[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/445,293, filed January 12, 2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates to apparatuses for opening and closing gates, doors, or other entryways. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to gate latches for use on pontoon boat railing gates.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The background description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.

[0004] Boats and other water vehicles or watercraft, such as pontoon boats for example, often have a railing around at least a portion of a deck area. The railing may provide safety and security by helping to prevent passengers and cargo from falling overboard. Deck railings may also add aesthetic value to a pontoon boat or other water vehicle. Such deck railings often have gates, doors, or other, often hinged, entryways to allow passengers to pass through the railing. Deck railings are composed of various elements, and often include a plurality of bars or hollow or solid tubular structures. For example, some deck railings are composed of a plurality of rail sections joined together, each rail section defined by aluminum or plastic tubing. In many cases, deck railings are gated in order to allow passengers to pass through the railing. For example, a gate may be arranged between two railing sections. In some cases, such a railing gate may be pivotably coupled to one railing segment, and may couple to the second railing segment via a latch, lock, or other latching mechanism.

[0005] Various type of latches, locks, or other latching mechanisms are used to open and close such gates on deck railings. However, many such latching mechanisms operate externally on an exposed surface of the gate and/or railing. That is, the latching mechanism may be mounted along an exterior surface of bar, tube, or other gate or rail element, such that the latching mechanism is exposed. An external latching mechanism may be exposed to moisture, salt, sand, sun, and/or other elements, which may lead to corrosion, rust, or other deterioration of the latch or lock. Such deterioration can lead to a frequent need to replace gate latching mechanisms. Additionally, some gate latches may be inconveniently located or relatively difficult to access.

SUMMARY

[0006] The following presents a simplified summary of one or more examples of the present disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of such examples. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated examples, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all examples, nor delineate the scope of any or all examples.

[0007] In general, this disclosure describes techniques for forming railing gate latching mechanisms that are protected from external elements, such as moisture, salt, sand, sun, and/or other elements. That is, railing gate latching mechanisms according to the techniques of this disclosure may be internal to a gate or railing and yet still easily accessible by a user.

[0008] The present disclosure, in one example, relates to a latch for a railing gate. The latch may have a handle portion, a lock portion, and a pull arm. The handle portion may have a lever coupled to a first pivot arm, the first pivot arm arranged within the railing gate. The lock portion may have a bolt extendable between a bolt extension plate and a bolt receiving plate, the bolt coupled to a second pivot arm, and second pivot arm arranged within the railing gate. Further, the pull arm may be coupled to each of the first pivot arm and second pivot arm, and the pull arm may be arranged within the railing gate.

[0009] In some examples, the lock portion may additionally have a bolt housing, wherein the bolt extends from the bolt housing. The latch may further include a spring arranged within the bolt housing and causing the bolt to extend from the bolt housing. In some examples, the railing gate may have one or more tubes, and the first pivot arm, second pivot arm, and pull arm may be arranged within a tube of the railing gate. In some examples, the pull arm may be a flexible cable. In some examples, the bolt receiving plate may be arranged on a surface adjacent to the railing gate.

[0010] The present disclosure, in another example, relates to a latch for a railing gate, the latch having a handle portion, a lock portion, and a pull arm. The handle portion may have a lever and a first pivot arm, the lever extending from a first surface of the railing gate. The lock portion may have a bolt extendable between a bolt extension plate and a bolt receiving plate, and the bolt may be coupled to a pivot arm. The bolt may extend from a second surface of the railing gate. Further, the pull arm may be coupled to each of the first pivot arm and the second pivot arm. In some examples, the second surface of the railing gate may be arranged at an angle of approximately 90 degrees from the first surface of the railing gate.

