Strap for reinforcing a gate

Abstract

 Described is a strap for reinforcing a gate, the strap comprising at least one flexible elongate member having a load bearing capacity of x, the strap comprising one or more sections along its length which each have at least two different load bearing capacities, said at least two different load bearing capacities comprising a load bearing capacity of x and one or more load bearing capacities of less than x. Further described is a gate, barrier or fence comprising one or more of the straps, and a clutch mechanism for use in the strap.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present application relates to a strap for reinforcing a gate, in particular to a strap for reinforcing single and multi-leaf gates.

[0002] Various types of gate are known and when gates are provided for preventing vehicle access there are a number of considerations which must be borne in mind. For example, such gates must, by the nature of their purpose, generally be large enough to span a road or driveway but at the same time be light enough to enable a user or mechanism, e.g. motor, to open and close the gate.

[0003] Another consideration is whether the gate is able to prevent a vehicle passing through the gate when closed, or put another way, whether the gate is able to withstand the force exerted by a vehicle crashing into the gate. One way of achieving this is to provide a very large and heavy gate which is able to withstand considerable forces without suffering significant damage. However, such a large and heavy gate is clearly an unattractive prospect from an ease of use perspective.

[0004] One system which is designed to prevent a vehicle passing through a closed gate includes a steel or reinforced concrete bar or "boom" provided behind the gate and secured in position when the gate is closed. If a vehicle successfully crashes through the gate then the boom is designed to prevent the vehicle travelling any further. Typically, the boom is provided at a height such that it will damage the engine of the vehicle and thus not only arrest forward movement of the vehicle during the crash but also prevent movement of the vehicle after the crash.

[0005] Whilst known systems are generally effective at stopping vehicles, they do suffer from several drawbacks. They are often very heavy and cumbersome in order to withstand the considerable forces involved in the impact caused by a moving vehicle. As a result, they are costly to install and impinge on the functionality of the gate. For example, in the case of the boom described above, every time the gate is opened or closed, the boom must also be opened or closed. Furthermore, during an impact, whilst movement of the vehicle is stopped, there is often a large amount of crash debris which can travel a distance from the crash site. This debris can be dangerous, especially if the gate is located near to a building or where people are working.

[0006] It will be clear from the above that improved methods for reinforcing gates are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a strap for reinforcing a gate, the strap comprising at least one flexible elongate member having a load bearing capacity of x, the strap comprising one or more sections along its length which each have at least two different load bearing capacities, said at least two different load bearing capacities comprising a load bearing capacity of x and one or more load bearing capacities of less than x.

[0008] When installed into a gate, the strap of the present invention has been found to be remarkably effective at preventing movement of a vehicle through the gate. As a vehicle hits the gate the load on the gate created by the vehicle's momentum is taken at first by the structure of the gate and the strap. As the gate starts to give way, the strap takes more and more load. Because the strap has one or more sections of multiple load bearing capacity, it is these sections which start to give way first. Each section of multiple load bearing capacity has two or more threshold load bearing levels (e.g. x, and one or more less than x). As the first, or each, threshold level is breached, the strap elongates. When this happens, some of the momentum is absorbed in a "cushioning" effect, much the same way as occurs in a crumple zone of a car bodywork. This process continues until the vehicle has stopped moving forward and/or the overall load bearing capacity (x) of the strap has been reached.

[0009] Remarkably, it has been found during testing that, not only is a gate fitted with a strap as described herein effective at stopping a vehicle, but because of the "cushioning" effect the forward spread of debris is greatly reduced.

[0010] Preferably, the strap comprises at least two flexible elongate members joined together by one or more clutch mechanisms, each clutch mechanism providing a load bearing capacity of x and one or more load bearing capacities of less than x.

[0011] Preferably, the ends of adjacent elongate members overlap to form an overlapping region and said one or more clutch mechanisms comprise one or more clamps formed around said overlapping region and permitting the overlapping ends to slide past each other to a stop position, said stop position having a load bearing capacity of x.

[0012] Preferably, the one or more clutch mechanisms comprise two outer plates and an inner plate between the outer plates. This results in the formation of two channels which can accommodate adjacent elongate members.

[0013] Preferably, a roughened surface is provided on one or more surfaces of the inner plate and/or on one or more surfaces of the outer plates. This has the benefit of increasing friction between the elongate members and the plates.

[0014] Preferably, the roughened surface comprises an aluminium coating, preferably a sprayed aluminium coating.

