivotally connected to the body. The pawl is configured to allow the latch bar to enter the opening in the unlocked state or the locked state, fasten the latch bar in the opening in the locked state, and allow the latch bar to exit the opening in the unlocked state. The device further includes a motor configured to switch the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state and a computing device disposed within the body. The computing device is configured to control the motor. The latch bar may be configured to be removable from the movable barrier, and the device may be configured to be removable from the enclosure when the pawl is in the unlocked state. The latch bar may be configured to be substantially irremovable from (e.g., affixed to) the movable barrier, and the device may be configured to be substantially irremovable from (e.g., affixed to) the enclosure when the pawl is in the locked state. The latch bar may be attached to the movable barrier through a latch bar mounting plate, and the device may be attached to the enclosure through a device mounting plate. In representative embodiments, the pawl may be configured to pivot between an extended position and a retracted position in the unlocked state, pivot between the extended position and the retracted position when the movable barrier is rotated from the open position to the closed position in the locked state, or remain fixed in the extended position in the locked state when the movable barrier is in the closed position. The device may further include a detector configured to detect whether the latch bar is disposed in the opening. The detector may be further configured to communicate with the computing device. The device may further include an internal locking device configured to substantially irremovably affix the device to a device mounting plate when the internal lock is in a fastened state. 
     In yet another representative embodiment, a method includes disposing a latch bar on a movable barrier and disposing a device on an enclosure. The device includes a body having an opening configured to accept and retain the latch bar and a pawl having a locked state and an unlocked state. The pawl is disposed in the opening and pivotally connected to the body. The pawl is configured to allow the latch bar to enter the opening in the unlocked state or the locked state, secure the latch bar in the opening in the locked state, and allow the latch bar to exit the opening in the unlocked state. The device further includes a motor configured to switch the pawl between the locked state and the unlocked state, and a computing device disposed within the body. The computing device is configured to control the motor. 
     In still another representative embodiment, a device includes a body including: an opening configured to accept an engaging structure, and a retaining structure operable for disposition in a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locked configuration different than the unlocked configuration, wherein the retaining structure is disposed adjacent the opening. The device further includes a motor configured to switch the retaining structure between the locked configuration and the unlocked configuration. The device further includes a computing device configured to control the motor. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” or any contextual variant thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, product, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, product, article, or apparatus. Furthermore, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not an exclusive or. That is, the term “or” as used herein is generally intended to mean “and/or” unless otherwise indicated. For example, a condition “A or B” is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present). As used herein, a term preceded by “a” or “an” (and “the” when antecedent basis is “a” or “an”) includes both singular and plural connotations for such term, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. 
     Although steps or operations may be presented in a specific order, this order may be changed in different embodiments. In some embodiments, to the extent multiple steps are shown as sequential in the preceding description, some combination of such steps in alternative embodiments may be performed at a same time. The sequence of operations described herein may be interrupted, suspended, or otherwise controlled by another process. 
     It will also be appreciated that one or more elements illustrated in the Figures may also be implemented in a more-separated or more-integrated manner, or even removed or rendered inoperable in certain cases, as may be useful in accordance with particular applications and embodiments. Additionally, any lines or arrows in the Figures should be considered only as representative, and therefore not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. 
     Examples or illustrations provided herein are not to be regarded in any way as restrictions on, limits to, or express definitions of any term or terms with which they are associated. Instead, these examples or illustrations are to be regarded as being described with respect to a particular embodiment and as merely illustrative. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any term or terms with which these examples or illustrations are associated will encompass other embodiments that may or may not be given therewith or elsewhere in the specification, and all such embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of that term or set of terms. Language designating such non-limiting examples and illustrations includes, but is not limited to: “for example,” “for instance,” “e.g.,” “etc., “or the like,” “in a representative embodiment,” “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in some embodiments,” or the like. Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a representative embodiment,” “a particular embodiment,” or “a specific embodiment,” or contextually similar terminology, generally means that a particular feature, structure, property, or characteristic described in connection with the described embodiment is included in at least one embodiment, but may not necessarily be present in all embodiments. Thus, respective appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” or “in a specific embodiment,” or similar terminology in various places throughout the description are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, properties, or characteristics of any specific embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other embodiments. 
     The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to particular embodiments of any process, product, machine, article of manufacture, assembly, apparatus, means, methods, or steps herein described. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, various processes, products, machines, articles of manufacture, assemblies, apparatuses, means, methods, or steps, whether presently existing or later developed, that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially similar results in correspondence to embodiments described herein, may be utilized according to their description herein. The appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, products, machines, articles of manufacture, assemblies, apparatuses, means, methods, or steps. 
     Benefits, advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to representative embodiments. However, any benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, or any component thereof that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components.