Operating system utilizing a selectively concealed multi-function wall station transmitter with an auto-close function for a motorized barrier operator

• US 20050176400A1
• Filed: 02/06/2004
• Published: 08/11/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: GMI Holdings Incorporated (Sanwa Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corporation (HRH Door Corp.)
• Inventors: Mullet, Willis J., Davies, David B., Wilmot, Eric, Murray, James S., Backstrom, Mikael, Alsberg, Keith
• Granted Patent: US 7,173,516 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 455/403
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/00 Power-operated mechanisms for wings motor-operated accessories in locks for completing closing or initiating opening of a wing E05B17/00
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/79 using time control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/41 for closing
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/66 Wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/80 User interfaces
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/452 in or on the floor or wall
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/00 Details, accessories and auxiliary operations not otherwise provided for
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/424 against unintended use
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00793 by Hertzian waves
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2009/00928 for garage doors
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/00182 operated with unidirectional data transmission between data carrier and locks

Abstract

An operating system which utilizes a multi-functional wall station for a motorized barrier includes an operator for controlling movement of a barrier between various positions. The operator may receive signals from a wireless or wired wall station transmitter, a wireless keyless entry device and/or a portable remote transmitter device. The multi-function wall station provides for selective concealment of certain switches or buttons which are not commonly used in the day-to-day operation of a wall station. For example, the up/down switch may be actuated by a hinged cover which conceals other selected operational buttons and wherein those operational buttons are only accessed upon opening of the hinged cover. The wall station also provides a periodic lighting element so as to easily direct the user to push the hinge cover to initiate up/down movement of the barrier. The multi-function wall station also provides for an operational selection wherein the door may be closed in a normal manner; by an auto-close feature, wherein the door closes after a predetermined period of time; or a RF block mode, wherein the station prevents transmission of any remote radio frequency signals to the operating system. The auto-close feature may only be enabled upon actuation of a keyless entry device so as to allow the user to re-enter the garage in the unfortunate circumstance of being locked out of the garage.

Claims

1. An operator system for moving a barrier comprising:

a motor for moving the barrier between opened and closed positions;

an operator for controlling operation of said motor; and

a wall station having a wall station transmitter for sending operational signals to said operator, said wall station having an open/close switch for actuating said motor to move the barrier in the appropriate direction;

said wall station also having a manual-close/auto-close selector switch,

wherein if an auto-close mode is selected said operator automatically closes the barrier if left open for a predetermined period of time.

2. The operator system according to claim 1, wherein said wall station comprises:

a panel carrying said open/close switch and said selector switch; and

a cover positionable with respect to said panel, wherein said cover in a first position permits access to said switches and in a second position conceals said switches but allows actuation of said open/close switch.

3. The operator system according to claim 2, wherein said cover comprises:

an exterior surface;

an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a nub extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said open/close switch when said cover is in said second position; and

said cover movable in said second position to allow actuation of said open/close switch with said nub.

4. The operator system according to claim 3, wherein said exterior surface has a distinguishable tactile surface opposite said nub.

5. The operator system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a keyless entry transmitter capable of sending operational signals to said operator and moving the barrier in the appropriate direction, wherein said operator will only enable said auto-close mode if said keyless entry transmitter is associated therewith.

6. The operator system according to claim 1, further comprising:

at least one external transmitter capable of sending operational signals to said operator and moving the barrier in the appropriate direction, wherein said operator will only enable said auto-close mode if said at least one external transmitter initiates an open command.

7. The operator system according to claim 6, wherein said at least one external transmitter is selected from a group consisting of a keyless entry transmitter and a portable remote transmitter.

8. The operator system according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined period of time is adjustable and wherein said wall station transmitter also functions as a transceiver.

9. An operator system for moving a barrier comprising:

a motor for moving the barrier between opened and closed positions;

an operator for controlling operation of said motor; and

a wall station having a wall station transmitter for sending operational signals to said operator, said wall station having an open/close switch for actuating said motor to move the barrier in the appropriate direction; and

said wall station also having an auto-close/blocking selector switch which, if enabled in a blocking mode, precludes said operator from receiving operational signals from any source other than said wall station.

