Automatic protection of elevator mechanics

• US 6,202,797 B1
• Filed: 08/26/1999
• Issued: 03/20/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Otis Elevator Company (Otis Worldwide Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Otis Elevator Company (Otis Worldwide Corp.)
• Inventors: Skolnick, Steven M., Sansevero, Frank M., Slabinski, Chester J.
• Primary Examiner(s): SALATA, ANTHONY J
• Application Number:
  US09/383,460
• Time in Patent Office: 572 Days
• Field of Search: 187/316, 187/317, 187/391-394, 187/399, 187/279, 187/280, 340/505, 340/506, 340/518, 340/522, 340/541, 340/565
• US Class Current: 187/317
• CPC Class Codes: A41D 13/00 Professional, industrial or sporting protective garments, e.g. surgeons' gowns or garments protecting against blows or punches helmets A42B3/00; clothing affording protection against chemical agents or for use at high altitudes A62B17/00; life-saving garments for use at sea, diving suits B63C; bulletproof or armoured clothing F41H; clothing affording protection against radiation G21F3/02
• CPC Class Codes: B66B 5/005 Safety of maintenance personnel
• CPC Class Codes: B66B 5/0056 by preventing crushing

Abstract

A portable device worn by an elevator mechanic when in the pit of the hoistway or on top of a car will activate sensors disposed on the car so as to cause an emergency stop and warn the mechanic of the elevator'"'"'s presence. The portable device may be disposed with some form of alarm beneath an emblem, or otherwise, on the uniform of a mechanic.

Claims

1. An elevator car safety system for use with an elevator car that is moveable vertically within the hoistway of a building, comprising:

one or more sensors disposed on the top of said elevator car and one or more sensors disposed at the bottom of said elevator car;

at least one portable device, each portable device to be w by a person entering said hoistway, each portable device, when worn by a person disposed in said pit or on top of said car capable of inducing a response in one of said sensors; and

means responsive to a response induced in one of said sensors to cause an emergency stop of said elevator.

3. A system according to claim 1 further comprising:

at least one alarm to be worn by said person in a manner to be discernible by a person wearing said uniform; and

means responsive to a response induced in one of said sensors for activating said alarm.

4. A system according to claim 3 wherein each said alarm is disposed on an elevator mechanic uniform.

2. A system according to claim herein each said portable device is disposed on an elevator mechanic uniform.