[0011] The present disclosure, in another example, relates to a latch for a railing segment opposite a railing gate, the latch comprising: a handle portion comprising a lever coupled to a first pivot arm, the first pivot arm arranged within the railing segment; a lock portion comprising a bolt extendable between a bolt extension plate and a bolt receiving plate, the bolt coupled to a second pivot arm, the second pivot arm arranged within the railing segment, wherein the bolt is configured to extend into the railing gate; and a pull arm coupled to each of the first pivot arm and second pivot arm, the pull arm arranged within the railing segment.

[0012] The present disclosure, in another example, relates to a latch for a railing segment opposite a railing gate, the latch comprising: a handle portion comprising a lever coupled to a first pivot arm, the lever extending from a first surface of the railing segment; a lock portion comprising a bolt extendable between a bolt extension plate and a bolt receiving plate, the bolt coupled to a second pivot arm, the bolt being configured to extend from a second surface of the railing segment into the railing gate; and a pull arm coupled to each of the first pivot arm and second pivot arm.

[0013] The present disclosure, in another example, relates to a pontoon boat comprising: a railing section; a railing gate; and a latch for the railing gate. The latch comprises a handle portion comprising a lever coupled to a first pivot arm, the first pivot arm arranged within the railing gate; a lock portion comprising a bolt extendable between a bolt extension plate and a bolt receiving plate, the bolt coupled to a second pivot arm, the second pivot arm arranged within the railing gate; and a pull arm coupled to each of the first pivot arm and second pivot arm, the pull arm arranged within the railing gate.

[0014] The present disclosure, in another example, relates to a method of manufacturing a latch for a railing gate. The method may include arranging a handle portion of the railing gate, such that a lever extends from a first surface of the railing gate, and a first pivot arm coupled to the lever is enclosed within the railing gate. The method may further include arranging a lock portion on the railing gate, such that a bolt extends from a second surface of the railing gate, and a second pivot arm coupled to the bolt is enclosed within the railing gate. Additionally, the method may include coupling a pull arm to each of the first pivot arm and second pivot arm, such that the pull arm is enclosed within the railing gate.

[0015] While multiple examples are disclosed, still other examples of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative examples of the invention. As will be realized, the various examples of the present disclosure are capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gate latch of the present disclosure, wherein the latch is in a closed position.

[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in an open position.

[0018] FIG. 3 is a side view of a handle portion of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in a closed position.

[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a handle portion of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in an open position.

[0020] FIG. 5 is a side view of a lock portion of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in a closed position.

[0021] FIG. 6 is a side view of a lock portion of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in an open position.

[0022] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a lock portion of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in a closed position.

[0023] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a lock portion of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in an open position.

[0024] FIG. 9 is another perspective view of the lock portion of the gate latch of FIG. 1, wherein the latch is in an open position. [0025] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the gate latch of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present disclosure relates to latches for gates or other entryways. Particularly, the latches of this disclosure may be used for boat railing gates. A gate latch of the present disclosure may generally have a handle portion and a lock portion. The handle portion may have a lever, which may be pulled or pushed by a user to operate the latch. The lever may be coupled to a first pivot arm. The lock portion may have a bolt configured to extend from a bolt housing, through a bolt extension plate, and through a bolt receiving plate. A spring may be arranged within the bolt housing to bias the bolt in an extended position. A second pivot arm may be coupled to the bolt. Further, a pull arm may extend between the first pivot arm at the handle portion and the second pivot arm at the lock portion. By pulling or pushing the lever, a user may cause the bolt to retract into the bolt housing, thus compressing the spring, and allowing the gate to open.

[0027] In some examples, one or more components of the latch, including components of both the lock portion and handle portion, as well as the pull arm, may be arranged internally within the gate. For example, where the gate is constructed of tubing or piping, components of the latch may be arranged within one or more tubes or pipes of the gate. Additionally, the latch may be arranged such that the lever of the handle portion may extend from a different surface of the gate than the surface from which the bolt extends. This may allow for convenient access to the handle portion in order to operate the latch.

