FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to an entrance wing gate for a driveway that is applicable to landed type of residential housing entrance gates. Particularly, the present invention relates to an entrance wing gate of a hand-fan type of gate.

BACKGROUND ART

Entrance gates or gate systems are passageway or driveways generally of hinged or sliding type. Hinged gates or also known as swing gates are gates that are swung inward and outward whereas a sliding gate operates in a horizontal movement with or without roller tracks. The sliding gate without roller tracks is generally operated by a cantilever gate that is pushed and pulled via a beam fixed on one end without bottom wheels. Both types of gates are a convenient to home owners depending to the need of end user. Unfortunately, both types of gates require a lot of space. An inward swinging gate takes up room that could be use for an additional car or garden, while an outward swinging gate is a poor idea on a narrow street as the car need to be parked or stop at a distance before entering the premises. Moreover, the owner needs to be mindful of children or pets that do not move out of the way quickly enough if the swinging gates are automated. Sliding doors also require more width for storing the retracted gate during opened position. Furthermore, the fact that more moving parts means that such gates are more expensive to install and maintain. Also, dust and debris are build up in the tracks, leading to noise and friction or stuckness over a period of time.

Another issue with conventional gates is that they are not suitable for the sloped land surface. The installation will be more complex as to suite the gate according to the inclined planes. More than that, both types of gate require external support or structure to hold the gate system. Hand-fan gates provide an alternative and better option for owners. These hand-fan gates solve the problem of lack of space and installation on inclined planes. The gate opens and closes gracefully in a similar way to a hand-fan. As such, the gates are hidden when it is opened which minimizes space providing additional parking space to the owners and eliminating waiting zone outside the gate. The hand-fan gate are not affected by slope issues as both pillars will be placed on two different planes and the angle will be synchronized causing the gates to be closed parallel to the ground. An example of an existing prior art that provides a hand-fan gate is disclosed in European Patent No. EP 2900892 B1 (hereinafter referred to EP 892 B1 Patent) entitled “Gate with fan out opening system” having a filing date of 13 September 2013 (Applicant: NELLO TRINCIARELLI). EP 892 B1 Patent discloses a gate or window comprising one or two doors with movable elements which elements pivot around one or more axes perpendicular to the plane formed by the closed gate itself. During the closing movement, the elements move with a synchronism that allows them to be packed on one another and to lie in a radial pattern while opening according to a so called fan out mode. EP 892 B1 Patent solves the problems rising at installation of conventional gates and windows. Thanks to the hand-fan structure the door is able to open by occupying an increasingly small room up to be contained in the column of the gate or in the wall around the door or window. EP 892 B1 Patent further discloses that the door and the support column are part of a single structure in which are enclosed the mechanisms for the manual or automatic drive. The hollow structure of the columns can be subsequently embedded in the wall and coated with plaster.

Another example is disclosed in Chinese Patent Application Publication No. CN 206785280 II (hereinafter referred to CN 280 II Publication) entitled “Fan -Shaped Courtyard Gate” having a filing date of 15 April 2017 (Applicant: ZHANG XIAOLI). CN 280 U Publication discloses a fan-shaped courtyard gate which has a simple structure, is convenient to manufacture and use, and saves installation space. Further, CN 280 II Publication not only achieves a good anti-theft effect, but also eliminates the cumbersome lock bolts, bolts and other operations, saves materials, reduces the cost of the gate, and has a stable and compact structure, which saves installation space and achieves a more advanced , Convenience, safety and aesthetics. The fan-shaped courtyard gate of CN 280 II Publication includes a door frame and a door panel, characterized in that a transmission motor is arranged at the lower part and a door leaf fixed shaft with a bearing. The door panel is composed of 9 door leaves in the shape of a fan and below each door leaf is provided with a bearing seat matched with the motor drive bearing. A door leaf fixed shaft with a bearing is provided on one side, and an arc sliding groove matching the door leaf fixed shaft is provided on the other side of the door leaf. The fixed shaft of one door leaf is buckled into the arc sliding groove of the other door leaf to form a sector shape. The bearing seat under the locked door leaf is fixedly mounted on the bottom of the door frame and the door leaf fixed shaft provided on the door frame is buckled together in the arc sliding groove of the first door leaf. When the door leaf is unfolded, it opens in a fan shape to form a door panel; when the door leaf is closed, the door leaf is folded in the arc-shaped sliding groove in the door frame to be buckled and connected. Yet another example is disclosed in France Patent Application Publication No. FR 2855209 A1 (hereinafter referred to FR 209 A1 Publication) entitled “Gate with modular opening panels that deploy and retract in a fan shape on pinions at their lower ends” having a filing date of 9 January 2004 (Applicant: LABARDIN GILLES). FR 209 A1 Publication relates to a gate with at least one leaf, each of which consists of a set of elements that can be folded back on themselves in the manner of a fan. The gate of 209 A1 Publication has one or more opening panels that opens and close between side pillars, with each panel made up of a number of modular elements that deploy and retract in the manner of a fan, overlapping one another completely in the raised position. Each element opens and closed by rotating about a pinion at its lower end, operated by a rotary gear wheel, with the number of teeth on each pinion being proportional to the distance over which the element travels when deploying or retracting. The main advantage is that the opening and closing maneuver of the gate, which the user obtains by means of a command which may be a remote control, is carried out in the same plane and that, once folded, the elements are 'attached to the support pillar extending in its height in the manner of an arm. FR 209 A1 Publication further discloses the invention is particularly intended for opening and closing spaces such as garages, sheds or cellars.