10. The operator system according to claim 9, wherein said blocking selector switch comprises additional modes of manual-close and auto-close, wherein if said auto-close mode is selected said operator automatically closes the barrier if left open for a predetermined period of time.

11. The operator system according to claim 10, wherein said wall station comprises:

a panel carrying said open/close switch and said selector switch; and

a cover positionable with respect to said panel, wherein said cover in a first position permits access to said switch and in a second position conceals said switches but allows actuation of said open/close switch.

12. An operator system for moving a barrier comprising:

a motor for moving the barrier between opened and closed positions;

an operator for controlling operation of said motor;

a wireless wall station having a wall station transmitter for sending operational signals to said operator, said wireless wall station having an open/close switch for actuating said motor to move the barrier in the appropriate direction; and

a light source illuminating said wireless wall station from within.

13. The operator source according to claim 12, wherein said wireless wall station comprises:

a panel carrying said open/close switch and said light source.

14. The operator system according to claim 13, wherein said wireless wall station further comprises:

a cover positionable with respect to said panel, wherein said cover in a first position permits access to said switch and in a second position conceals said switches but allows actuation of said open/close switch

15. The operator system according to claim 14, wherein said cover has light transmitting properties to allow light transmission of said light source.

16. The operator system according to claim 15, wherein said cover comprises:

an exterior surface;

an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a nub extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said open/close switch when said cover is in said second position; and

said cover movable in said second position to allow actuation of said open/close switch with said nub.

17. The operator system according to claim 16, wherein said exterior surface has a distinguishable tactile surface opposite said nub.

18. The operator system according to claim 16, wherein said interior surface further comprises a diffuser extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said light source when said cover is in said second position.

19. The operator system according to claim 14, wherein said panel comprises:

a recessed panel and an exposed panel;

said recessed panel covered by said cover when in said second position, said exposed panel carrying other operational switches.

20. The operator according to claim 14, wherein said cover is hinged to said panel at an edge thereof.

21. The operator system according to claim 20, further comprising:

a light controlled by said operator; and

a light switch carried by said wall station at said edge.

22. The operator system according to claim 21, wherein said light switch is actuable by applying a force in one of two directions.

23. An operator system for moving a barrier comprising:

a motor for moving the barrier between opened and closed positions;

an operator for controlling operation of said motor; and

a wall station having a wall station transmitter for sending operational signals to said operator, said wall station having an open/close switch for actuating said motor to move the barrier in the appropriate direction, said wall station also having a blocking selector switch which, if enabled, precludes said operator from receiving operational signals from any source other than said wall station transmitter, said wall station comprising;

a panel carrying said open/close switch and said selector switch; and

a cover positionable with respect to said panel, wherein said cover in a first position permits access to said switch and in a second position conceals said switches but allows actuation of said open/close switch.

24. The operator system according to claim 23, further comprising:

a light controlled by said operator; and

a light switch carried by said wall station, wherein said light switch is actuable by applying a force in one of two directions.

25. The operator system according to claim 24, wherein said cover comprises:

an exterior surface;

an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a nub extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said open/close switch when said cover is in said second position; and

said cover movable in said second position to allow actuation of said open/close switch with said nub.

26. The operator system according to claim 25, wherein said exterior surface has a distinguishable tactile surface opposite said nub.

27. An operator system for moving a barrier comprising:

a motor for moving the barrier between opened and closed positions;

an operator for controlling operation of said motor; and

a wall station having a wall station transmitter for sending operational signals to said operator, said wall station having an open/close switch for actuating said motor to move the barrier in the appropriate direction;

said operator capable of receiving operational signals from said wall station transmitter and any programmed transmitter;

said wall station also having a manual-close/auto-close/block switch, wherein if a manual-close mode is selected said operator only closes the door upon receipt of a door close signal from one of said wall station and said programmed transmitter;

wherein if an auto-close mode is selected said operator automatically closes the barrier if left open for a predetermined period of time; and

wherein if a block mode is selected, said operator is precluded from receiving operational signals from any source other than said wall station transmitter.