[0028] FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of an example gate latch 100 of the present disclosure. As shown, the gate latch 100 may generally have a handle portion 102 and a lock portion 104 connected by a pull arm 106. The gate latch 100 may operate to open and/or close a gate 122, adjacent to a railing segment 120 or other adjacent surface. FIG. 1 shows the gate latch 100 in a "closed" position, which keeps the gate 122 closed, that is, relatively in-line with railing segment 120 and unable to swing away from the railing segment 120. FIG. 2 shows the gate latch 100 in an "open" position, in which the gate 122 may be pulled, pushed, or otherwise moved to open with respect to the adjacent railing 120, e.g., out of alignment with the adjacent railing 120.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, mechanisms of the handle portion 102, the lock portion 104, and the pull arm 106 are at least partially or fully enclosed within the gate 122, i.e., are internal within part of the gate 122. In this manner, the gate 122 may protect the mechanisms of the handle portion 102, the lock portion 104, and the pull arm 106 from external elements, such as moisture, salt, sand, sun, and other elements that may cause corrosion or deterioration of the mechanisms of the gate latch 100.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pull arm 106 may extend between the handle portion 102 and the lock portion 104. The pull arm 106 may be pivotably or rigidly coupled at each of the handle portion 102 and lock portion 104 via pivot arms, as described herein. The pull arm 106 may include a flexible or semi-flexible cable, wire, or rope in some examples. In other examples, the pull arm 106 may include a rigid bar or pipe, for example. The pull arm 106 may generally operate to transfer mechanical energy between the handle portion 102 and lock portion 104. For example, the pull arm 106 may be configured to move a component of the lock portion 104 in response to movement at the handle portion 102 and/or vice versa.

[0031] FIGS. 3 and 4 are side views of an example of the handle portion 102 of the gate latch 100 in more detail. The handle portion 102 may have a lever 124 extending from a handle plate 126 and rigidly coupled to a handle pivot arm 128. The handle plate 126 may generally be arranged along an external side or edge of the gate 122. For example, where the gate 122 structure is composed of metal or plastic bars or tubing, such as aluminum tubing, the handle plate 126 may be arranged on an outer surface of a section of the tubing. The handle plate 126 may have an opening in some examples, though which the lever 124 may extend.

[0032] The lever 124 may have any suitable shape and size, and in some examples may have ergonomic features. The lever 124 may generally be configured to provide a hand hold or finger hold such that a user may push or pull the lever in order to operate the gate latch 100. The lever 124 may be configured to pivot about a pivot point 127, and in some examples, may be rigidly coupled to the handle pivot arm 128. In this way, as a user pushes or pulls the lever 124, both the lever 124 and handle pivot arm 128 may pivot about the pivot point 127. The pivot point 127 may include a screw, bolt, or other attachment mechanism coupling the lever 124 and/or pivot arm 128 to a guide plate 130. In some examples, the guide plate 130 may guide movement of the handle pivot arm 128 about the pivot point 127. For example, the guide plate 130 may have one or more grooves configured to receive one or more protrusions of the pivot arm 128 to guide or control the direction of movement of the pivot arm.

[0033] In some examples, as the lever 124 is pushed or pulled in a downward or outward direction, as shown for example in FIG. 4, the handle pivot arm 128 may simultaneously move upward, as both the lever and pivot arm rotate about the pivot point 127. It may be appreciated that in other examples, the lever 124 and pivot arm 128 may be configured differently. For example, the lever 124 may be configured to be pushed or pulled upward, or in a different direction, causing movement of the pivot arm 128 in a same or different direction. The pivot arm 128 may be rigidly or pivotably coupled to the pull arm 106. Pushing or pulling the lever 124 may cause the pivot arm 128 to pull the pull arm 106 upward, or alternatively, in any other suitable direction based on arrangement of the handle portion 102 and the lock portion 104 (FIGS. 1 and 2).

