Safety garage door retrofit system

• US 20030102836A1
• Filed: 10/18/2002
• Published: 06/05/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 08/31/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Garage Safety Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Garage Safety Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: McCall, Steve
• Application Number:
  US10/273,675
• Publication Number:
  US 20030102836A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 318/445
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/71 responsive to temperature changes, rain, wind or noise
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/72 responsive to emergency conditions, e.g. fire
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/79 using time control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/52 Safety arrangements associated with the wing motor
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/254 the elements not functioning in case of emergency
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/42 against smoke or gas
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/422 against vibration or noise
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages

Abstract

An automatic door operating safety system particularly used with garage doors is provided. A security timer for a powered overhead garage door causes the door to close after it has been opened for a predetermined time interval. Before timeout, the system will determine by its various sensors whether there is any activity within the area. Upon the absence of such activity the system signals the command for door closures

Claims

1. A retrofit automatic garage door closer to be used with existing door operators having a motor and a transmission connecting the motor to the door to open and close the door, the automatic closer comprising:

a control unit connected to the motor and capable of commanding the motor to open and close the door;

said control unit including a timing routine for timing a period in which the door is in an opened position, said unit capable of actuating the motor to close the door after said period has timed out; and

at least one detector for detecting whether there is activity within the garage, said detector in communication with said control unit whereby the detection of activity alters said timing routine.

2. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 1 further including a means for initiating said timing routine.

3. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for initiating said timing routine is a limit switch.

4. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 2 further including a means for determining whether the timing routine has properly completed.

5. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for determining is a limit switch.

6. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 1 further including a manual shut-off for disabling the automatic door closer.

7. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 1 further including a programmable timer for setting a desired time of day whereby said automatic closer will be functioning.

8. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 1 wherein said control unit is further capable of indicating different phases of said timing routine.

9. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 8 wherein said unit includes a visual and/or audible indication of a phase.

10. A retrofit automatic garage door closer as defined in claim 1 wherein said timing routine is programmable.