Frontloading arbor gate

Abstract

A frontloading arbor apparatus for use in counterweight rigging operations configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within at least one of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured by one or more gate mechanisms, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use. The frontloading arbor apparatus including a rigid support frame having a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between a pair of sidewalls, a corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms for each of the plurality of discrete compartments, the plurality of gate mechanisms pivotably coupled to one of the sidewalls and configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position, and a corresponding plurality of latches for each of the plurality of gates, each of the plurality of latches configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gates in the closed position.

1 . A frontloading arbor apparatus for use in counterweight rigging operations configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within at least one of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured by one or more gate mechanisms, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use, the arbor apparatus comprising:
 a rigid support frame having a longitudinally oriented pair of sidewalls and rear wall extending between a top portion and a bottom portion, the rigid support frame further having a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between the pair of sidewalls, thereby defining a plurality of discrete compartments within the rigid support frame;   a corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms for each of the plurality of discrete compartment, the plurality of gate mechanisms pivotably coupled to one of the sidewalls and configured to pivot between an open position enabling counterweight load adjustment within a single discrete compartment of the plurality of discrete compartments, and a closed position configured to inhibit removal of the counterweight load from the plurality of discrete compartments; and   a corresponding plurality of latches for each of the plurality of gate mechanisms, each of the plurality of latches configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms in the closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use.   
     
     
         2 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid support frame is constructed of sheet metal. 
     
     
         3 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid support frame includes at least two laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least three discrete compartments. 
     
     
         4 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid support frame includes at least three laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least four discrete compartments. 
     
     
         5 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of discrete compartments is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the counterweight load in a stacked arrangement. 
     
     
         6 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the plurality of discrete compartments is positioned at a height configured to enable adjustment of the counterweight load without bending over or climbing. 
     
     
         7 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are configured to enable a user to view the contents of the plurality of discrete compartments when the gate mechanisms are in the closed position. 
     
     
         8 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are constructed of a heavy wire material. 
     
     
         9 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are pivotably coupled to the side wall via one or more hinges. 
     
     
         10 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of latches are operably coupled to the corresponding plurality of gates. 
     
     
         11 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of latches are of a rotary pawl type latch. 
     
     
         12 . The arbor apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a corresponding plurality of second latches for each of the plurality of gate mechanisms, each of the plurality of second latches configured to further aid in securing each of the corresponding plurality of gate mechanisms in the closed position. 
     
     
         13 . A arbor configured to enable individual counterweight load adjustment within one or more of a plurality of discrete compartments while the remaining compartments are secured in a closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use, the arbor comprising:
 a rigid support frame having a longitudinally oriented pair of sidewalls extending between a top portion and a bottom portion, the rigid support frame further having a plurality of laterally oriented shelf members extending between the pair of sidewalls, thereby defining a plurality of discrete compartments within the rigid support frame;   a plurality of gates for each of the plurality of discrete compartment, each of the plurality of gates configured to pivot between an open position enabling counterweight load adjustment within a single discrete compartment of the plurality of discrete compartments, and a closed position configured to inhibit access to the single discrete compartment; and   a corresponding plurality of latches for each of the plurality of gates, each of the plurality of latches configured to independently secure each of the corresponding plurality of gates in the closed position, thereby limiting a potential inadvertent separation of the entire counterweight load during use.   
     
     
         14 . The arbor of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid support frame includes at least two laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least three discrete compartments. 
     
     
         15 . The arbor of  claim 1 , wherein the rigid support frame includes at least three laterally oriented shelf members, defining at least four discrete compartments. 
     
     
         16 . The arbor of  claim 1 , wherein each of the plurality of discrete compartments is shaped and sized to receive a portion of the counterweight load in a stacked arrangement. 
     
     
         17 . The arbor of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of gate mechanisms are configured to enable a user to view the contents of the plurality of discrete compartments when the gate mechanisms are in the closed position. 
     
     
         18 . The arbor of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of latches are operably coupled to the corresponding plurality of gates. 
     
     
         19 . The arbor of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of latches are of a rotary pawl type latch. 
     
     
         20 . The arbor of  claim 1 , further comprising a corresponding plurality of second latches for each of the plurality of gates, each of the plurality of second latches configured to further aid in securing each of the corresponding plurality of gates in the closed position.