Remote control mechanism for a locker

• US 6,185,773 B1
• Filed: 03/06/2000
• Issued: 02/13/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 03/06/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kirby R. Goedde
• Original Assignee: Kirby R. Goedde
• Inventors: Goedde, Kirby R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, HUNG T
• Application Number:
  US09/520,009
• Time in Patent Office: 344 Days
• Field of Search: 340/825.31, 340/825.32, 340/825.19, 340/545, 340/547, 340/426, 340/825.34, 340/825.69, 340/825.72
• US Class Current: 340/540
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0016 with linearly reciprocating motion
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 2047/0024 Cams
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0002 with electromagnets
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0012 with rotary electromotors actuators with rotary electromotors per se H02K7/06, H02K23/68
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/023 the bolt moving pivotally or rotatively
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/026 the bolt moving rectilinearly
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0607 the detent moving pivotally or rotatively
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 47/0669 with a pivotally moveable blocking element
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 53/003 flexible
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 63/0069 Override systems, e.g. allowing opening from inside without the key, even when locked from outside E05B65/1086, E05B9/105 take precedence; by movable striker E05B63/246
• CPC Class Codes: E05C 9/00 Arrangements of simultaneously actuated bolts or other securing devices at well-separated positions on the same wing Locking, cross or security bars E05C19/003; locks for safes or the like E05B65/0075; of the vertical-rod type for panic or emergency doors E05B65/1006; similar constructions for engineering closures F16J13/08
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence

Abstract

A school locker having remote controlled locking, opening, and beeping functions. The locker includes a key pad transmitter having a first button that activates a locking mechanism, a second button that activates a door opening mechanism, and a third button that activates a sound-making device, much like the beeper in a wristwatch, in order to help a visually impaired student more easily find his or her locker. Two embodiments of the locking mechanism are presented, the first being a solenoid actuated remote control locking mechanism, and the other being a remote controlled motorized pendulum lock. Again, the second feature of the locker is a door opening device, which may be used in connection with either locking mechanism, and which opens the locker door after it is unlocked. The door opening mechanism utilizes a solenoid actuated system of release levers which urge the locker door'"'"'s latch pins off of their corresponding latches. One electrical circuit is used for the locking mechanisms and the door opening device, and a different circuit is used for the beeping function of the locker.

Claims

1. A remote control mechanism for a locker, comprising:

a transmitter having a first button for transmitting a first signal and a second button for transmitting a second signal;

a control module having a receiver for receiving a plurality of signals generated by said transmitter;

a door lock means unlocking a door of a locker when said receiver receives said first signal; and

a door opening means for opening a door of a locker when said receiver receives said second signal.

2. The remote control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said transmitter further comprises a third button which transmits a third signal, the remote control mechanism further comprising a noise-making means for producing an audible signal for locating a locker when said receiver receives the third signal.

3. The remote control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said door lock means comprises:

a) a timer circuit electrically connected to said receiver, the timer circuit having an on state of predetermined duration triggered when said receiver receives said first signal;

b) a solenoid having a plunger, the solenoid being adapted for attachment to a locker having a lock release plate, the plunger normally being in an extended position for clamping the lock release plate in a locked position; and

c) wherein said solenoid is electrically connected to said timer circuit so that when said receiver receives said first signal, said timer circuit energizes said solenoid to retract said plunge in order to allow the lock release plate to be moved to an unlocked position.

4. The remote control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said door lock means comprises:

a) a timer circuit electrically connected to said receiver, the timer circuit having an on state of predetermined duration triggered when said receiver receives said first signal;

b) a motor having a shaft, the motor being electrically connected to said timer circuit;

c) a pendulum lock having a wedge-shaped body, the pendulum lock being mounted on the shaft of said motor;

d) a lock enclosure housing said motor and pendulum lock, the enclosure having an opening defined therein, the enclosure being adapted for attachment to a locker door;

e) a lock body having an upper seat, a middle seat and a lower seat and having a lock arm extending from the lock body into the opening defined in said enclosure, said the lock arm being adapted for attachment to a locker handle which raises and lowers the lock arm within the limits of the opening defined in said enclosure; and

f) wherein said timing circuit activates said motor when in the on state to rotate said pendulum lock between a locked position in which the pendulum lock abuts the middle seat so that said lock arm may not be raised, and an unlocked position in which said pendulum lock abuts said upper seat in which said lock arm may be raised, said pendulum lock rotating by gravity to a rest position in which said pendulum lock abuts the lower seat when said lock arm is raised, said pendulum lock further rotating by gravity to the locked position when said lock arm is lowered.

5. The remote control mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said door opening means comprises:

a) a timer circuit electrically connected to said receiver, the timer circuit having an on state of predetermined duration triggered when said receiver receives said second signal;

b) a solenoid adapted for attachment to a locker;

c) a release lever cable having a first end affixed to said solenoid;

d) at least one latch pin release lever having a first end attached to said release lever cable and having a free second end, said release lever being adapted for pivotal attachment to a locker frame adjacent a latch hook receiving a spring-biased latch pin on a locker door, the locker door being spring-biased to open when the latch pin is raised from engagement with the hook; and

e) wherein said solenoid receives a voltage when said timer circuit is in the on state, said voltage activating said solenoid to pull said release lever cable in order to raise the second end of said latch pin release lever, the second end being adapted for lifting the latch pin from engagement with the latch hook when the second end is raised in order to open the locker door.

6. The remote control mechanism according to claim 2, wherein said noise-making means comprises:

a) a transducer adapted for attachment to a locker;

b) a timer circuit electrically connected to said receiver, the timer circuit having an on state of predetermined duration triggered when said receiver receives said third signal; and

c) an astable multivibrator electrically connected to said transducer and to said timer circuit, the astable multivibrator supplying a voltage for turning said transducer on and off for a predetermined duty cycle when said timer circuit is in the one state in order to provide an audible signal for locating the locker.