A further example is disclosed France Patent Application Publication No. FR 2967447 A1 (hereinafter referred to FR 447 A1 Publication) entitled “Device i.e. doorway, for temporarily separating two spaces in e.g. garage, has one modular element with guiding unit at end opposed to displacing unit to generate movement of displacing unit” having a filing date of 16 November 2010 (Applicant: LABARDIN GILLES). FR 447 A1 Publication relates to the field of separation devices between at least two spaces and in particular of gates. It relates more particularly to a device consisting of a set of elements rotating with respect to each other, integral when they are deployed to form the leaf and superimposed when they are folded into a vertical position so as to clear the opening of the leaf. The device of FR 447 A1 Publication has modular elements partially superimposed when the elements are deployed to form a leaf. The elements respectively forming a vertical part and an upper part of a doorway in a closed position are articulated in rotation at its bases by a rotating unit and a displacing unit. The displacing unit includes a circulation unit assuring free circulation of the displacing unit along an upper surface of one of the elements clamped in the other element. The latter element includes a guiding unit (5) at an end opposed to the displacing unit to generate the movement of the displacing unit. Based on the prior arts mentioned above there is a significant need to explore the mechanism of hand-fan type of gates in order to produce a hand-fan gate that provides smooth transition during rotation without lagging and synchronized movement of both sides of gates during opening and closing of the gate. The present invention provides a gate structure that features components that enhances the movement causing the frames of the gate to rotate simultaneously and in synchronized motion. Further, the present invention provides a gate design without attachment onto any external support or structure except the floor.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention consists of features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention of sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

One aspect of the invention provides an entrance wing gate that does not require any external support except the ground for a driveway having at least two sub-wing, each subwing pivotable on a gate post comprising an anchor bracket (102) attached onto a self- rotatable base (104), bolted on a ground surface without attachment onto any external support or structure; a plurality of frames (106) pivoted onto the anchor bracket (102) with each of the plurality of frames (106) being interconnected to each other through at least one scissor bar (108) with each scissor bar (108) being affixed to a slider (110) adjacent to a rail guide (124) attached on each of the plurality of frames (106); a plurality of panels (112) affixed onto each frame (106) with each panel (112) being affixed in between two frames (106) at each side of the panel (112) supporting the panels (112) and the panels (112) overlaps with each other in a stagger position enabling the panel (112) to overlap without collision when the gate swings to an open position; a linear actuator (114) pivoted at both ends on a first frame (116) and a last frame (118) of the plurality of frames (106) by an actuator pivot bracket (120). The linear actuator (114) pivoted at both ends on a first frame and a last frame of the plurality of frames is affixed by an actuator pivot bracket (120) and the linear actuator (114) encompasses stroke retraction or extension mechanism to open and close the gate vertically, and the linear actuator (114) is fastened to the actuator pivot bracket (120) by a pivot pin (402) and a spreader plate (404) that is affixed to the frames (106) for distributing load induce by the actuator pull and push forces.

Another aspect of the invention provides that the linear actuator (114) will pull the first frame (116) upward and begins to rotate when the actuator rod (126) is retracted.

Still another aspect of the invention provides that the linear actuator (114) will push downward when the actuator rod (126) is extended and unfold linkages of the scissor bar which drives the remaining frames toward the gate closing position.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the anchor bracket (102) is attached onto a self-rotatable base (104) with or without any motorized module above the ground surface. Another aspect of the invention provides that the last frame (118) is not rotatable and is affixed to the anchor bracket (102) permanently.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides that the panels comprises rubbing plate forming panel interlocking between each of the panels.

Still another aspect of the invention provides that the panel comprises additional flange incorporated to each of the panels.

Yet another aspect of the invention provides that the gate is installed with socket screw at the actuator pivot bracket (120) to prevent unintentional rotation. Another aspect of the invention provides that the at least one scissor bar (108) being affixed to the slider (110) adjacent to a rail guide (124) attached on each of the plurality of frames (106) via a scissor connector comprising of lock nut and nylon washer.

