FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to improvements in locking assemblies for doors and gates.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

[0003] It is often a problem to adequately close and lock a large, heavy sliding gate, such as encountered in the cattle industry. This problem becomes acute when the locking mechanism is placed in a position which requires an operator to be positioned very close to the gate being closed. The problem may also become acute if the gate structure includes a slide rail jutting from the gate frame, presenting an obstacle for the operator and complicating transportation of the unit. Such systems are bulky, cumbersome and not very reliable. Therefore there exists a need for a system and method which overcomes the deficiencies of conventional systems and which is less cumbersome and more reliable.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention in a first preferred aspect provides for a locking assembly for a door or gate. The locking assembly includes a pivot arm having a first end and a second end, the first end of the pivot arm including a cam roller, the second end of the pivot arm including a means for engaging the door or gate. The locking assembly further includes a cam plate having a track configured to receive the cam roller of the pivot arm, the track having a first linear path and a second linear path at an angle to the first linear path, the cam plate including a cam at one end thereof, whereby movement of the pivot arm causes the cam roller to move within the track, the movement of the cam roller within the track being limited (or restricted) by a force applied to the cam. [0005] The locking assembly may form part of a system. The system may include a frame or crush, a gate or door, and the locking assembly. The gate or door may slide into the frame or crush, and be locked by the locking assembly. The locking assembly may be configured to assist in closing and/or opening the gate or door.

[0006] The frame may include a top, a bottom and at least two sides. The frame may define an opening or entryway for, for example, a person or animal (such as cattle or sheep). The top, bottom and at least two sides of the frame may form a rectangular entryway, although any suitable shape may be formed. One side of the frame may include an elongated aperture to accommodate the length of the gate or door.

[0007] The gate or door may be slidable relative to the frame. The system may include at least one rail or beam and at least one roller for rolling against the at least one rail or beam, wherein the at least one rail or beam and at least one roller may be to assist in moving the gate or door relative to the frame. The frame or the gate or door may include the at least one rail or beam or the at least one roller. In one embodiment, the frame includes a rail and the gate or door includes a roller for rolling against the rail; and/or the gate or door includes a beam and the frame includes a roller for rolling against the beam.

[0008] The pivot arm may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The pivot arm may be an over-centre arm. The pivot arm may be generally L-shaped. The pivot arm may further include a finger extension for engaging a handle for the gate (as described further below).

[0009] The locking assembly may include a drive shaft. The pivot arm may be connected to the drive shaft, and the pivot arm may extend perpendicularly to the drive shaft. Rotation of the drive shaft may result in rotation of the pivot arm. The drive shaft and the pivot arm may be mounted to the frame.

[0010] The locking assembly may include an operable handle of any suitable design. The handle may be operably connected to the drive shaft. In another embodiment, the locking assembly includes a first handle and a second handle, as described further below. [0011] The cam roller may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. It may include a shaft that extends through the track and is retained in position by way of enlarged ends.

[0012] The force applied to the cam may be of any suitable type, and may be applied via a biasing mechanism. The force or biasing mechanism may be provided by an air cylinder, accumulator, gas strut or spring, such as a coil spring, optionally in combination with an adjustment device to be able to adjust and vary the force. In one embodiment, the adjustment device may be a turnbuckle. The biasing mechanism (optionally in combination with the adjustment device) may be anchored to the frame via a chassis, which may be in the form of a pin traversing the elongated aperture for accommodating the gate. The biasing mechanism (optionally in combination with the adjustment device) may also be connected to the cam.

[0013] The means for engaging the door or gate may be of any suitable construction. The means may include a linkage means. The linkage means may include a rod pivotally attachable to said pivot arm and to the door or gate.

[0014] The cam plate having a track may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The first linear path and a second linear path may extend at any suitable angle to one another. The first and second linear paths in the track may be approximately equal in length, or they may be of different lengths. The track may appear as a bend when viewed in side elevation. In one embodiment, the first and second linear paths together form an obtuse angle.

[0015] The cam may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The cam may include an aperture for engagement with the applied force (or biasing mechanism optionally in combination with an adjustment device), such as a spring.

