Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: GARAGE DOOR SAFETY APPARATUS
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention generally relates to a system and method for
enhancing the safety of the home. In particular, the present invention relates
to a system
and method for alleviating a detected dangerous condition within the garage.
More
particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for
automatically activating
a garage door opener upon detection of a build up of carbon monoxide or other
harmful
gases.
10002) ~a.rbon monoxide poisoning is a serious safety hazard. Due to its
strong
affinity for hemoglobin which normally combines with oxygen in the lungs,
carbon
monoxide poses one of the greatest poisoning threats of all the commonly
occurring gases.
Carbon monoxide is a by product of incomplete combustion. Since it is odorless
and
colorless, there is no warning of its presence. The sources of carbon monoxide
include
automobile exhaust, furnaces, kitchen gas ranges, water heaters, fireplaces,
charcoal grills,
generators, and small gasoline engines. Of these, the greatest single source
is the
automobile.
[0003] Unfortunately, numerous people perish each year while sitting in parked
cars
with the engine running and the windows rolled up. The dangers are more severe
during the
winter months when auto owners often run their vehicle for a period of time to
allow it to
"warm up". The most dangerous of these situations is when a vehicle is run in
a closed and
confined space, such as a garage. The build up of carbon monoxide and other
toxic gases
can occur quite quickly. As a result, the effects of exposure to such gases
can diminish the
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capacity of an individual to recognize their situation and take action to
overcome it. As a
result, it is desirable to provide an automated system for detecting and
reacting to a pre-
determined quantity of specific gases within a confined space (i.e., to remove
the individual
from the decision-making process). Still further, it is desirable to combine
such a system
with a known and reliable system for automated operation of a garage door.
[0004] This problem and others have drawn considerable interest and patents
have
been granted on several inventions that purport to address some of the
problems of ridding
a confined space of a potentiallytoxic gas. Such patented inventions, however,
are overly
complicated and often incur additional costs to install. Further, they are
often difficult to
retrofit into existing construction as they require demolition, framing and
other general
construction activities to install. The present invention does awaywith the
difficulties of the
prior art and provides an automated system requiring onlythe installation of a
detector/monitor and an additional activation mechanism to induce the
operation of the
garage door.
SLTMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention recognizes and addresses various of the foregoing
limitations and drawbacks, and others, concerning a system for the warning and
alleviation
of the presence of a dangerous level of toxic gases within a confined space.
Specifically, the
present invention is primarily directed to a system f or the detection,
warning and alleviation
of a greater than acceptable level of carbon monoxide within a garage.
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[0006] It is, therefore, a principle object of the present invention to
provide a
system and method for detection of dangerous concentrations of noxious gases
within a
closed space and to act to reduce such concentrations. More particularly, it
is an object of
the present invention to provide a carbon monoxide detection system and method
for the
detection of unsafe levels of carbon monoxide and the automatic reduction of
such
concentrations. In such context, it is still a more particular object of the
present invention to
provide a system and method for the detection and elimination of higher than
normal levels
of carbon monoxide in a home automobile garage. Still further, in such
context, it is an
object of the present invention to provide such a system and method wherein
upon
detection of such heightened levels of carbon monoxide, the garage door opener
is triggered
to provide an exhaust condition and a fresh air source.
[0007] Still further, it is a principle object of this invention to provide a
system and
method for the detection of higher than normal levels of a noxious gas within
a confined
space and both provide a warning to any individuals) present of such threat
and to act to
eliminate the problem. It is a further object of the present invention to
provide such a
system and method including a dedicated carbon monoxide detector located
within the
confined space. In such context, it is an object of the present invention to
provide such a
system and method in which the system provides either/both a visual and aud~le
warning
of a dangerous condition.
[0008] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system
and
method for the detection of an abnormally high concentrations of carbon
monoxide within a
garage space and the automated opening of the garage door in response to such
detection,
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wherein such system and method are cost-effective to both operate and install.
In such
context, it is an object of the present invention to provide such a system and
method which
may be utilized with both pre-existing garage door systems and new
construction. Finally, in
such context, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide
such a system and
method that may be expanded to provide for the detection of alternative
sources of danger
including, but not limited to, the detection of smoke or water.
[0009] Additional objects and advantages of the invention are set forth in, or
will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from, the detailed description
as follows. Also,
it should be further appreciated that modifications and variations to the
specifically
illustrated and discussed features and materials hereof maybe practiced in
various
embodiments and uses of this invention without deparCing from the spirit and
scope thereof,
by virtue of present reference thereto. Such variations may include, but axe
not limited to,
substitutions of the equivalent means, features, and materials for those shown
or discussed,
and the functional or positional reversal of various parts, features, or the
like.
[0010] Still further, it is to be understood that different embodiments, as
well as
different presently preferred embodiments, of this invention, may include
various
combinations or configurations of presently disclosed features, elements, or
their equivalents
(including combinations of features or configurations thereof not expressly
shown in the
figures or stated in the detailed description).
