Swinging lift gate

• US 4,658,543 A
• Filed: 07/03/1985
• Issued: 04/21/1987
• Est. Priority Date: 07/03/1985
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Frederick J. Carr
• Original Assignee: Frederick J. Carr
• Inventors: Carr, Frederick J.
• Primary Examiner(s): KANNAN, PHILIP
• Application Number:
  US06/751,520
• Time in Patent Office: 657 Days
• Field of Search: 49/192, 49/139, 49/140, 49/141, 49/35, 49/49, 49/25, 49/26, 49/340, 49/28, 49/394, 49/357, 49/327, 49/328, 49/329
• US Class Current: 49/139
• CPC Class Codes: B61L 29/04 Gates for level crossings
• CPC Class Codes: E01F 13/06 by swinging into open position about a vertical or horizontal axis parallel to the road direction, i.e. swinging gates
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 11/023 where the gate opens within the plane of the gate

Abstract

A lift gate has its bearing structure mounted on a post for rotation about a vertical axis to provide lifting and an alternative swing action. Mechanical latches normally keep the gate from swinging. An electrical motor normally lifts the gate and power is maintained by a solar electric panel. The motor can be mechanically disconnected from the gate to provide for manual lifting of the gate when there is a malfunction. A clock mechanism energizes the motor to close the gate after it has been opened for a predetermined time period.

Claims

1. A lift gate mechanism comprising:

(a) means defining a bearing for rotation about a horizontal axis;

(b) a gate spar mounted for rotation about said horizontal axis;

(c) a cantilever arm connected to said gate spar;

(d) a counterbalance connected to said cantilever arm;

(e) an actuator arm mounted for rotation about said horizontal axis;

(f) an actuator normally connected to said actuator arm for rotating the actuator arm about said horizontal axis;

(g) and a releasable latch normally connecting the actuator arm to the cantilever arm,

whereby releasing said latch permits manual movement of the gate spar about said horizontal axis.