Joints and connections – Manually releaseable latch type – Spring biased manipulator
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-02
2001-02-20
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Manually releaseable latch type
Spring biased manipulator
C403S329000, C403S347000, C403S378000, C256S026000, C049S050000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06190082
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention is directed to a system for locking together two panels of a fence or pool gate. Pole adapters are inserted into the support poles of two adjacent fence panels. The two panels are then attached to one another by a lock that bridges the two pole adapters.
2. Background of the Invention
With the popularity of private backyard swimming pools, spas and ponds has come the need for securely lockable child security fences or pool gates to prevent unattended children from entering the pool, spa or pond area and risking accidental falls into the water. Such security fences, while difficult for a child to open, should be well within the capacity of the average babysitter, parent or lifeguard to open for the overall enjoyment of the facility and, of course, in the event of an emergency.
Conventional pool enclosures have been fitted with standard latch mechanisms, including swing latches, push buttons, and spring action hinges, often supplemented by key locks. However, such conventional latching mechanisms lose effectiveness over time due to wear, weather beating, and the like, and become relatively easier for children to open, particularly as children age and grow taller. Reliance on key locks as a secondary or back-up latching means is disadvantageous in cases where emergency access to the pool, spa or pond area is necessary, not to mention the inconvenience associated with carrying a key or keys and the possible misplacement or loss of same.
Known fence panels and baby restraint gates used, independently of a fence system, to bar entry to or exit from an area which is substantially already enclosed by walls or the like, have associated with them the problem of secure attachment to existing support means.
U.S. Pat. 5,664,769 discloses a gate assembly for tensioned mesh fences, particularly those which encircle home swimming pools and are removable for swimming pool use. The gate is closed by a magnetic latch, and may be supplemented by a key lock.
U.S. Pat. 3,767,167 describes portable fence panels having a rod-like male member at an end thereof for connection to an identical panel by a temporary locking means having tubular female members. When two panels are to be joined together, the male members of adjacent panels are inserted into the female members of the locking means. This temporary lock may be reinforced by a bolt fastener.
Thus, the known systems rely for a secure latch or lock on a secondary or backup locking means such as a key or other fastener, such as a bolt fastener. There exists therefore a need for a lockable fence system which does not require a back-up lock and is readily secured against operation by children, but which remains easily opened or unlocked by a babysitter or adult supervisor.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This object is achieved by the present invention, which is directed toward an improved child security fence system or pool gate. The system of the invention uses pole adapters for locking together two panels of the fence or pool gate. The pole adaptors are inserted into the support poles of two adjacent fence panels. The two panels are then attached to one another by a lock that bridges the two pole adaptors. The pole adaptors and the lock all have holes drilled through them that align with each other when assembled. Tension clips are positioned inside each pole adaptor so that dimples or tabs extend from the clips and through the aligned holes. In order to disengage the lock, the dimples or tabs from the clips must be simultaneously depressed at four points of the locking assembly.
A series of fence panels may be connected in this manner to provide a secure fence enclosure around a pool or the like. One or more of the panels may be removed from the enclosure by disengaging the locks at each end of the panel to be removed. The secure fence enclosure may be permanent, semi-permanent or portable, depending upon the design of the fence panel body, such as materials chosen for the mesh and for the support structures, which may be conventional materials.
Another embodiment of the invention is the use of the lock bridge to secure the movable end of a swinging fence gate to the end post of the fence structure. The end post of the fence structure is fitted with a pole adapter, either at the point of manufacture or retrofitted. The end or support pole of the swinging fence gate is also so fitted. The gate lock bridge of the invention is then used as the primary gate lock or as a back-up to the traditional gate latch mechanisms.
The disengagement of the lock may be readily effected by a babysitter or by an adult supervisor, who would in most cases be taller than the height of the lock and would thus be in a better position to handle the simultaneous depression of the four dimples in order to disengage the lock. A child would in most cases be forced to reach up and over the top of the fence panel in order to grasp the lock and perform the simultaneous depression of dimples required to release the lock. Most younger children would also lack the strength and coordination required to disengage the lock.
Another embodiment of the present invention is the use of the pole adapter/lock assembly in blocking an opening in an existing fenced or walled structure, such as a doorway. This is effected by anchoring a short pole section having a pole adapter to the fence or to the wall itself on either side of the opening. A fence panel having two end poles with pole adaptors is then attached to each of the short pole sections at the pole adaptor by utilizing two lock bridges. The barrier at the fence or wall opening will be spaced a short distance from the existing fence or wall structure, but the space is not sufficient to permit the head or body of a child to move through or be caught in the space.
Moreover, even if a child possessed the coordination and strength required to open one of the two locks on such a fence panel, the four dimple locking arrangement on the other of the two locks would prevent the panel or gate from swinging in either an inward or outward direction, thus providing a secondary safety measure and/or additional time for the child's supervisor to prevent the child from passing through the barrier.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1127493 (1915-02-01), Nagy
patent: 3164351 (1965-01-01), Rembowski
patent: 4193377 (1980-03-01), Weldy
patent: 4247216 (1981-01-01), Pansini
patent: 4645183 (1987-02-01), Rattray et al.
patent: 4687076 (1987-08-01), Tu
patent: 5060631 (1991-10-01), Lin
patent: 5240230 (1993-08-01), Dougherty
patent: 5881789 (1999-03-01), Melashenko et al.
Bochna David E.
Browne Lynne H.
Reed Smith Hazel & Thomas LLP
LandOfFree
Babygate quad lock system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Babygate quad lock system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Babygate quad lock system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2615698