[0015] Preferably, the plates are held together by a plurality of bolts. Preferably, the bolts are provided with one or more disc springs. This enables the plates to be held together at a consistent pressure even if the elongate members are stretched and become slightly thinner during a crash.

[0016] Preferably, one or more edges or corners of one or more of the plates is rounded. For example, in one embodiment it is preferred that the edges of the outer plates adjacent to the inner plate are rounded. This prevents the plates from tearing the elongate members during sliding.

[0017] Preferably, the overlapping region is at least about 50cm in length, preferably at least about 100cm, preferably at least about 150cm in length, most preferably about 150cm in length. It will, however, be appreciated that the size of the overlapping region can be tailored to reflect the size of the gate, the number of clutch mechanisms along the length of the strap and the likely forces to be exerted during an impact.

[0018] Preferably, one or more elongate members comprise one or more loops formed along their length, each loop comprising a neck portion formed by positioning in close proximity or joining together two locations of the elongate member, said neck portion having one or more load capacities of less than x.

[0019] Preferably, said neck portion has at least two different load capacities of less than x.

[0020] Preferably, the two or more locations of the elongate member are joined together by stitching. Preferably, the stitching has one or more load capacities of less than x.

[0021] Preferably, the stitching comprises a first section having a first load bearing capacity of less than x and a second section having a second load bearing capacity of less than x.

[0022] Preferably, the first section of stitching has a lower load bearing capacity than the second section of stitching and the first section of stitching is formed closer to a non-loop region of the elongate member than the second section of stitching.

[0023] It will be appreciated that the stitching may comprise more than two, for example, three, four or five, sections of stitching each having a different load bearing capacity of less than x. It will also be appreciated that in the case of more than two, for example three, four or five sections of stitching, the load bearing capacity of sections of stitching nearer the non-loop region of the elongate member is lower that the load bearing capacity of sections of stitching further from the non-loop region. Put another way, the load bearing capacity of the stitching increases as the stitching moves away from the non-loop region of the elongate member.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more loops are folded to form one or more pleats along the length of the elongate member.

[0025] Preferably, the pleats are folded against a non-loop region of the elongate member. Preferably, the pleats are secured against a non-loop region of the elongate member, for example by stitching.

[0026] It will be appreciated that the pleats may be first formed from loops which do not contain any stitching, with the only stitching being provided to secure the pleats against a non-loop region of the elongate member.

[0027] Preferably, the pleats are secured against a non-loop region of the elongate member at one or more load bearing capacities of less than x, preferably at one or more load bearing capacities of less than the load bearing capacities provided in the neck portion of the loop. However, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments, no stitching is provided in the neck portion and thus the load bearing capacity of each pleat is defined by the load bearing capacity of the join, e.g formed by stitching, where the pleats are secured to the non-loop region of the elongate member.

[0028] Preferably, wherein one or more loops or pleats are provided, each loop or pleat has a different load bearing capacity.

[0029] In one embodiment, the neck portion of one or more loops of the elongate member is provided with one or more linking members secured to a non-loop region of the elongate member each side of the loop.

[0030] Preferably, the one or more linking members is secured via stitching.

[0031] Preferably, each linking member has one or more load bearing capacities of less than x, preferably one or more load bearing capacities of less than the load bearing capacities provided in the neck portion of the loop. It will, however, be appreciated that in some embodiments, the one or more load bearing capacities of the linking member defines the load bearing capacity of the neck portion, for example in an embodiment wherein the neck portion is not formed by stitching together two locations of the elongate member. Rather, in such an embodiment, the neck portion is formed by moving two locations of the elongate member towards each other to form a loop, with the two locations being held in close proximity by a linking member secured to adjacent non-loop regions of the elongate member. An example of such an embodiment is shown in figure 3A.

[0032] Preferably, each loop is formed from at least about about 1 metre of elongate member, preferably at least about 1.5 metres, preferably at least about 2 metres, preferably at least about 2.5 metres, preferably at least about 3 metres, preferably at least about 4 metres, preferably at least about 5 metres.

[0033] Preferably, each linking member is at least about 0.2 metres in length, preferably at least about 0.5 metres, preferably at least about 0.75 metres, preferably at least about 1 metre, preferably at least about 1.5 metres, preferably at least about 2 metres, preferably at least about 2.5 metres, preferably at least about 3 metres, preferably at least about 4 metres.

[0034] If two or more linking members are provided, it is preferred that they are of different lengths. For example, in the case of the embodiment described in figure 3B a first linking member has a length of 0.2 metres and a second linking member has a length of about 1.25 metres.