[0016] The first preferred aspect may have further features as described below in connection with the second and third aspects. Similarly, the second and third preferred aspects of the present invention may have further features as described above in connection with the first aspect. [0017] In a second preferred aspect, the present invention provides a door assembly. The door assembly includes a door frame having a top and two opposed sides defining an entryway. The door assembly also includes a door moveable between from an open position to a closed position to occlude at least a portion of the entryway, and a locking assembly for maintaining the door in the closed position. The locking assembly includes a shaft mountable to a portion of the door frame, and a pivot assembly connecting a portion of the shaft to a portion of the door to maintain the door in the closed position, whereby rotation of the shaft unlocks the locking assembly to permit the door to move to the open position.

[0018] In one embodiment, rotation of the shaft unlocks the locking assembly to permit the door to move perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the shaft to move the door to the open position.

[0019] The door and door frame may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The door may be configured to slideably or pivotally move between the open and closed positions. The door may be a hingeless door.

[0020] The locking assembly may be of any suitable construction. The locking assembly may be as described in accordance with the first preferred aspect.

[0021] The pivot assembly may be of any suitable construction. In one embodiment, the pivot assembly includes a pivot arm and a cam plate, as described in the first aspect of the present invention. The pivot assembly may include an over-centre arm.

[0022] In a third preferred aspect, the present invention provides for a locking assembly for a door or gate. The locking assembly includes a shaft (especially a drive shaft) mountable proximate a frame that defines an entryway, and a pivot assembly connecting a portion of the shaft to a portion of the door or gate. The pivot assembly is moveable from a first, locked position in which the door or gate is substantially unable to move relative to the frame, to a second, unlocked position in which the door or gate is moveable relative to the frame. The locking assembly also includes a first handle for moving the pivot assembly between the first and second positions; and a second handle for rotating the shaft to in turn move the pivot assembly between the first and second positions, the second handle being spaced apart from the first handle.

[0023] The first and second handles may be of any suitable size, shape and construction. The first handle may be attached to a portion of a door or gate. The first handle may be configured to be attached to the door or gate via a pivot.

[0024] The first handle may be configured to rotate in an arc of less than 20 degrees relative to the door or gate. The first handle may be configured to rotate in an arc of less than 10 degrees relative to the door or gate. The first handle may be pivotally mounted to the door or gate (especially to a trailing end of the door or gate - the trailing end enters the entryway last) at a first end, and a second end of the first handle may include a slide bracket. The locking assembly may be configured so that the slide bracket is interactable with the pivot arm (especially a finger of the pivot arm) to thereby open or unlock the door or gate.

[0025] The second handle may be configured not to contact at any time the door or gate being locked. The second handle may be configured to rotate in an arc greater than 45 degrees to move the door or gate from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The second handle may be configured to rotate in an arc between 0 to 180 degrees to move the door or gate from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The second handle may be configured to rotate in an arc between 0 to 90 degrees to move the door or gate from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The second handle may be configured to rotate in an arc between 0 to 80 degrees to move the door or gate from a fully closed position to a fully open position. The second handle may be connected to or extend from the shaft, especially perpendicularly to the shaft.

[0026] In a fourth preferred aspect, the present invention provides for a locking assembly for movement of a door or gate relative to a frame, the locking assembly comprising an over-centre pivot arm operably connectable to a door or gate and to a frame; and a biasing mechanism (preferably a spring) operably connected to the pivot arm and operably connectable to the frame or to the door or gate; wherein in a gate or door opening configuration, the biasing mechanism acts on the pivot arm to open a door or gate, and wherein in a gate or door closing configuration the biasing mechanism acts on the pivot arm to close a door or gate.

[0027] The fourth preferred aspect may have further features as described in connection with the first, second and third aspects.

[0028] In a fifth preferred aspect, the present invention provides for a method of moving the door of the second preferred aspect between an open position and a closed position, the method including the step of rotating the locking assembly shaft. Features of the fifth preferred aspect may be as described above in relation to the second preferred aspect.

[0029] In a sixth preferred aspect, the present invention provides for a method of locking or unlocking the door or gate of the third preferred aspect, the method including the step of moving said pivot assembly from the first position to the second position. Features of the sixth preferred aspect may be as described above in relation to the third preferred aspect.

