Overhead door locking operator

• US 6,851,465 B2
• Filed: 05/22/2003
• Issued: 02/08/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/13/2000
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GMI Holdings Incorporated (Sanwa Holdings Corp.)
• Original Assignee: Wayne-Dalton Corporation (HRH Door Corp.)
• Inventors: Mullet, Willis J., Kyle, Donald Bruce
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson, Blair M.
• Application Number:
  US10/444,018
• Publication Number:
  US 20030205337A1
• Time in Patent Office: 628 Days
• Field of Search: 160/188, 160/201, 160/310, 491/39, 491/40, 491/99, 192/69.82, 192/93.R, 192/138, 192/139, 192/143, 74/891.4, 74/892.3, 745/27, 744/25, 74/893.7, 362/95, 362/226, 362/276, 362/802, 340/332, 318/16, 318/626, 318264-266, 318/286, 318466-469
• US Class Current: 160/188
• CPC Class Codes: E05D 13/1261 specially adapted for overhead wings E05D13/1269 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/603 using rotary electromotors
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/668 for overhead wings
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/686 by cables or ropes
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/214 Disengaging means
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/22 Locks
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/238 reaction force or torque
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/244 by manual operation
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2201/434 Electromotors; Details thereof
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2600/11 by automatically acting means
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18576 including screw and nut
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18688 Limit stop
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18792 including worm
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/19828 Worm
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/20636 Detents

Abstract

A system for raising and lowering a sectional overhead door between an open position and a closed position including, a counterbalance system adapted to be connected to the door, an operator motor assembly mounted proximate to the sectional overhead door in the closed position of the sectional overhead door, at least a portion of the operator motor assembly movable between a door operating position and a door locking position, and a locking assembly (370) having an engaged position to hold the motor assembly in the operating position and a disengaged position to release the motor assembly allowing it to move to the door locking position. The system may be provided with a remote light assembly having a switchable light source in sensing communication with the operator motor such that operation of the motor activates the light source. The system is further provided with a handle assembly (515) operatively engaging the motor assembly (40) and counterbalance system (30) to selectively disconnect the motor assembly (40) from the counterbalance system (30), whereby urging of a rotatable handle (516) to a disconnect position (516′) allows the door (D) to be manually freely moveable with the aid of the counterbalance system (30).

Claims

1. A remote light assembly, in an overhead door operating system having an operator, the operator including an operator motor interrelating with a counterbalance system attached to the door to selectively open or close the door, a transmitter in communication with the motor for transmitting a signal upon activation of the motor, the remote light assembly having a light source and being in sensing communication with the transmitter, whereby operation of the motor effects illumination of said light source.

2. A remote light assembly of claim 1 further comprising, a base assembly in electrical communication with a power supply, a receiver assembly pivotally mounted on said base assembly having a sensing element supported thereon, wherein said light source is in electrical communication with said sensing element, whereby receipt of the signal from the transmitter by the sensing element effects illumination of said light source.

3. The remote light assembly of claim 2, wherein said receiver assembly is gimbaled to said base assembly, whereby said receiving assembly is pivotable and rotatable relative to said base assembly such that said receiving assembly is positionable for reception of said signal.

4. The remote light assembly of claim 2, wherein said base assembly includes a plug for attachment to said power supply and wherein said base assembly is rotatable relative to said plug, whereby said base assembly may be rotated to position said receiving assembly for receipt of said signal.

5. The remote light assembly of claim 2, wherein said base assembly is rotatable and said receiver assembly is gimbaled to said base assembly, whereby said receiver assembly is moveable omnidirectionally to position said sensing element for receipt of said signal.