Method and connectors for construction of PVC gate structures
US6131888A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 15, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 15, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE04H17/1447
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A polyvinyl chloride ("PVC") elbow connector for joining rail and post members of PVC gate structures, a customizable PVC gate structure incorporating said elbow connector, and a method of constructing PVC gate structures. The elbow connector comprises a molded body shaped to correspond to the gate post and rail members with legs projecting at a ninety degree angle and flanges extending from the inside wall of the end of each leg. The flanged elbow connectors permanently mate with the PVC post and rail members to provide a strong, durable and seamless connection, and facilitate the fabrication of customized gate structures in the field without the cost and delays associated with special order factory gates. According to one embodiment, the gate structure includes metal U-channel inserts positioned snugly within each rail member for added strength and support. The flanged elbow connectors are of one-piece molded construction and gate components are fabricated from virgin PVC impregnated with UV ray inhibitors.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.