28. The operator system according to claim 27, wherein said wall station comprises:

a panel carrying said open/close switch and said selector switch; and

a cover positionable with respect to said panel, wherein said cover in a first position permits access to said switches and in a second position conceals said switches but allows actuation of said open/close switch.

29. The operator system according to claim 28, wherein said cover comprises:

an exterior surface;

an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a nub extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said open/close switch when said cover is in said second position; and

said cover movable in said second position to allow actuation of said open/close switch with said nub.

30. The operator system according to claim 29, wherein said exterior surface has a distinguishable tactile surface opposite said nub.

31. The operator system according to claim 27, wherein said operator generates a warning signal immediately prior to said operator automatically closing the barrier.

32. The operator system according to claim 31, wherein said operator incrementally closes the barrier after completion of the said warning signal, unless one of said operational signals is received during said warning signal.

33. The operator system according to claim 32, wherein said operator generates a second warning signal after said incremental closing and prior to said operator automatically closing the barrier.

34. The operator system according to claim 33, wherein said operator closes the barrier after completion of said second warning signal, unless one of said operational signals is received during said warning signal.

35. The operator system according to claim 27, wherein said operator generates a warning signal immediately prior to said operator incrementally closing the barrier, whereupon said operator repeats generation of said warning signal and incremental closing until the barrier is completely closed.

36. The operator system according to claim 35, wherein the barrier is returned to an open position if one of said warning signals is received during said warning signal.

37. A wall station for transmitting signals to an operator that moves a motorized barrier, comprising:

a panel;

an open/close switch carried by said panel, wherein actuation of said open/close switch causes the operator to move the barrier in an appropriate direction;

at least one other function switch carried by said panel, wherein actuation of said other function switch causes the operator to perform the corresponding function; and

a cover positionable with respect to said panel, wherein said cover in a first position permits access to said switches and in a second position conceals said switches but allows actuation of said open/close switch.

38. The wall station according to claim 37, wherein said cover comprises:

an exterior surface;

an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a nub extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said open/close switch when said cover is in said second position; and

said cover movable in said second position to allow actuation of said open/close switch with said nub.

39. The wall station according to claim 38, wherein said exterior surface has a distinguishable tactile surface opposite said nub.

40. The wall station according to claim 37, further comprising:

a light source emanating from said panel.

41. The wall station according to claim 40, wherein said cover has light transmitting properties to allow light transmission of said light source.

42. The wall station according to claim 41, wherein said cover comprises:

an exterior surface;

an interior surface opposite said exterior surface;

a nub extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said open/close switch when said cover is in said second position; and

said cover movable in said second position to allow actuation of said open/close switch with said nub.

43. The wall station according to claim 42, wherein said interior surface further comprises a diffuser extending from said interior surface and in juxtaposition with said light source when said cover is in said second position.

44. A wall station transmitter for sending operational signals to an operator that controls movement of a barrier comprising:

a housing having a battery compartment, said housing having a ledge at one end of said battery compartment and a ridge at an opposite end of said battery compartment, said ledge having a groove adjacent a nub, and said ridge having a notch; and

a battery cover that detachably encloses said battery compartment, said cover having a catch at one end and a latch at an opposite end, said latch detachably received in said notch and said catch detachably received by said groove.

45. The wall station transmitter according to claim 44, wherein said catch comprises:

a U-shaped member having a pivot point;

a lever arm extending from said pivot point;

a retainer extending from said lever; and

a finger extending from said lever arm, said finger and said retainer forming a slot therebetween.

46. The wall station transmitter according to claim 45, wherein said retainer is receivable in said groove and said nub is receivable in said slot.

47. The wall station transmitter according to claim 46, wherein application of a force on said finger moves said lever arm with respect to said pivot point and disengages said retainer from said groove and said nub from said slot.

48. The wall station transmitter according to claim 47, wherein said housing has a hinge cavity for receiving said catch, said retainer having a ramp surface that is deflected by said nub upon insertion of said catch into said hinge cavity.