Universal gate kit and method of assembling universal gate

Abstract

Various embodiments of an invention regarding universal fence gates are described including a specially shaped fence gate connector that may act as an elbow and/or a T-member, a universal fence gate kit with parts for assembling a universal fence gate including a specially shaped fence gate connector, a universal fence gate assembled using a specially shaped fence gate connector, and methods for assembling fence gates using a uniquely shaped fence gate connector.

1 . A connector used in assembling gate components to form a fence gate, the connector comprising a hub substantially centered on an intersection of an imaginary X-axis and an imaginary Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal; a first flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 1  to the X-axis when the first flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; a second flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 2  to the X-axis when the second flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; a third flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 1  to the Y-axis when the third flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and a fourth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 2  to the Y-axis when the fourth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees. 
     
     
         2 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the angle θ 1  ranges from about 7 degrees to about 11 degrees; the angle θ 2  ranges from about −7 degrees to about −11 degrees; the angle φ 1  ranges from about 7 degrees to about 11 degrees; and the angle φ 2  ranges from about −7 degrees to about −11 degrees. 
     
     
         3 . The connector of  claim 1  wherein the orientation of the first flange and the orientation of the second flange cause the first flange and the second flange to exert outward pressure on inside surfaces of a gate component to which the connector is engaged, and wherein the orientation of the third flange and the orientation of the fourth flange cause the third flange and the fourth flange to exert outward pressure on inside surfaces of a gate component to which the connector is engaged. 
     
     
         4 . The connector of  claim 1  further comprising an extension for attaching a beam to the connector, wherein the extension extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially parallel to the Y-axis, and the extension is disposed on an opposite side of the hub from the third flange and the fourth flange. 
     
     
         5 . The connector of  claim 1  further comprising a flexible fifth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 3  to the X-axis when the fifth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 3  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and a flexible sixth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 4  to the X-axis when the sixth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 4  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees. 
     
     
         6 . A kit of components used in assembling a fence gate, the kit comprising a first connector and a second connector, each comprising a hub substantially centered on an intersection of an imaginary X-axis and an imaginary Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal; a flexible first flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 1  to the X-axis when the first flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; a flexible second flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 2  to the X-axis when the second flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; a flexible third flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 1  to the Y-axis when the third flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and a flexible fourth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 2  to the Y-axis when the fourth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; a first elongate beam having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the first elongate beam for engaging with the third and fourth flanges of the first connector; and a second elongate beam having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the second elongate beam for engaging with the third and fourth flanges of the second connector, wherein the first and second flanges of the first connector and the first and second flanges of the second connector are operable to engage with a fence panel disposed substantially between the first and second elongate beams. 
     
     
         7 . The kit of  claim 6  further comprising a third connector and a fourth connector, each comprising a hub substantially centered on an intersection of an imaginary X-axis and an imaginary Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal; a flexible first flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 1  to the X-axis when the first flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; a flexible second flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 2  to the X-axis when the second flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; a flexible third flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 1  to the Y-axis when the third flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and a flexible fourth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 2  to the Y-axis when the fourth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; wherein the first and second flanges of the third connector and the first and second flanges of the fourth connector are operable to engage with a fence panel disposed substantially between the first and second elongate beams; and wherein the third and fourth flanges of the third connector are operable to engage with the second end of the second beam and wherein the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector are operable to engage with the second end of the first beam. 
     
     
         8 . The kit of  claim 6  further comprising a third connector and a fourth connector, each comprising a hub substantially centered on an intersection of an imaginary X-axis and an imaginary Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal; a projection that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis; a flexible third flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 1  to the Y-axis when the third flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and a flexible fourth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 2  to the Y-axis when the fourth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; wherein the projection of the third connector and the projection of the fourth connector are operable to engage with a fence panel disposed substantially between the first and second elongate beams; and wherein the third and fourth flanges of the third connector are operable to engage with the second end of the second beam and wherein the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector are operable to engage with the second end of the first beam. 
     
     
         9 . The kit of  claim 6  further comprising a fence panel. 
     
     
         10 . The kit of  claim 9  wherein the fence panel further comprises a first rail and a second rail, the first rail having opposing first and second end openings, wherein the first end opening of the first rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the first connector and the second end opening of the first rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the second connector, the second rail having opposing first and second end openings, wherein the first end opening of the second rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the third connector and the second end opening of the second rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the fourth connector. 
     