[0034] At least some components of the handle portion 102 may be arranged internally within the gate 122 and/or adjacent railing segment 120. For example, while the lever 124 and handle plate 126 may be arranged externally on a surface of a tubular component or other element of the gate 122, the pivot arm 128, pivot point 127, and guide plate 130 may be arranged internally within such tubular component or other element of the gate. That is, where the gate 122 structure is composed of metal or plastic bars or tubing, such as aluminum tubing, the handle pivot arm 128, pivot point 127, and guide plate 130 may be at least partially concealed or encased within the tubing, as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4. In this way, the pivot arm 128, pivot point 127, guide plate 130, and the connection of the pivot arm to the pull arm 106 may be generally protected from outside elements.

[0035] FIGS. 5 and 6 are side views of an example of the lock portion 104 in detail. The lock portion 104 may have a bolt 112 extending between a bolt extension plate 110 and a bolt receiving plate 108. Each of the bolt extension plate 110 and bolt receiving plate 108 may have an opening allowing the bolt 112 to pass through. The lock portion 104 may further include a bolt housing 114 defining a cavity 115 and including a spring 118.

Further, the lock portion 104 may couple to the pull arm 106 via a lock pivot arm 116. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the bolt 112 may generally operate to couple the gate 122 with the adjacent railing segment 120 by extending from the bolt extension plate 110 to the bolt receiving plate 108. In this way, the bolt extension plate 110 and bolt housing 114 may be arranged on or in the gate 122 itself, while the bolt receiving plate 108 may be arranged on or in the adjacent railing segment 120 or other adjacent surface.

Alternatively, in some examples, this configuration may be reversed, such that the bolt receiving plate 108 may be arranged on or in the gate 122, and the bolt extension plate 110 and housing 114 may be arranged on or in the adjacent railing segment 120 or other adjacent surface. The bolt 112 may generally have any suitable size and shape. For example, the bolt 112 may have a rectangular cross sectional shape in some examples.

[0036] In other examples, the bolt 112 may have a semi-circular, semi-ovular, circular, ovular, square, triangular, or any other suitable shape. The bolt extension plate 110, bolt receiving plate 108, and/or other components of the gate latch 100 may be sized and shaped to accommodate the bolt 112. The bolt 112 may generally have a length configured to extend between the bolt extension plate 110 and the bolt receiving plate 108.

[0037] As mentioned above, the bolt housing 114 may define a cavity 115. The bolt housing 114 may define the cavity 115 to be sized and shaped to receive the bolt 112, such that the bolt may withdraw far enough into the cavity 115 to allow the gate 122 to open, as shown in FIG. 6. The spring 118 may be arranged within or behind the cavity 115. When the bolt 112 is withdrawn within the cavity 115, the spring 118 may be compressed or partially compressed, as shown in FIG. 6. When not compressed, the spring 118 may extend to cause the bolt 112 to extend from the cavity 115, as shown in FIG. 5. In this way, the spring 118 may have a length and spring constant configured to bias the bolt 112 in an extended position when the bolt 112 is not being actively pushed into the cavity 115 to compress the spring, either manually or due to movement of the lock pivot arm 116. It may be appreciated that other mechanical, magnetic, or electric devices may be used in place of the spring 118 to bias the bolt 112 in an extended position until the bolt 112 is withdrawn into the cavity 115.

[0038] The lock pivot arm 116 may be arranged adjacent to the bolt housing 114 in some examples. The lock pivot arm 116 may be pivotably or rigidly coupled at a first end to the bolt 112 via a bolt, screw, or other attachment mechanism. At a second end, the lock pivot arm 116 may be pivotably or rigidly coupled to the pull arm 106. The lock pivot arm 116 may be configured to pivot about a pivot point 117. The pivot point 117 may include a bolt, screw, or other attachment mechanism coupling the lock pivot arm 116 to the housing 114 in some examples. In some examples, the lock pivot arm 116 may generally have an L-shape or other angled shape, with the pivot point 117 arranged at the vertex of the angle. In other examples, the lock pivot arm 116 may have any other suitable shape. The lock pivot arm 116 may generally operate to retract the bolt 112 into the cavity 115 when the pull arm 106 pushes or pulls on the pivot arm, thus rotating the pivot arm about the pivot point 117.