[0030] As used herein, to "lock" means to substantially maintain an article (such as a door or gate) in a fixed position such that the article being locked cannot move substantially without some degree of outside assistance. For example, an article may be "locked" in a fixed position by an arrangement of entangled elements or parts such that the article being locked cannot move substantially without some degree of outside assistance to release the arrangement of entangled elements or parts.

[0031] The locking assembly and door assembly of the present invention may form part of a panel, framework, building, agricultural structure, fence, shed, barn, animal crush (for example sheep or cattle crush), animal pen, animal race (for example sheep race or cattle race), scaffolding, wall, wall panel and animal handling equipment. The locking assembly of the present invention may also form part of a door or gate.

[0032] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0033] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

[0034] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] Examples of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0036] Figure 1 is a partial left side perspective view of a locking assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly being mounted on a door frame and engaged with a gate, the gate being in an open position.

[0037] Figure 2 is a perspective right side view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 1.

[0038] Figure 3 is a right side elevation view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 1.

[0039] Figure 4 is a partial left side perspective view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 1 in a partially open position.

[0040] Figure 4A is an expanded view of a portion of the locking assembly illustrated in Figure 4.

[0041] Figure 5 is a perspective right side view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 4.

[0042] Figure 6 is a right side elevation view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 4. [0043] Figure 7 is a partial left side perspective view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 1 in a closed position.

[0044] Figure 7A is an expanded view of a portion of the locking assembly illustrated in Figure 7.

[0045] Figure 8 is a perspective right side view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 7.

[0046] Figure 9 is a right side elevation view of the locking assembly and gate of Figure 7.

[0047] Figure 10 is a right side elevation view of a locking assembly in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the locking assembly being mounted on a door frame and engaged with a gate, the gate being in a closed position.

[0048] Figure 11 is is an expanded view of a portion of the locking assembly illustrated in Figure 1.

[0049] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The following Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to "left," "right" and "centre" are for illustrative convenience only as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Unless otherwise indicated, for multiple embodiments, like numbers will refer to like parts.

[0051] Figures 1 to 9 and 11 show a preferred embodiment of a system 100 having a frame or crush 102, a gate or door 104, and a locking assembly 106. In use, gate 104 slides into frame 102 and is locked by locking assembly 106, which is preferably spring- assisted. The configuration of locking assembly 106 preferably assists in both the closing and the opening of gate 104, more preferably, without the direct use of any handles. The locking assembly 106 may include a pivot assembly 190, which may in turn include a pivot aim 166, a cam plate 154 and also possibly a spring 150. The preferred elements of system 100 and their interrelationship are described below.

[0052] Referring to Figures 1-3 and 11, system 100 preferably includes frame 102, gate 104 and locking assembly 106. Frame 102 has a top 108, a bottom 110 opposite top 108, and a parallel sides 112, 114 connecting top 108 and bottom 110. Side 112 preferably includes an elongated aperture 116 configured to accommodate the length of gate 104 as shown in Figure 2.

[0053] As shown in Figure 1, top 108 preferably includes a rail 118 sized and configured to receive a beam of gate 104, as will be described in further detail below. Rail 118 preferably includes a roller 120 to facilitate movement of the beam of gate 104 along the width of the entry way defined by frame 102.

[0054] With continued reference to Figures 1-3 and 11, gate 104 preferably includes an upper beam 124 configured to be slideably received along rail 118 of frame 102. Beam 124 preferably includes a roller 126 as shown in Figure 4. Gate 104 preferably has a lower beam 128 slideable along bottom 110 of frame 102, a leading end 130 adapted to move into the entryway first, and a trailing end 132 opposite leading end 130. Trailing end 132 preferably includes a longitudinal handle 134 along a majority of the length of trailing end 132. Referring to Figure 3, handle 134 has a bottom 136 that is preferably attached to trailing end 132 by a pivot 138, and a top 140 that preferably includes a slide bracket 142 having a pin 144 at a distal end thereof. As shown in Figure 1, slide bracket 142 has an opening 145 through which a portion of gate 104 extends. The interaction of slide bracket 142 with the opening and closing of gate 104 will be described in further detail below.

