US20090119997A1 - Fixture which provides access control - Google Patents

Abstract

A fixture includes a support structure having a flexible arm which carries an input device. The input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier and controls its operation. The flexible arm flexes in response to an applied force so that the input device can move if it is engaged by a vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• 1. Field of the Invention
• This invention relates to a fixture which operates a moveable vehicle barrier.
• 2. Description of the Related Art
• There are many different types of moveable vehicle barriers, such as access gates and overhead doors. These moveable vehicle barriers allow and restrict the access of a vehicle to an architectural structure, such as a parking garage. A moveable vehicle barrier typically operates in response to an input signal, which is provided to an input device in communication with it. The input signal can be provided in many different ways, such as in response to security information or in response to collecting money. Several examples of moveable vehicle barriers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,146, 4,360,796 and 6,157,314.
• The input device is typically positioned near a driveway extending into the architectural structure. However, there are several problems with positioning the input device near the driveway. One problem is that it is difficult to position the vehicle so that the operator can access the input device. The operator cannot access the input device without exiting the vehicle if the vehicle is positioned too far from it. Further, the vehicle can engage the input device if the vehicle is positioned too close to it.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention employs a fixture which includes a support structure and a flexible arm that carries an input device. The flexible arm flexes in response to an applied force so that the input device can move if it is engaged by a vehicle. The support structure can be positioned proximate to a curb and the vehicle can engage the input device without engaging the curb. The fixture can include a light carried by the support structure, wherein the light is directed at the input device.
• The input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier. In one embodiment, the input device is in communication with the moveable vehicle barrier through a cable which extends through the flexible arm. The input device and flexible arm are hermetically sealed when the flexible arm is in the flexed and unflexed positions.
• These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1ais a perspective view of a fixture, in accordance with the present invention.
• FIG. 1bis a partial cut-away side view of a flexible arm which can replace the flexible arm ofFIG. 1a.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light fixture, in accordance with the invention.
• FIGS. 3aand3bare side and top views, respectively, of a flexible arm and curb, in accordance with the invention.
• FIGS. 4aand4bare top views of the flexible arm ofFIG. 1ain unflexed and flexed positions, respectively, in accordance with the invention.
• FIG. 5ais a perspective view of a vehicle access system which includes the light fixture ofFIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.
• FIG. 5bis a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle access system which includes the light fixture ofFIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.
• FIG. 6ais a flow diagram of a method of controlling a moveable vehicle barrier, in accordance with the invention.
• FIG. 6bis a flow diagram of a method of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention.
• FIG. 6cis a flow diagram of a method of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
• FIG. 1ais a perspective view of afixture100 which includes aflexible arm103, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,fixture100 includes asupport structure101 having apost102, whereinflexible arm103 is carried bypost102.Support structure101 can be of many different types of support structures, but it generally supportsflexible arm103 so it is held at a desired position.
• In accordance with the invention, aninput device107 is coupled withpost102 byflexible arm103. As discussed in more detail withFIGS. 3aand3b,flexible arm103 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions, so thatinput device107 is moveable in response to a force being applied to it. The force can be applied toinput device107 in many different ways, such as by engaging it with a vehicle.Flexible arm103 allowsinput device107 to move when engaged by the vehicle so that it, as well as the vehicle, experience less damage.
• Flexible arm103 can be of many different types, but here it is embodied as acover104 that includes a flexible material. The flexible material can be of many different types, such as rubber and plastic. Another embodiment of a flexible arm is discussed in more detail below withFIG. 1b.
• Input device107 can be of many different types, but here it operates as a controller for a moveable vehicle barrier. More information regarding moveable vehicle barriers is provided withFIGS. 5aand5b. In this embodiment,input device107 includes akeypad108 for inputting a security code for operating the moveable vehicle barrier. In this way,input device107 operates as a security input device. An example of an input device having a keypad is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,728,954 and 5,015,829. An example of an input device having a card reader is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,971,505 and 4,778,324.
• In this embodiment,input device107 includes anouter cover109 which houses control electronics operatively coupled tokeypad108.Outer cover109 is attached toflexible arm103 with brackets and fasteners (not shown).Outer cover109 andflexible arm103 are typically hermetically sealed together to restrict the flow of moisture into them. This is useful to protect the electronics and cables housed withincover109 andflexible arm103. It should be noted thatouter cover109 andflexible arm103 are hermetically sealed together whenflexible arm103 is in the flexed and unflexed positions. Further,outer cover109 andflexible arm103 are hermetically sealed together whenflexible arm103 moves between the flexed and unflexed positions.