[0039] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, as the pull arm 106 pulls upward on the lock pivot arm 116, the lock pivot arm 116 may rotate about pivot point 117, such that the end of the lock pivot arm 116 coupled to the bolt 112 pulls the bolt back into the cavity 115. In some examples, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the lock pivot arm 116 may have a widened slot or opening 134 for receiving a screw, bolt, or other coupling mechanism 126 coupling the pivot arm to the bolt 112. This widened opening 134 may allow the lock pivot arm 116 to slide across its connection to the bolt 112 as the distance between the coupling mechanism 126 and pivot point 117 changes. For example, when the bolt 112 is extended into the bolt receiving plate 108, and the spring 118 is in an extended position, the distance between the coupling mechanism 126 and pivot point 117 may be relatively short, as shown in FIG. 5. However, when the pull arm 106 operates to pivot the lock pivot arm 116 about the pivot point 117, and the pivot arm in turn retracts the bolt 112 into the cavity 115, the distance between the coupling mechanism 126 and pivot point 117 may be longer, as shown in FIG. 6. The widened opening 134 accommodates this distance change.

[0040] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of the bolt receiving plate 108 in additional detail. The bolt receiving plate 108, as additionally shown in FIG. 9, may be arranged on the adjacent railing segment 120 in some examples. In other examples, the bolt receiving plate 108 may be arranged on a different component adjacent to the gate 122, and this component may be configured to remain static as the gate opens and closes. In still other examples, as mentioned above, the bolt receiving plate 108 may be arranged on the gate 122, and the bolt extension plate 110, bolt 112, and bolt housing 114 may be arranged on the adjacent railing segment 120 or other static component. The bolt receiving plate 108 may have a bolt receiving portion 132. The bolt receiving plate 108 and bolt receiving portion 132 may define an opening 134 extending through the bolt receiving plate 108 and bolt receiving portion 132. The opening 134 may be sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the extended bolt 112. The bolt receiving portion 132 may be arranged within, or at least partially within, the railing segment 120, as shown in FIG. 9. This may allow the extended bolt 112 to extend beyond an outer surface of the railing segment 120 and at least partially into the railing section.

[0041] It may be appreciated that at least some components of the lock portion 104 may be arranged internally within the gate 122 and/or adjacent railing segment 120. For example, while the bolt extension plate 110 and bolt receiving plate 108 may each be arranged externally on a surface of a tubular component or other element of the gate 122 and/or railing segment 120, the bolt housing 114, lock pivot arm 116, and spring 118 may be arranged internally within such tubular component or other element of the gate or railing section. That is, where the gate 122 structure is composed of metal or plastic bars or tubing, such as aluminum tubing, the bolt housing 114, lock pivot arm 116, and spring 118 may be at least partially concealed or encased within the tubing, as shown for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5. In this way, the bolt housing 114, lock pivot arm 116, spring 118, and the connection of the pivot arm to the pull arm 106 may be generally protected from outside elements. FIGS. 7 and 8 show additional views of the lock portion 104.

[0042] In use, the gate latch 100 may be used to open and/or close a gate or other entryway of a railing, such as a pontoon boat deck railing or other railing. The gate latch 100 may allow users to open and/or close the railing gate with relative ease. For example a user, such as a boat passenger, may cause the gate to open merely by pressing down on the lever 124, which through the pivot arms 128, 116 and the pull arm 106, may cause the bolt 112 to retract out of the bolt receiving plate 108 and into the bolt housing 114. With the bolt 112 thus retracted, a user may freely pull or push the gate 122 open. Further, when the user releases the lever 124, the spring 118 may operate to push the bolt 112 outward from the bolt housing 114 to be received by the bolt receiving plate 108.

