US 7,958,675 B2 · Gate support device

Abstract

A support post includes an inner post that supports rotation of an outer post. The inner post includes a journal assembly that supports and facilitates rotation about a central axis. The journal assembly that supports the outer post on the inner post includes a single ball bearing disposed along the axis of rotation. The inner post is fixed and supports a central post on which the ball bearing is supported. The outer post includes a sleeve that fits over the ball bearing and the central post. Support of the outer post along the central axis provides for improved mounting and gate support. An actuator can be utilized to automatically or remotely open the gate. The actuator is disposed within the inner post that drives rotation of the outer post. The outer post remains supported by the journal assembly and is rotated by the actuator with the inner post.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A power actuated gate post assembly comprising:

an inner post including first and second open ends and an open inner space;
an outer post rotatable about the inner post;
a journal bearing assembly supported between the inner post and the outer post including a ball bearing centered along an axis of rotation of the outer post, wherein the ball bearing supports the outer post on the inner post;
and
an actuator disposed within the inner post, wherein said actuator selectively rotates the outer post relative to the inner post, wherein the outer post remains supported on the ball bearing during rotation relative to the inner post such that a relative axial position between the inner post and the outer post remains constant.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Gate support device

Life of this patent

Gate support device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19