• Input device107 can be in communication with the moveable vehicle barrier in many different ways, such as wirelessly. In this embodiment, however,input device107 is in wired communication with the moveable vehicle barrier through acable106. Cable106 extends through achannel105 offlexible arm103, as well as throughpost102. In this way,cable106 extends throughsupport structure101. It should be noted thatcable106 generally flows one or more signals. For example,cable106 can flow an input signal, as well as a power signal for poweringinput device107. The input signal controls the operation of the moveable vehicle barrier, so the moveable vehicle barrier allows and restricts access. In this way,fixture100 provides access control.
• FIG. 1bis a partial cut-away side view of aflexible arm113 which can replaceflexible arm103 ofFIG. 1a. In accordance with the invention,flexible arm113 includes aspring110 connected betweenpost102 andinput device107.Spring110 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions so thatinput device107 can move in response to applying a force to it.Spring110 can be of many different types, such as those typically used in garage doors. These types of springs are often referred to as torsion springs and extension springs.
• In this embodiment,flexible arm113 includes acover111 which coversspring110. Cover111 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions in response tospring110 moving between flexed and unflexed positions. It should be noted thatcover111 can be the same or similar to cover104 discussed above. It should also be noted that cable106 (not shown) can extend inside or outside ofspring110. Whencable106 extends inside ofspring110,spring110 protects it from being damaged. It should also be noted thatflexible arms103 and113 are more flexible thanpost102.
• FIG. 2 is a perspective view of alight fixture120 which includesflexible arm103, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,light fixture120 includes asupport structure121 having alight post122 which carries a light114.Light post122 holds light114 aboveflexible arm103 so that light114 operates as an overhead light.Light114 can be of many different types, but here it includes acylindrical base114awhich houses a plurality oflight emitters114b. The light emitters can be of many different types, such as incandescent lamps and light emitting diodes.
• In accordance with the invention,support structure121 includesflexible arm103, whereinflexible arm103 is carried bylight post122. Further,input device107 is coupled withlight post122 byflexible arm103. As discussed above,flexible arm103 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions, so thatinput device107 is moveable in response to a force being applied to it. It should be noted that one or more oflights114bcan be directed atinput device107 so that light emitted bylight114 illuminatesinput device107. It should also be noted thatflexible arm103 can be replaced withflexible arm113 ofFIG. 1b.
• In this embodiment, cable106 (FIG. 1a) extends throughflexible arm103 andlight post122. Further, a light cable (not shown) is connected to light114 and extends throughlight post122, wherein the light cable provides a power signal tolight emitters114b.
• In this embodiment,light post122 extends upwardly from acurb115 and curb115 extends along a driveway (not shown). The moveable vehicle barrier in communication withinput device107 allows and restricts the movement of a vehicle along the driveway. The operator of the vehicle positions the vehicle so that he or she can accessinput device107 by providing an input tokeypad108. If the vehicle is moved too close to curb115, the vehicle can hit it anddamage curb115 and the vehicle. For example, a tire of the vehicle can engage curb115 and leave unsightly scuff marks on it. Further, when the tire contacts the curb, it can scratch and dent the tire rim.
• FIGS. 3aand3bare side and top views, respectively, offlexible arm103 and curb115. The side view ofFIG. 3ais the view looking in adirection119 ofFIG. 2. In this embodiment,flexible arm103 extends overcurb115 so thatinput device107 is held over adriveway116 by a distance D. In accordance with the invention, distance D is chosen so thatinput device107 can be engaged by the vehicle without thevehicle engaging curb115. In some embodiments, distance D is chosen so thatinput device107 is not held overcurb115. Distance D can be determined in many different ways. In this embodiment, distance D is the distance that a vehicle ondriveway116 can be fromcurb115 without engaginginput device107 whenflexible arm103 is unflexed.
• In accordance with the invention,input device107 is moveable, as indicated by a direction arrow117 (FIG. 3a), in response to a force F₁being applied to it. In this example, force F₁is directed in a direction perpendicular to and away fromdriveway116. In other examples, force F₁can be applied perpendicular to and towardsdriveway116. A distance D_flex1is zero whenflexible arm103 is in the unflexed position. Distance D_flex1is non-zero whenflexible arm103 is in the flexed position.Flexible arm103 flexes, andinput device107 moves distance D_flex1, in response to force F₁being applied todevice107.Flexible arm103 does not flex, and distance D_flex1is driven to zero, when force F₁is not applied todevice107. In this way,input device107 can be moved towards and away fromdriveway116 in a repeatable manner by flexing and unflexingflexible arm103.
• In accordance with the invention,input device107 is moveable, as indicated by a direction arrow118 (FIG. 3b), in response to a force F₂being applied to it. In this example, force F₂is directed in a direction parallel todriveway116. A distance D_flex2is zero whenflexible arm103 is in the unflexed position. Distance D_flex2is non-zero whenflexible arm103 is in the flexed position.Flexible arm103 flexes, andinput device107 moves a distance D_flex2, in response to force F₂being applied todevice107.Flexible arm103 does not flex, and distance D_flex2is driven to zero, when force F₂is not applied to inputdevice107. In this way,input device107 can be moved parallel todriveway116 in a repeatable manner by flexing and unflexingflexible arm103.
• It should be noted that, in some situations, forces F₁and F₂can both be applied toinput device107, such as when it is engaged by the hood of a vehicle. In these situations,flexible arm103 is flexed in response to forces F₁and F₂, andinput device107 is moved in response, so that distances D_flex1and D_flex2are both non-zero.
• FIGS. 4aand4bare top views offixture100 positioned proximate to curb115, whereinflexible arm103 is in unflexed and flexed positions, respectively. In accordance with the invention,flexible arm103 is repeatably moveable between flexed and unflexed positions in response to engaging and disengaging, respectively, avehicle123. It should be noted that, inFIGS. 4aand4b,light fixture100 can be replaced withfixture120 ofFIG. 2.
