Automatic latching gate assembly

Abstract

A gate assembly for enclosures and the like which rigidly holds the gate in an open or closed position without the use of a cane bolt. Which uses a thrust washer and hinge bolt to control gate swing momentum. Which allows easy replacement of damaged panels with bolting assembly.

The inventor claims:  
     
         1 . A gate assembly comprising a gate post which has a rigidly attached plate at the top with a hole for the top hinge bolt. At the bottom of the post there is a rigidly attached sector plate with multiple holes. One of which is for the bottom hinge bolt  
     
     
         2 . A gate assembly comprising a sector plate which has multiple holes. These holes are placed in a radius around the hinge bolt hole which allows for an open and closed position to be established. Additional holes can be added to allow for partially open or closed positions. These holes are tapered which will allow engagement of the sector rod even under high speeds.  
     
     
         3 . A gate assembly comprising a gate, which has a rigidly attached plate at the top with a hole for the top hinge bolt. At the bottom of the gate there is a rigidly attached plate with multiple holes. One of which is for the bottom hinge bolt.  
     
     
         4 . A gate assembly comprising a bottom gate plate, which has multiple holes. A hole is placed at the same radius as the holes in the sector plate. This hole is a retaining hole for the sector rod. Once the sector rod engages a hole in the sector plate the bottom gate plate keeps the gate from further movement.  
     
     
         5 . A gate assembly comprising a linkage, which has a rod running from the inboard to the outboard side of the gate, parallel to the ground. Two rigidly attached offset plates hold the bar in this position only allowing rotational movement. On the outboard side the rod is attached to a handle. On the inboard side the rod is attached to a linkage which transfers horizontal radial movement to vertical movement of the sector rod. The sector rod is attached to the linkage on one end and is held in place by two rigidly attached offset plates which hole the bar in this position and allow only vertical movement.  
     
     
         6 . A gate assembly comprising a latch which is a sector rod that is moved vertically by actuating the handle. Once the handle is moved, the rod is lifted out of the hole in the sector plate thereby freeing the gate for movement. When the handle is released the rod will engage either of the holes in the sector plate thereby latching the gate. The rod has a taper on the engaging end. This guarantees engagement of holes even under high speeds. This also guarantees the tightest fit between hole and rod, which allows for the least gate movement in the latched position.  
     
     
         7 . A gate assembly comprising an adjustable drag, which is a thrust washer that is placed in between the rigidly attached sector plate on the post and the rigidly attached bottom gate plate. By tightening or loosening the hinge bolt the momentum of the gate swing can be adjusted.  
     
     
         8 . A gate assembly comprising a removable panel, which has a tee frame with an angle keeper that sits inside the gate frame. There are multiple brackets with holes attached around the gate frame. In each of these brackets a finger bolt is used to hook over the angle in the panel to hold the panel in place.