A further aspect of the invention provides that the plurality of panels further comprises customizable cutout pattern and LED strips for decoration purposes.

The present invention consists of features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some embodiments of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by references to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the accompanying drawings.

FIG 1.0 illustrates a perspective view (a-f), side view (g) and isometric view (h) of an entrance wing gate according to an embodiment of the present invention FIG 2.0 (a-b) illustrates a perspective view of panel interlocking of an entrance wing gate of the present invention.

FIG 3.0 illustrates a perspective view of panel flange of an entrance wing gate of the present invention.

FIG 4.0 (a-b) illustrates a perspective view of a linear actuator fastened to an actuator pivot bracket by pivot pin and spreader plate of the present invention.

FIG 5.0 (a-b) illustrates a perspective view of scissor bar joint of an entrance wing gate of the present invention.

FIG 6.0 illustrates a front view of an entrance wing gate in (a-b) opened position and (c) closed position of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to an entrance wing gate for a driveway that is applicable to landed type of residential housing entrance gates. Particularly, the present invention relates to an entrance wing gate similarly to a hand-fan type of gate. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred embodiments. It is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Reference is made to FIG. 1.0, which illustrates a perspective view (a-f), side view (g) and isometric view (h) of an entrance wing gate and its components according to an embodiment of the present invention. The entrance wing gate (100) has at least two subwings, wherein each sub wing is pivotable on a gate post. The entrance wing gate (100) of the present invention swings and opens gate in a vertical motion similar to a way of how a hand-fan is operated. Moreover, the entrance wing gate does not require any external support except for the ground. Due to this condition, most of the assembly installation of the entrance wing gate can be pre-done in factory and the final product can be installed on site which will be less hassle and saves lot of hacking works and time.

The present invention comprises of an anchor bracket (102) attached onto a self- rotatable base (104), bolted on a ground surface without attachment onto any external support or structure; a plurality of frames (106) pivoted onto the anchor bracket (102) with each of the plurality of frames (106) being interconnected to each other through at least one scissor bar (108) with each scissor bar (108) being affixed to a slider (110) adjacent to a rail guide (124) attached on each of the plurality of frames (106); a plurality of panels (112) affixed onto each frame (106) with each panel (112) being affixed in between two frames (106) at each side of the panel (112) supporting the panels (112) and the panels (112) overlaps with each other in a stagger position enabling the panel (112) to overlap without collision when the gate swings to an open position; and a linear actuator (114) pivoted at both ends on a first frame (116) and a last frame (118) of the plurality of frames (106) by an actuator pivot bracket (120).

The anchor bracket (102) of the present invention is attached on the self-rotatable base (104) with or with or without any motorized module above the ground surface. The most important element is that the anchor bracket (102) is attached onto the self-rotatable base (104) without attachment onto any external structure or support except the floor. Hence, reducing material cost as the entrance wing gate does not require to be built with such a column, side wall or pillar. As such, the present invention is capable to stand on its own without external support. The anchor bracket (102) is bolted on the floor preferably by anchor bolts (126) as illustrated in FIG 1.0c. Moreover, as can be seen in FIG 1.0c the anchor bracket (102) is affixed to the last frame (116) of the present invention permanently which also means the last frame is not rotatable. As illustrated in FIG 1.0d, pluralities of frames (106) are pivoted at the anchor bracket (102).

The entrance wing gate structure of the present invention comprises of number of frames (106) but not limited to the quantities as illustrated in FIG 1.0. The quantities depend on the dimension of the entrance gate based on the need of end user and application it is intended for. As can be seen in FIG 1.0a the plurality of frames are pivoted onto the anchor bracket (102) with each of the plurality of frames (106) being interconnected to each other through at least one scissor bar (108) with each scissor bar (108) being affixed to a slider (110) adjacent to a rail guide (124) attached on each of the plurality of frames (106). It is to be noted that only the last frame (118) is not rotatable and is affixed together to the anchor bracket permanently. Additionally, each of the frames are fastened with a slider that moves along with a rail guide (124) which ensures the frames (106) except for the last frame (118) to rotate in synchronized motion. Since the last frame (118) is fixed together with the anchor bracket and bolted onto the floor, no attachment to any side wall is required. The frames (106) that are pivoted at the anchor bracket (102) are positioned in stagger position which enables the panels (112) to overlap without collision when the gate swings to an open position. Further, the frames (106) are driven by the aligned scissors joint arrangement behind of the gate. The frame profile of the present invention is not limited to a certain size of section. The frame profile can be any section depending on the design of the entrance wing gate and the load distribution. As such, the configuration of the frame profile is influenced by the end design and application it is intended for.

The rest of the frames (106) share the same profile with a distributed offset that is supported by varying spacer lengths. In other words, the other frames (106) have on offset position that is controlled by a spacer (128) as illustrated in FIG 1.0e and FIG 1.Of.