• Input device107 engagesvehicle123 whenvehicle123 moves proximate tofixture100 and curb115 at a distance less than distance D (FIGS. 3aand3b). Whenvehicle123 engagesinput device107, it applies a force to it, as discussed in more detail withFIGS. 3aand3b. In response to the applied force,input device107 moves in the direction shown bydirection arrow117 and/or118 andflexible arm103 flexes, as shown inFIG. 4b.Flexible arm103 flexes so that there is a reduced likelihood ofinput device107 andvehicle123 being damaged when they are engaged together.
• Input device107 disengagesvehicle123 whenvehicle123 moves away fromfixture100 by a distance greater than distance D. Whenvehicle123 is disengaged frominput device107, it does not apply a force to it, and distances D_flex1and D_flex2are driven to zero (FIG. 4a).
• FIG. 5ais a perspective view of avehicle access system130 which includeslight fixture120, in accordance with the invention. It should be noted thatlight fixture120 can be replaced withfixture100 ofFIG. 1a. In this embodiment,vehicle access system130 includes amoveable vehicle barrier131, whereinmoveable vehicle barrier131 includes agate arm133 operatively coupled with a gatearm control box132. Examples of gate arms and gate control boxes can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,146, 4,360,796, 6,157,314, 6,263,316 and 6,509,826.Moveable vehicle barrier131 is positioned proximate todriveway116 and allows and restricts access of a vehicle (not shown) therethrough.
• Gatearm control box132 is in communication withinput device107 through cable106 (not shown).Gate arm133 is repeatably moveable between up and down positions, as indicated by amovement arrow135, in response to a control signal frominput device107.Gate arm133 is shown in phantom in the up position, wherein the vehicle is allowed to move alongdriveway116.Gate arm133 is also shown in the down position (solid line), wherein it restricts the movement of the vehicle alongdriveway116. In this way,light fixture120 provides access control.
• FIG. 5bis a perspective view of avehicle access system140 which includeslight fixture120, in accordance with the invention. It should be noted thatlight fixture120 can be replaced withfixture100 ofFIG. 1a. In this embodiment,vehicle access system140 includes amoveable vehicle barrier141, whereinmoveable vehicle barrier141 includes anoverhead door143 operatively coupled to an overhead door controller (not shown). Examples of overhead doors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,964,268 and 6,112,464, as well as in U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20050035280 and 20050252613.Moveable vehicle barrier141 is positioned proximate todriveway116 and allows and restricts access of a vehicle (not shown) therethrough to anarchitectural structure144. An example of an architectural structure embodied as a parking structure is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,778,324 and 4,971,505.
• The overhead door controller that operatesoverhead door143 is in communication withinput device107 through cable106 (not shown).Overhead door143 is repeatably moveable between up and down positions, as indicated by amovement arrow145, in response to a control signal frominput device107.Overhead door143 moves between up and down positions to allow and disallow access toarchitectural structure144, respectively. In this way,light fixture120 provides access control to an architectural structure.
• FIG. 6ais a flow diagram of amethod200 of controlling a moveable vehicle barrier, in accordance with the invention. The moveable vehicle barrier can be of many different types, such as those discussed in more detail above. In this embodiment,method200 includes astep201 of providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm that carries an input device operatively coupled with the moveable vehicle barrier.
• In this embodiment,method200 includes astep202 of applying a force to the input device so that the flexible arm flexes.Method200 includes astep203 of flowing an input signal to the moveable vehicle barrier by inputting information in the input device. The information can be inputted in the input device when the flexible arm is in the flexed and unflexed positions. The information can be of many different types, such as security information. The moveable vehicle barrier operates in response to the correct security information being inputted into the input device. For example, the moveable vehicle barrier can move between closed and open positions in response to the correct security information being inputted into the input device. When the moveable vehicle barrier is in the closed position, a vehicle is not allowed to pass. When the moveable vehicle barrier is in the open position, the vehicle is allowed to pass.
• FIG. 6bis a flow diagram of amethod210 of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,method210 includes astep211 of providing a first input device in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier.Method210 includes astep212 of removing the first input device and replacing it with a second input device carried by a flexible arm. In some embodiments,method210 includes a step of positioning the flexible arm so that the second input device extends a distance from a curb. In some embodiments,method210 includes a step of establishing communication between the second input device and the moveable vehicle barrier. Communication between the second input device and moveable vehicle barrier can be established in many different ways such as by using a cable.Method210 can include a step of extending the cable through the flexible arm.
• FIG. 6cis a flow diagram of amethod220 of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention. In this embodiment,method220 includes astep221 of providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm.Method220 includes astep222 of attaching an input device to the flexible arm and astep223 of establishing communication between the input device and a moveable vehicle barrier. In some embodiments,method220 includes a step of positioning a light with the support structure and directing the light at the input device. It should be noted that the steps ofmethods200,210 and220 can be carried out in many different orders. Further, the steps ofmethods200,210 and220 can be combined together in many different ways to provide methods of installing a vehicle access system and controlling a moveable vehicle barrier.
• The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (23)