[0035] Preferably, if two or more linking members are provided, the load bearing capacity of longer linking members is higher than that of shorter linking members.

[0036] Alternatively, two or more linking members may be provided having the same load bearing capacity.

[0037] Preferably, the elongate members comprise a webbed material. Preferably, the elongate members comprise polyester webbing.

[0038] Preferably, the elongate members have a load bearing capacity of at least about 25 tonnes. For example, it was found during testing that a 90mm wide 3 tonne rated two ply polyester strop did not break until a force of 26 tonnes was applied.

[0039] Preferably, the elongate members comprise a material which permits a degree of stretching. Preferably, the degree of stretching is up to about 30%, preferably about 5-25%, preferably about 10-20%, for example about 17%.

[0040] Preferably, the strap is for a gate comprising one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more leaves. Most preferably, the strap is for a bi-fold gate.

[0041] Preferably, x is about 25 tonnes.

[0042] Preferably, the strap comprises a protective sleeve along all or a portion of its length. The protective sleeve acts to prevent damage caused to the strap during a crash, for example damage caused by abrasions.

[0043] In addition to use on a gate, the strap of the present invention may be used in a variety of structures. For example, one or more straps of the present invention could be provided in a swing gate, a sliding gate, a boom barrier, a drop arm barrier or a swing barrier. One or more straps could also be provided in fencing, for example to provide crash rated fencing panels.

[0044] It will be appreciated that further aspects of the present invention relate to one or more of these structures incorporating one or more straps as described herein.

[0045] For example, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a gate comprising one or more straps as described herein. Preferably, the gate comprises one or more, preferably two or more, preferably three or more, preferably four or more, most preferably four straps.

[0046] Preferably, the gate comprises one or more, two or more, three or more, or four or more leaves. Most preferably, the gate is a bifold gate.

[0047] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a clutch mechanism for use in a strap described herein.

[0048] Preferably, the clutch mechanism comprises two outer plates and an inner plate between the outer plates. This results in the formation of two channels which can accommodate adjacent elongate members.

[0049] Preferably, a roughened surface is provided on one or more surfaces of the inner plate and/or on one or more surfaces of the outer plates. This has the benefit of increasing friction between the elongate members and the plates during use.

[0050] Preferably, the roughened surface comprises an aluminium coating, preferably a sprayed aluminium coating.

[0051] Preferably, the plates are held together by a plurality of bolts. Preferably, the bolts are provided with one or more disc springs. This enables the plates to be held together at a consistent pressure even if the elongate members are stretched and become slightly thinner during a crash.

[0052] Preferably, one or more edges or corners of one or more of the plates is rounded. For example, in one embodiment it is preferred that the edges of the outer plates adjacent to the inner plate are rounded. This prevents the plates from tearing the elongate members during sliding.

[0053] Example embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] 

Figure 1A shows a first embodiment of a strap of the invention which comprises a clutch mechansim;

Figure 1B shows a clutch mechanism for use in a strap of the invention;

Figures 2A to 2C show a second embodiment of a strap of the invention which comprises one or more loops;

Figures 3A and 3B show a third embodiment of a strap of the invention which comprises one or more loops held together by linking members; and Figure 4 shows four straps of the invention incorporated into a bifold gate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The invention relates to straps for reinforcing gates, in particular single and multi-leaf gates. The straps may also be used in structures such as swing gates, sliding gates, boom barriers, drop arm barriers, swing barriers and fencing.

[0056] Within this specification embodiments have been described in a way which enables a clear and concise specification to be written, but it is intended and will be appreciated that embodiments may be variously combined or separated without parting from the invention.

[0057] Within this specification, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" are interpreted to mean "includes, among other things". These terms are not intended to be construed as "consists of only".

[0058] Within this specification, the term "about" means plus or minus 20%, more preferably plus or minus 10%, even more preferably plus or minus 5%, most preferably plus or minus 2%.

[0059] Referring to figure 1A, a strap 1 comprises elongate members 2 joined together by a sliding clutch mechanism 3. The ends of adjacent elongate members 2 overlap to form an overlapping region 4. In figure 1A, only one end of the strap is shown, however, each end of the strap comprises an eyelet 5. The eyelet allows the strap to be secured to a gate or gate post. The elongate members 2 are provided with a fold 6 at each end not having an eyelet. The strap 1 has an overall load bearing capacity of 25 tonnes, as defined by the load bearing capacity of the elongate members, and the clutch mechanism 3 prevents the overlapping ends from sliding past each other until a force of at least about 6 tonnes is applied. As this load bearing force of the clutch mechanism 3 is breached, the overlapping ends of the elongate members 2 slide past each other until they reach a stop position. The stop position is reached when the fold 6 of each elongate member 2 abuts the clutch mechanism 3. At this point, the clutch mechanism 3 permits no further movement of the elongate members 2. When in the stop position, the load bearing capacity of the strap 1 is defined by the load bearing capacity of the elongate members 2.