The numbers of panels (112) of the present invention are also not limited to the quantities as illustrated in FIG 1.0. The quantities depend on the dimension of the entrance gate based on the need of end user and application it is intended for. As illustrated in FIG 1.0, the plurality of panels (112) affixed onto each frame (106) with each panel (112) being affixed in between two frames (106) at each side of the panel (112) supporting the panels (112) and the panels (112) overlaps with each other in a stagger position enabling the panel (112) to overlap without collision when the gate swings to an open position. The plurality of panels (112) will be moved along together with the frame rotations. The plurality of panels (112) is interlocked with each other when the gate is at closed position. The interlocking of panels is via a rubbing plate installed on each of the panels. The rubbing plate needs to be in the position as illustrated in FIG. 2.0a when the entrance wing gate is at closed position. The rubbing plate is pre-attached onto each of the panels, while the frame having a slot feature that restricts the panel movement in case the panel is pulled or peeled out from the edge. Further, the frame integrated slot feature and the rubbing plate installed on each of the panels provides the security enhancement from abuse loading. As illustrated in FIG 2.0a and FIG 2.0b the panels (112) are attached onto the frame using round head screw (202) and nut. The round head screw (202) prevents the panel from getting stuck and allows ramping over the screw head when the panel is sliding. The plurality of panels (112) also comprises of additional flange incorporated to each of the panels (112) to increase panel overall stiffness as illustrated in FIG 3.0. Customizable cutout pattern and LED strips could also be added onto the panels (112) to be used for decorations purposes.

Reference is now made to FIG 4.0 which illustrates a perspective view of a linear actuator (114) fastened to an actuator pivot bracket (120) by a pivot pin (402) and a spreader plate (404) of the present invention. The linear actuator (114) pivoted at both ends on a first frame and a last frame of the plurality of frames is affixed by an actuator pivot bracket (120) and the linear actuator (114) encompasses stroke retraction or extension mechanism to open and close the gate vertically, and the linear actuator (114) is fastened to the actuator pivot bracket (120) by a pivot pin (202) and a spreader plate (204) that is affixed to the frames (106) for distributing load induce by the actuator pull and push forces. The linear actuator (114) will pull the first frame (116) upward and begins to rotate when the actuator rod (126) is retracted. The linear actuator (114) will then push downward when the actuator rod (126) is extended and unfold linkages of the scissor bar which drives the remaining frames toward the gate closing position. Further, the entrance wing gate (100) is installed with a socket screw at the actuator pivot bracket (120) to prevent unintentional rotation from occurring. These socket screws are to attach the bracket onto the frame permanently which prevents the in plane rotation. As illustrated in FIG 4.0, a spreader plate is added to distribute the load induced by the linear actuator (114) pull and push forces. A common actuator bracket is installed in both end of the actuator. The stroke length of the linear actuator (114) is defined based on the linear actuator position (114) and the gate opening angle. Preferably, the entrance wing gate of the present invention can be operated by either an actuator or 12VDC or 24VDC. Additionally, the type of actuator to be used depends on the gate size and maintenance options favoured for which the end design is proposed for. Thus, the actuator is influenced by the end product and the application it is desired for. Furthermore, the entrance wing gate can be controlled via a remote.

Reference is now made to FIG 5.0 which illustrates a perspective view of scissor bar joint of an entrance wing gate of the present invention. The at least one scissor bar (108) being affixed to the slider (110) adjacent to a rail guide (124) attached on each of the plurality of frames (106) via a scissor connector comprising of lock nut and nylon washer. The joint represented at the scissor bar, lock nut is used to secure the pin without over clamping the bar which induces friction during rotation. The nylon washer is used to provide larger surface area and smoother contact to reduce rubbing between the metallic parts. Additionally, the scissor bars are pivoted on top each other, and on the slider through the scissor connectors. The sliders are free to move along with the rail guide that is installed on each of the frames. The first scissor bar is pivoted at the first frame without slider, when the first frame rotates it produces an upward force to push that scissor bar and slide the other end along with the frames. As such, all the subsequent scissor bar motions are synchronized. As in result, the frames (106) will be rotated simultaneously toward the gate opening position as when the scissors linkages are folding as illustrated in FIG 6.0a and FIG 6.0b. Similarly, when the actuator rod extends it will push the first frame downward and unfold the scissor linkages which drives the remaining frames toward the gate closing position as illustrated in FIG 6.0c.

Unless the context requires otherwise or specifically stated to the contrary, integers, steps or elements of the invention recited herein as singular integers, steps or elements clearly encompass both singular and plural forms of the recited integers, steps or elements.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or integer or group of steps or elements or integers, but not the exclusion of any other step or element or integer or group of steps, elements or integers. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including principally, but not necessarily solely”.