1. A fixture, comprising:

a support structure which includes a flexible arm; and

an input device carried by the flexible arm, the input device being moveable in response to moving the flexible arm between flexed and unflexed positions;

wherein the input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier.

2. The fixture ofclaim 1, wherein the support structure includes a light directed at the input device.

3. The fixture ofclaim 1, further including a cable which extends through the flexible arm, the input device and moveable vehicle barrier being in communication through the cable.

4. The fixture ofclaim 3, wherein the moveable vehicle barrier is repeatably moveable between open and closed positions in response to a control signal from the input device.

5. The fixture ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible arm is repeatably moveable between the flexed and unflexed positions.

6. The fixture ofclaim 1, wherein the flexible arm moves between the flexed and unflexed positions in response to the input device engaging and disengaging, respectively, a vehicle.

7. The fixture ofclaim 1, wherein the input device and flexible arm are hermetically sealed when the flexible arm is in the flexed and unflexed positions.

8. A fixture, comprising:

a support structure which includes an outwardly extending flexible arm; and

an input device carried by the flexible arm, wherein the flexible arm moves between flexed and unflexed positions in response to the input device engaging and disengaging, respectively, a vehicle.

9. The fixture ofclaim 8, wherein the support structure is positioned proximate to a curb and the vehicle can engage the input device without engaging the curb.

10. The fixture ofclaim 9, wherein the flexible arm extends over the curb.

11. The fixture ofclaim 8, wherein the flexible arm is repeatably moveable between the flexed and unflexed positions.

12. The fixture ofclaim 8, wherein the input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier.

13. The fixture ofclaim 12, wherein the input device flows a control signal through the flexible arm to a moveable vehicle barrier in response to a desired input.

14. The fixture ofclaim 8, wherein the input device and flexible arm are hermetically sealed.

15. A method of controlling a moveable vehicle barrier, comprising:

providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm;

mounting an input device so it is carried by the flexible arm, the input device being moveable in response to moving the flexible arm between flexed and unflexed positions; and

establishing communication between the input device and moveable vehicle barrier.

16. The method ofclaim 15, further including mounting a light so it is carried by the support structure and directed at the input device.

17. The method ofclaim 15, wherein the step of establishing communication between the input device and moveable vehicle barrier includes positioning a cable so it is carried by the flexible arm.

18. The method ofclaim 15, further including moving the moveable vehicle barrier between open and closed positions in response to a control signal from the input device.

19. The method ofclaim 15, further including repeatably moving the flexible arm between the flexed and unflexed positions.

20. The method ofclaim 15, further including positioning the support structure so the flexible arm extends over a curb.

21. The method ofclaim 20, further including positioning the support structure so a vehicle can engage the input device without engaging the curb.

22. A method of installing a vehicle access system, comprising:

providing a first input device in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier; and

replacing the first input device with a second input device carried by a flexible arm.

23. A method of installing a vehicle access system, comprising:

providing a support structure which includes a flexible arm;

attaching an input device to the flexible arm; and

establishing communication between the input device and a moveable vehicle barrier.

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