[0060] Referring to figure 1B, a clutch mechanism (also referred to as a sliding clutch mechanism) 3 comprises two outer plates 7, 8 and an inner plate 9, defining two channels 10, 11 for accommodating adjacent elongate members (not shown). The outer plates are provided with rounded edges 29 at the end of the channels. The surfaces of the plates which define the channels are provided with a roughened aluminium sprayed surface. The plates 7, 8, 9 are held together by a plurality of bolts 12. Each bolt is provided with a plurality of disc springs (not shown). When the bolts 12 are tightened, the plates 7, 8, 9 clamp the elongate members. The load bearing capacity of the clutch mechanism 3 can be adjusted by loosening or tightening the bolts 12.

[0061] Referring to figure 2A, a strap 1 comprises an elongate member 2 which comprises a loop 13. The loop comprises a neck portion 14 formed where two points along the length of the elongate member 2 have been joined together by stitching 15. The stitching 15 has a lower load bearing capacity than the elongate member 2 and so when an increasing force is applied it is the stitching 15 that will break first, i.e. before the elongate member.

[0062] Figure 2B shows a similar strap to that shown in figure 2A, but with additional stitching. In Figure 2B, the neck portion is provided with two areas of stitching 15A, 15B. The first area of stitching 15A has a lower load bearing capacity that the second area of stitching 15B. When an increasing force is applied to the strap, the first area of stitching 15A breaks before the second area of stitching 15B, which breaks before the elongate member.

[0063] In figure 2C, a strap 1 comprises an elongate member 2 provided with three loops 13. The loops 13 have been folded to form pleats 16A, 16B, 16C against non-loop regions of the elongate member 2. Whilst no stitching is provided within each loop 13, once folded to form a pleat, each pleat 16 has been stitched to a non-loop region of the elongate member 2. As in figures 2A and 2B, the stitching 15 has a lower load bearing capacity than the elongate member 2, such that when an increasing force is applied, it is the stitching that will break before the elongate member 2. In the contect of figure 2C, it will be appreciated that the stitching 15 may be provided in such a way that the pleats 16A, 16B and 16C have the same or different load bearing capacities as each other. For example, in the embodiment shown, the load bearing capacity of pleat 16A is higher than that of pleat 16B which is higher than that of pleat 16C. In the embodiment shown, this has been achieved by securing pleat 16A to the non-loop region with more stitching than for pleat 16B, which is secured to the non-loop region with more stitching than for pleat 16C. Accordingly, when a force is applied, the pleats will give way in the order pleat 16C, followed by pleat 16B, followed by pleat 16A. In addition, as shown in relation to the loop in figure 2B, stitching of different load bearing capacity may be provided within each pleat 16.

[0064] In figure 3A, a strap 1 comprises an elongate member 2 provided with a loop 13. The neck portion 14 of the loop 13 is provided with first and second linking members 17, 18 secured to non-loop regions of the elongate member 2 by stitching 15. The second linking member 18 is longer than the first linking member 17. As a result, the second linking member 18 provides an inner loop 13A within the loop 13. The first linking member 17 and second linking member 18 each have a lower load bearing capacity than the elongate member. In the embodiment shown the load bearing capacities of the linking members are the same.

[0065] When a force is applied to the strap shown in figure 3A, the first linking member 17 will break first, following by the second linking member 18.

[0066] As shown in figure 3B, the strap of figure 3A may be folded such that the loop 13 is lying against a non-loop region of the elongate member 2.

[0067] With reference to figure 4, a bifold gate 19 is provided with four straps 1 as described herein. In the example shown, the straps are of the type comprising sliding clutch mechanisms, however, it will be appreciated that any strap of the present invention could be used.