[0055] Referring again to Figure 1, locking assembly 106 preferably includes a chassis 146 mounted along a portion of top 108 of frame 102. Chassis 146 anchors turnbuckle 148, which is in turn connected to one end of coil spring 150. Turnbuckle 148 is preferably configured to allow spring 150 to be selectively tensioned. Spring 150 is connected at another end to a cam 152 of a cam plate 154. [0056] As shown in Figure 1, cam plate 154 preferably includes a cam track 156 sized and configured to receive a cam roller 158. Cam track 156 preferably has a first linear path 160 that extends to a bend 162, which transitions to a second linear path 164 that is at an angle relative to first path 160. Preferably, first and second linear paths 160, 164 are approximately equal in length. Advantages of the track configuration will be made more apparent below.

[0057] Referring to Figures 1 and 3, cam roller 158 is connected to a pivot arm 166 that is preferably an over-centre arm. Pivot arm 166 includes a first end 168 and a second end 170. Pivot arm 166 is preferably generally L-shaped as shown in Figure 3. First end 168 is preferably connected to a drive shaft 172 extending perpendicular to pivot arm 166 as best shown in Figure 1. Shaft 172 preferably as a circular cross section at a first end proximate pivot arm 166, and a generally square cross section proximate an end opposite the first end. Shaft 172 preferably includes a slideable sleeve 174 to which is connected a handle 176. The use of handle 176 in relation to pivot arm 166 will be described in further detail below.

[0058] As shown in Figure 3, second end 170 of pivot arm 166 preferably includes a linkage means 178 for engaging the pivot arm with the gate. Linkage means 178 preferably includes a tie rod 180 that is connected to pivot arm 166 at one end by a first pivot 182, and connected to gate 104 at another end by a pivot 184.

[0059] With continued reference to Figure 3, pivot arm 166 further preferably includes a finger extension 186 configured to engage pin 144 of slide bracket 142.

[0060] The components of system 100 are preferably constructed of a durable material such as metal. One or more of the components may be made of a metal such as stainless steel or aluminium, or from a non-metal substance such as wood or a polymeric material.

[0061] Having described the preferred components of system 100, a preferred method of use will now be described with reference to Figures 1 -9. Figures 1 -3 show gate 104 in an open position relative to frame 102. Gate 104 is closed by moving gate 104 laterally into the entryway of frame 102. The lateral movement of gate 104 towards side 114 of frame 102 causes pivot arm 166, via linkage means 178, to rotate counter-clockwise as viewed from the entry side or right side (Figure 3). Referring to Figure 1, the movement of pivot arm 166 at the same time moves cam roller 158 from an initial position at the most proximal portion of second path 164 of cam track 156 towards bend 162. During the movement of cam roller 158 along second linear path 164, spring tension on cam plate 154 is gradually increased as the cam plate is forced to move in a direction away from spring 150. During this movement, gradual increased resistance is encountered by the operator in closing the gate due to the increasing tension exerted by spring 150 and the configuration of cam track 156.

[0062] Referring to Figures 4-6, around halfway between the fully open and fully closed position, cam roller 158 reaches bend 162. At this point, cam roller 158 is at a "high point" of the cam and maximum tension on the spring is reached.

[0063] As shown in Figures 7-9, continued movement of gate 104 toward side 114 causes pivot arm 166 to continue to rotate counter-clockwise. Referring to Figure 7, cam roller 158 moves from bend 162, along first linear path 160 until it reaches the distal-most point of cam track 156. After traversing bend 162, the spring tension exerted by spring 150 is gradually reduced, effectively assisting the operator in closing the door. During the travel of cam roller 158 along first linear path 160 towards the distal-most portion of cam track 156, the gate becomes biased in a closed position and becomes self-closing, preferably due in part to the spring tension and configuration of cam plate 154.