[0043] In some examples, the handle portion 102 may be arranged on a different surface of the gate 122 and/or adjacent railing segment 120 than the lock portion 104. That is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the handle plate 126 and lever 124 may be arranged on a surface of the gate 122 located approximately 90 degrees from the surface of the gate on which the bolt extension plate 110 is arranged.

[0044] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of lock portion 104 that additionally illustrates an example 90 degree angle of rotation between lever 124 and bolt extension plate 110. The approximate 90 degree angle between where a user presses or pulls the lever 124 and where the bolt 112 extends may improve convenience and ease of use of the gate latch 100. However, in other examples, the handle portion 102 may be arranged at any other suitable degree of rotation from the lock portion 104. In some examples, the two surfaces may be separated by an angle of between approximately 10 degrees and approximately 180 degrees. Particularly, the two surfaces of the railing gate may be separated by an angle of between approximately 45 degrees and 135 degrees in some examples. In some examples, the lever 124 may extend from a surface located approximately 180 degrees from the surface on which the bolt extension plate 110 is arranged. In other examples, the lever 124 may extend from a same surface or side of the gate 122 on which the bolt extension plate 110 is arranged. In still other examples, other positioning and/or degrees of rotation may be employed. [0045] As described above and shown in FIGS. 1-10, in some examples, the bolt 112, bolt housing 114, bolt extension plate 110, lock pivot arm 116, pull arm 106, lever 124, and handle pivot arm 127 may each be arranged on or in the gate 122, while the bolt receiving plate 108 may be arranged on or in the adjacent railing segment 120, or alternatively another adjacent surface that is generally configured not to open with the gate. However, in other examples, the arrangement of these components may be reversed. That is, for example, the bolt 112, bolt housing 114, bolt extension plate 110, lock pivot arm 116, pull arm 106, lever 124 and handle pivot arm 127 may each be arranged on or in the adjacent railing segment 120 or other adjacent surface, while the bolt receiving plate 108 may be arranged on or in the gate 122.

[0046] Moreover, it may be appreciated that a latch of the present disclosure may incorporate one or more pulleys or sheaves to change direction of movement of one or more components of the latch. That is, for example, a pulley may be used to reverse the direction of movement of the pull arm 106, such that a user may operate the latch by pulling the lever 124 up, rather than pushing it down. One or more pulleys or sheaves may be arranged at any suitable location with respect to the handle portion 102, pull arm 106, or lock portion 104. Moreover, the one or more pulleys or sheaves may be internally arranged within the gate 122 or adjacent railing segment 120 in some examples.

[0047] As additionally described above, a latch of the present disclosure may operate using several internal components within the gate or railing. In this way, moving components of the latch may be generally protected from moisture, salt, sand, sun, and other elements that may cause corrosion or deterioration of the elements. With such internal components, a latch of the present disclosure may last longer and may require less frequent repair or replacement as compared with other latches.

[0048] As used herein, the terms "substantially" or "generally" refer to the complete or nearly complete extent or degree of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an object that is "substantially" or "generally" enclosed would mean that the object is either completely enclosed or nearly completely enclosed. The exact allowable degree of deviation from absolute completeness may in some cases depend on the specific context. However, generally speaking, the nearness of completion will be so as to have generally the same overall result as if absolute and total completion were obtained. The use of "substantially" or "generally" is equally applicable when used in a negative connotation to refer to the complete or near complete lack of an action, characteristic, property, state, structure, item, or result. For example, an element, combination, example, or composition that is "substantially free of or "generally free of an element may still actually contain such element as long as there is generally no significant effect thereof.

[0049] In the foregoing description various examples of the present disclosure have been presented for the purpose of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The various examples were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principals of the disclosure and their practical application, and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the various examples with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitably entitled.