[0068] The gate 19 comprises a post hung section 20 and a leaf hung section 21, joined together by hinges 22. The post hung section 20 is connected to a first post 23 by hinges 24. The straps are secured to the post hung section 20 and leaf hung section 21 by plastic ties (not shown). The ends of the straps are joined to the first post 23 by a pin 25 which passes through the eyelets 5. When the gate 19 is in a closed position, the leaf hung section 21 is engaged with a second post 26. The second post 26 comprises a pin 27 which passes through an eyelet 5 of each strap 1. When the gate is to be opened, the pin 27 is raised so that it no longer passes through the eyelets 5 and the leaf hung section 21 is disengaged from the second post 26. Opening and closing of the gate 19 may be fully automated via a motor 28 and actuator mechanism (not shown) which causes the pin 27 to be raised before the leaf hung section 21 disengages from the second post 26.

[0069] As will be appreciated, the flexible nature of the straps 1 means that they may be provided within a bifold gate without affecting the efficient operating of the gate. In addition, the straps of the invention may be fitted to an existing gate to provide the same advantages as described herein.

[0070] If desired, the gate can be provided with a cover (not shown) to hide the straps and enhance the aesthetic appearance of the gate.

[0071] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications are covered by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A strap for reinforcing a gate, the strap comprising at least one flexible elongate member having a load bearing capacity of x, the strap comprising one or more sections along its length which each have at least two different load bearing capacities, said at least two different load bearing capacities comprising a load bearing capacity of x and one or more load bearing capacities of less than x.

2. A strap according to claim 1, which comprises at least two flexible elongate members joined together by one or more clutch mechanisms, each clutch mechanism providing a load bearing capacity of x and one or more load bearing capacities of less than x, optionally wherein the ends of adjacent elongate members overlap to form an overlapping region and said one or more clutch mechanisms comprise one or more clamps formed around said overlapping region and permitting the overlapping ends to slide past each other to a stop position.

3. A strap according to claim 2, wherein the one or more clutch mechanisms comprises two outer plates and an inner plate between the outer plates, optionally wherein a roughened surface is provided on one or more surfaces of the inner plate and/or on one or more surfaces of the outer plates, and/or wherein the plates are held together by a plurality of bolts, optionally wherein the bolts are provided with one or more disc springs.

4. A strap according to claim 3, wherein one or more edges or corners of one or more of the plates is rounded.

5. A strap according to any preceding claim, wherein one or more elongate members comprise one or more loops formed along their length, each loop comprising a neck portion formed by positioning in close proximity or joining together two locations of an elongate member, said neck portion having one or more load capacities of less than x, optionally wherein said neck portion has at least two different load capacities of less than x, and/or wherein the two or more locations of the elongate member are joined together by stitching, optionally wherein the stitching has one or more load bearing capacities of less than x.

6. A strap according to claim 5, wherein the stitching comprises a first section having a first load bearing capacity of less than x and a second section having a second load bearing capacity of less than x, optionally wherein the first section of stitching has a lower load bearing capacity than the second section of stitching and the first section of stitching is formed closer to a non-loop region of the elongate member than the second section of stitching.

7. A strap according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the one or more loops are folded to form one or more pleats along the length of the elongate member, optionally wherein the pleats are folded against a non-loop region of the elongate member, optionally wherein the pleats are secured against a non-loop region of the elongate member, for example by stitching, optionally wherein the pleats are secured against a non-loop region of the elongate member at one or more load bearing capacities of less than x, preferably at one or more load bearing capacities of less than the load bearing capacities provided in the neck portion of the loop.

8. A strap according to any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the neck portion of one or more loops of the elongate member is provided with one or more linking members secured to a non-loop region of the elongate member each side of the loop, optionally wherein the one or more linking members are secured via stitching, and/or wherein each linking member has one or more load bearing capacities of less than x, and/or wherein one or more loops are provided with two or more linking members of different lengths.

9. A strap according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more elongate members comprise a webbed material, preferably polyester webbing, and/or wherein one or more elongate members comprise a material which permits a degree of stretching.

10. A strap according to any preceding claim, comprising a protective sleeve along all or a portion of its length.

11. A gate, barrier or fence comprising one or more straps according to any of claims 1 to 10.

12. A gate according to claim 11 which comprises at least two leaves.

13. A clutch mechanism for use in a strap according to any of claims 2 to 10, optionally which comprises two outer plates and an inner plate between the outer plates, optionally wherein a roughened surface is provided on one or more surfaces of the inner plate and/or on one or more surfaces of the outer plates.

14. A clutch mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the plates are held together by a plurality of bolts, optionally wherein the bolts are provided with one or more disc springs.

15. A clutch mechanism according to claim 13 or 14, wherein one or more edges or corners of one or more of the plates is rounded.

Drawing