     
         11 . The kit of  claim 6 , further comprising an extension on the hub of each connector, the extensions for attaching a beam to each connector, wherein the extension extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially parallel to the Y-axis, and the extension is disposed on an opposite side of the hub from the third flange and the fourth flange; a third elongate beam having an end opening for engaging the extension of the first connector; and a fourth elongate beam having an end opening for engaging the extension of the second connector. 
     
     
         12 . The kit of  claim 7  further comprising a fifth elongate beam having an end opening for engaging the extension of the third connector; and a sixth elongate beam having an end opening for engaging the extension of the fourth connector. 
     
     
         13 . A fence gate comprising a first connector and a second connector, each comprising a hub substantially centered on an intersection of an imaginary X-axis and an imaginary Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal; a first flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle φ 1  to the X-axis when the first flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; a second flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 2  to the X-axis when the second flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; a third flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 1  to the Y-axis when the third flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and a fourth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 2  to the Y-axis when the fourth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; a third connector and a fourth connector, each comprising a hub substantially centered on an intersection of an imaginary X-axis and an imaginary Y-axis, wherein the X-axis and the Y-axis are mutually orthogonal; a third flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 1  to the Y-axis when the third flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and a fourth flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the X-axis and at an angle φ 2  to the Y-axis when the fourth flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle φ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees; a fence panel including a first rail and a second rail, the first rail having opposing first and second end openings, wherein the first end opening of the first rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the first connector and the second end opening of the first rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the second connector, the second rail having opposing first and second end openings, wherein the first end opening of the second rail is engaged with the third connector and the second end opening of the second rail is engaged with the fourth connector; a first elongate beam having opposing first and second end openings. the first end opening of the first elongate beam for engaging with the third and fourth flanges of the first connector, and the second end opening of the first elongate beam for engaging with the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector; and a second elongate beam having opposing first and second end openings, the first end opening of the second elongate beam for engaging with the third and fourth flanges of the second connector, and the second end opening of the second elongate beam for engaging with the third and fourth flanges of the third connector. 
     
     
         14 . The fence gate of  claim 13 , the third connector further comprising a first flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 1  to the X-axis when the first flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 1  ranges from greater than 0 degrees to about 20 degrees; and the fourth connector further comprising a second flange that extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis and at an angle θ 2  to the X-axis when the second flange is not engaged with a gate component, wherein the angle θ 2  ranges from less than 0 degrees to about −20 degrees, wherein the first end opening of the second rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the third connector and the second end opening of the second rail is engaged with the first and second flanges of the fourth connector. 
     
     
         15 . The fence gate of  claim 13 , the third connector further comprising a projection that extends from the hub of the third connector in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis, and the fourth connector further comprising a projection that extends from the hub of the fourth connector in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis, wherein the first end opening of the second rail is engaged with the projection of the third connector and the second end opening of the second rail is engaged with the projection of the fourth connector. 
     
     
         16 . The fence gate of  claim 14  further comprising an extension on the hub of each connector, the extension for attaching a beam to each connector, wherein the extension extends from the hub in a direction that is substantially parallel to the Y-axis, and the extension is disposed on an opposite side of the hub from the third flange and the fourth flange; a third elongate beam having an end opening for engaging the extension of the first connector; and a fourth elongate beam having an end opening for engaging the extension of the second connector. 
     
     
         17 . A method for assembling a fence gate using the kit of  claim 14 , the method comprising the steps of:
 a. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the first connector to the first end opening of the first elongate beam;   b. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector to the second end opening of the first elongate beam;   c. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the second connector to the first end opening of the second elongate beam;   d. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the third connector to the second end opening of the second elongate beam;   e. attaching the first and second flanges of the first connector to the first end opening of the first rail;   f. attaching the first and second flanges of the second connector to the second end opening of the first rail;   g. attaching the first and second flanges of the fourth connector to the first end opening of the second rail; and   h. attaching the first and second flanges of the third connector to the second end opening of the second rail.   
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the step of adjusting the size of the fence panel. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising the steps of:
 i. adjusting the length of the first beam, and   j. adjusting the length of the second beam.   
     
     
         20 . A method for assembling a fence gate using the kit of  claim 16 , the method comprising the steps of:
 a. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the first connector to the first end opening of the first elongate beam;   b. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector to the second end opening of the first elongate beam;   c. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the second connector to the first end opening of the second elongate beam;   d. attaching the third and fourth flanges of the third connector to the second end opening of the second elongate beam;   e. attaching the first and second flanges of the first connector to the first end opening of the first rail;   f. attaching the first and second flanges of the second connector to the second end opening of the first rail;   g. attaching the projection of the fourth connector to the first end opening of the second rail; and   h. attaching the projection of the third connector to the second end opening of the second rail.   
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 20  further comprising the step of adjusting the size of the fence panel. 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 20 , further comprising the steps of:
 i. adjusting the length of the first beam, and   j. adjusting the length of the second beam.   
     