[0064] Referring to Figure 9, while cam roller 158 is moving along first linear path 160, pivot arm 166 continues rotating counter-clockwise. Finger extension 186 moves behind pin 144 of slide bracket 142 to engage the pin. Tie rod 180 reverses its diagonal orientation to create an obtuse "over-centred" angle between leading end 130 and tie rod 180. This arrangement advantageously maintains gate 104 in a closed position such that if there is a lateral force applied to gate 104 which would normally open gate 104 (without the linkage arrangement), gate 104 would not open, but be restrained in the closed position. The obtuse "over-centre" angle that is created between the end of tie rod 180 at pivot 184 connected to gate 104, and the end of tie rod 180 at pivot 182 connected to pivot arm 166 restrains pivot arm 166 from moving any further in a counter-clockwise direction as it is preferably abutting frame 102 as shown in Figure 9. [0065] Gate 104 may be opened from the closed position in more than one way. Referring to Figures 7-9, an operator may pull handle 134 in a direction away from side 114 of frame 102. This action moves slide bracket 142 proximally towards the operator, moving pin 144 proximally, and causing finger extension 186 to move in a clock- wise direction, thus unlocking gate 104. Referring to Figure 7, continued proximal movement of gate 104 by the operator reverses the travel of cam roller 158 towards bend 162, increasing spring tension until gate 104 is moved beyond the half-way point, and cam roller 158 traverses bend 162 to travel down second linear path 164. Referring to Figures 1 and 4, during the travel down second linear path 164, tension is reduced and locking assembly 106 assists the operator in opening the gate since gate 104 will now be biased in an open position.

[0066] Another way to open gate 104 is shown in Figures 1-9. In particular, an operator may use handle 176 to unlock gate 104 and move it to the open position. For example, referring to Figure 8, in the closed position handle 176 is preferably parallel with the sides of frame 102. The operator may rotate handle 176 clockwise (viewed from the right side or entry side in Figure 8), causing drive shaft 172 to rotate, and moving cam roller 158 as previously described above. Continued movement of handle 176 in a clockwise direction moves cam roller 158 along first path 160, bend 162, and along second path 164 as shown in Figures 1, 4 and 7. In the fully open position, handle 176 is preferably at an angle of approximately 80 degrees relative to side 112 of frame 102, as shown in Figure 3.

[0067] The length and placement of handle 176 offers numerous advantages, such as greater ease of operation, and the ability of the operator to be more optimally positioned when moving the gate, which in the cattle industry, may help alleviate safety concerns.

[0068] It will be appreciated that the steps described above may be performed in a different order, varied, or some steps omitted entirely without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0069] Referring now to Figure 10, a system 200 is shown in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. System 200 is similar to system 100 except that locking assembly 206 includes a pivoted brace arrangement connecting frame 202 to gate 204, and a spring is mounted on the gate instead of on the frame. In particular, pivot arm 266 is mounted on top of frame 202 pivotally connected at its bottom end to a tie rod 280, which is in turn pivotally connected to gate 204. Pivot arm 266 is pivotally connected to a brace 290, which is in turn pivotally connected to a second pivot arm 288.

[0070] Second pivot arm 288 includes an extension at its lower end configured to engage a pin 244 to limit counter-clockwise rotation of second pivot arm 288 (and pivot arm 266 via brace 290). Second pivot arm 288 is pivotally connected to a tie rod 292 to operatively connect second pivot arm 288 to gate 204. Second pivot arm 288 is preferably generally linear while pivot arm 266 is preferably an over-centre arm and nonlinear from one end to another.

[0071] Still referring to Figure 10, a spring 250 has one end connected to gate 204, and another end connected to a portion of tie rod 292. To open gate 204, force is applied so that pivot arm 266 rotates in a clockwise direction. The movement of pivot arm 266 causes pivot arm 288 to move via brace 290, thereby disengaging pivot arm 288 with pin 244. Additional force will overcome force exerted by spring 250, causing gate 204 to slide laterally out of frame 202. As spring 250 is attached to gate 204, it moves with gate 204.

[0072] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the locking assembly may be adapted for use with a garage door. The locking assembly may be adapted for other door systems not requiring a slide door or gate. If desired, the system may be made with only a single handle to engage and disengage the locking assembly. Such a handle may be positioned where convenient for the operator. When using a handle such as handle 176, the orientation of the handle may be configured to rotate within a range of 0 to 180 degrees, more preferably within a range of 0 to 90 degrees, even more preferably within a range of 0 to 80 degrees.

[0073] More than one resilient means may be used to impart a tensioning force on the cam. For example, two or more springs may be used or a combination of a spring and a gas strut. One or more springs or other force applying means may be positioned on the frame and/or the gate as desired. Preferably, the gate is maintained in the closed position solely by the use of spring force, and not any latches or ratchet mechanisms. The spring force advantageously provides a spring-assist to the operator when opening and closing the gate, as described above.

[0074] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, or combined with or interchanged with the features of other embodiments, as appropriate, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0075] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.