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US 4,658,543 AGranted
Swinging lift gate
OwnerFrederick J. Carrinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims1
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.
5 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.