     
         23 . The connector of  claim 1  further comprising the first flange extending from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis, the first flange including a base flange that is oriented substantially toward the second flange; the second flange extending from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis, the second flange including a base flange that is oriented substantially toward the first flange; a first cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange; and a second cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange, thereby forming a receptacle for receiving a beam. 
     
     
         24 . The connector of  claim 1  further comprising a first cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange; a second cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange, thereby forming a receptacle for receiving a beam; a third cross flange attached to and extending between the first flange and the second flange; and a fourth cross flange attached to and extending between the first flange and the second flange, thereby forming a receptacle for receiving a rail. 
     
     
         25 . A fence gate comprising a first connector as claimed in  claim 1 , a second connector as claimed in  claim 1 , a third connector as claimed in  claim 1 , and a fourth connector as claimed in  claim 1 , each connector further comprising the first flange extending from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis, the first flange including a base flange that is oriented substantially toward the second flange; the second flange extending from the hub in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the Y-axis, the second flange including a base flange that is oriented substantially toward the first flange; a first cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange; a second cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange, thereby forming a receptacle for receiving a beam; a fence panel including a first rail and a second rail, the first rail having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the first rail being engaged substantially between the first and second flanges of the first connector and the second end of the first rail being engaged substantially between the first and second flanges of the second connector, the second rail having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the second rail being engaged substantially between the first and second flanges of the third connector and the second end of the second rail being engaged substantially between the first and second flanges of the fourth connector; a first elongate beam having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the first beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the first connector, and the second end opening of the first beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector; and a second elongate beam having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the second elongate beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the second connector, and the second end of the second elongate beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the third connector. 
     
     
         26 . A fence gate comprising a first connector as described in  claim 1 , a second connector as described in  claim 1 , a third connector as described in  claim 1 , and a fourth connector as described in  claim 1 , each connector further comprising a first cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange; a second cross flange attached to and extending between the third flange and the fourth flange, thereby forming a receptacle for receiving a rail; a third cross flange attached to and extending between the first flange and the second flange; a fourth cross flange attached to and extending between the first flange and the second flange, thereby forming a receptacle for receiving a beam; a fence panel including a first rail and a second rail, the first rail having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the first rail being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the first connector and the second end of the first rail being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the second connector, the second rail having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the second rail being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector and the second end of the second rail being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the third connector; a first elongate beam having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the first beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the first connector, and the second end opening of the first beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector; and a second elongate beam having opposing first and second ends, the first end of the second elongate beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the second connector, and the second end of the second elongate beam being engaged into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the third connector. 
     
     
         27 . A method for assembling the fence gate of  claim 25 , the method comprising the steps of:
 a. attaching the first end of the first beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the first connector;   b. attaching the second end of the first beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector;   c. attaching the first end of the second beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the second connector;   d. attaching the second end of the second beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the third connector;   e. attaching the first end of the first rail substantially between the first and second flanges of the first connector;   f. attaching the second end of the first rail substantially between the first and second flanges of the second connector;   g. attaching the first end of the second rail substantially between the first and second flanges of the fourth connector; and   h. attaching the second end of the second rail substantially between the first and second flanges of the third connector.   
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27  further comprising the step of adjusting the size of the fence panel. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27  further comprising the steps of:
 i. adjusting the length of the first beam; and   j. adjusting the length of the second beam.   
     
     
         30 . A method for assembling the fence gate of  claim 26 , the method comprising the steps of:
 a. attaching the first end of the first beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the first connector;   b. attaching the second end of the first beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the fourth connector;   c. attaching the first end of the second beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the second connector;   d. attaching the second end of the second beam into the receptacle formed between the third and fourth flanges of the third connector;   e. attaching the first end of the first rail into the receptacle formed between the first and second flanges of the first connector;   f. attaching the second end of the first rail into the receptacle formed between the first and second flanges of the second connector;   g. attaching the first end of the second rail into the receptacle formed between the first and second flanges of the fourth connector; and   h. attaching the second end of the second rail into the receptacle formed between the first and second flanges of the third connector.   
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30  further comprising the step of adjusting the size of the fence panel. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 30  further comprising the steps of:
 i. adjusting the length of the first beam; and   j. adjusting the length of the second beam.