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US 2020/0408022 A1Published application
Gate actuator assembly with alignment adjustment mechanism
OwnerConnor Elder, Steven A. Carlseninventors
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Abstract
The present technology generally provides swing gate actuator assemblies. In particular, some embodiments of the present technology provide a fastener configured to secure an arm of the actuator assembly to a swing gate panel. The fastener can be configured to permit a longitudinal axis of the arm to pivot about a pivot portion on the fastener, thereby reducing the likelihood of gate malfunction in response to a misalignment event.
Claims26
A swing gate actuator assembly for use with a swing gate, comprising:
- a motor;
- an arm coupled to the motor, the arm having a distal portion spaced apart from the motor and coupleable to the swing gate, wherein the distal portion includes a channel extending therethrough;
- and
- a fastener insertable through the channel and configured to secure the arm to the swing gate, the fastener comprising:
- a shaft having opposing first and second end portions and an arm engagement region between the first and second end portions, the arm engagement region configured to reside at least partially within the channel, wherein the arm engagement region includes—
- a first tapered section extending axially in a first direction toward the first end portion of the shaft;
- a second tapered section extending axially in a second direction opposite the first direction and toward the second end portion of the shaft;
- and
- a pivot portion positioned between the first tapered section and the second tapered section;
- wherein the first tapered section and the second tapered section have variable diameters extending along their axial lengths and the pivot portion has a diameter greater than the variable diameters of the first and second tapered sections, and
- wherein the pivot portion is configured to engage the distal portion of the arm within the channel, and the first and second tapered sections are configured to allow a longitudinal axis of the fastener to pivot within the channel about the pivot portion.
8 more elements
A swing gate actuator assembly configured to open and close a swing gate, the swing gate actuator assembly comprising:
- a motor configured to move the swing gate between open and closed positions;
- an arm configured to connect the motor and the swing gate, wherein the arm includes a proximal portion adjacent the motor and a distal portion spaced apart from the motor, and wherein the distal portion includes an interior surface defining a channel extending radially through the distal portion;
- and
- a fastener configured to secure the arm to the swing gate, wherein the fastener includes an arm engagement region extending along an axial length of the fastener and configured to reside at least partially within the channel, and wherein the arm engagement region includes—
- a first section having a first cross-section with a first diameter, and
- a second section having a second cross-section with a second diameter, wherein the second diameter is less than the first diameter;
- wherein, when the arm is secured to the swing gate by the fastener, the interior surface of the channel contacts the arm engagement region at the first section and is spaced apart from the arm engagement region at least at a portion of the second section, and wherein the arm engagement region is configured to allow a longitudinal axis of the arm to pivot relative to the swing gate about the first section.
4 more elements
A swing gate actuator assembly, comprising:
- a motor;
- an arm operably couplable to the motor, wherein the arm includes a proximal portion configured to be adjacent the motor and a distal portion configured to be spaced apart from the motor, and wherein the distal portion includes a channel extending radially therethrough;
- and
- a fastener insertable through the channel and configured to secure the arm to the swing gate, the fastener comprising:
- a shaft having an arm engagement region configured to reside at least partially within the channel, wherein the arm engagement region includes—
- a first tapered section extending axially along a first portion of the shaft;
- a second tapered section extending axially along a second portion of the shaft;
- and
- a pivot portion positioned between the first tapered section and the second tapered section;
- wherein the first tapered section and the second tapered section have variable diameters extending along their axial lengths, and
- wherein the pivot portion has a diameter greater than the variable diameters of the first and second tapered sections.
8 more elements
A swing gate actuator assembly for use with a swing gate, comprising:
- a motor;
- an arm coupled to the motor, the arm having a distal portion spaced apart from the motor and coupleable to the swing gate, wherein the distal portion includes a channel extending therethrough, and wherein the channel includes an interior surface;
- and
- a fastener insertable through the channel and configured to secure the arm to the swing gate, the fastener comprising:
- a shaft having opposing first and second end portions and an arm engagement region between the first and second end portions, the arm engagement region configured to reside at least partially within the channel;
- wherein at least one of the interior surface of the channel or the arm engagement region of the fastener is tapered to allow a longitudinal axis of the fastener to pivot within the channel to change an angle between the longitudinal axis of the fastener and a longitudinal axis of the arm.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.