[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present
invention
will become better understood with reference to the following descriptions and
appended
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claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this
specification, illustrate an embodiment of the invention and, together with
the descriptions,
serve to explain the principles of the invention.
[ 0012] In one exemplary embodiment, there may be provided a system in
accordance with the present invention for detecting undesirable levels of
carbon monoxide
gas and/or smoke in a confined space and in response to such detection,
activating a
motorized garage door opener to open the garage door and thereby decrease the
concentration of such gas or smoke within the affected space. The system may
include a
carbon monoxide detector located within a predefined space such as an
automobile garage.
Such detector may be in electrical communication with a dedicated or pre-
existing garage
door circuit that controls the operation of the garage door. In no event does
the present
invention interfere with the normal operation of the garage door in its da~to-
dayuse.
[0013] The carbon monoxide detector includes a normally open electrical
connection that may be closed upon the detection of a abnormally high
concentration of
carbon monoxide gas. The closure of such electrical switch may serve to send
an electrical
signal (i.e., a command) to the motor of the garage door opener to activate
and retract such
door into the open position. For the safety of those inside the affected
space, the system
includes an automated safety override to prevent activation of the door if it
is already in an
open position.
[0014] Still further, such embodiment of the system maybe provided with either
or
both of a visual andlor audio warning means for notifying any occupant in the
affected
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space of the dangerous condition. Such warning means may include, but are not
limited to,
audible alarms and/or flashing lights. Finally, such system may be connected
to an existing
security system for monitoring and for the automated request for emergency
responders
upon the systems activation. In a more advanced variant of the present
invention, potential
sources of such gas may be provided with a kill switch that is suitable for
receiving an
encoded electronic signal from the system to terminate the source of the
carbon monoxide
gas, such as a "kill switch" for an automobile engine or generator, in
addition to opening the
garage door and/or activating an active removal methodology, such as but not
limited to an
exhaust fan. Such embodiment mayfurther activate an auto~xed request for first
responders to ensure the safety of any potential inhabitants of the confined
space.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the
best
mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in
the specification,
which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a system including a motorized gaxage
door in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0017] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention for a carbon
monoxide detection system and automatic garage door opening mechanism that is
incorporated within an otherwise pre-existing garage door opener arrangement
and that
includes both audible and visual warning systems, a transmitter to transmit a
terminaxion
signal to an carbon monoxide generating source outfitted with a receiver and
kill switch, and
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an automated distress call mechanism for contacting emergency responders as
part of a pre-
existing security system
[0018] Repeat use of reference characters throughout the present specification
and
appended drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or
elements of
the various exemplary embodiments of the present invention descn'bed and
shown.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to presentlypreferned embodiments
of
the invention, examples of which are fully represented in the accompanying
drawings. Such
examples are provided byway of an explanation of the invention, not limitation
thereof. In
fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various
modifications and variations
can be made in the present invention, without departing from the spirit and
scope thereof.
For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can
be used on
another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Still further,
variations in selection
of materials and/or characteristics may be practiced, to satisfy particular
desired user criteria.
Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and
variations as
come within the scope of the present features and their equivalents.
[0020] As disclosed above, the present invention is particularlyconcerned with
a
system for the detection of dangerous levels of a toxic gas and the method for
the activation
of a means for reducing and/or eliminating such heightened concentrations of
such gas
from a confined space. As seen in Fig. 1, a typical garage door 10
incorporates a number of
component parts. First, there is the door 12, which is made up of a number of
panels 14.
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Each of the individual panels 14 is rotatably connected to the adjoining
panels) 14 by way of
a hinge along their longitudinal axis. This hinged arrangement allows the
plurality of panels
14 to easily slide upon a pair of associated guide rails 16 located at the
outermost ends of the
panels 14.
[0021] ~Xlhere the garage door 10 is a part of an automatic opening system 20,
a
spring-loaded or chain-driven system 22 operated by motor 24 is provided. Such
system 20
is typically mounted to the ceiling of a garage space 26 and centered on the
garage door 10
with which it is associated. Activation of the motor 24 may serve to either
drive a chain
system 22 or tighten or loosen a pre-tensioned spring 22 to raise and lower
the garage door
10. The rotational motion of the motor is translated into translation motion
of the door by a
connecting arm member attached at a first end 28 to the garage door's
uppermost panel 14
and at a second end 30 to the spring-loaded or chain driven system 22.
[0022] Additionally, some automatic opening systems 20 are provided with a
plurality of safety and monitoring equipment. For instance, to prevent a heavy
garage door
from closing on a small child or animal, often an electronic "eye" or obstacle
detection
means 38 is provided for detection of an object within the doorway. Upon
detection of an
obstacle such means 38 provides a signal to the microprocessor 34 to
immediately stop and
reverse the motor 24 of the automatic opening system 20.
[0023] The present invention may be an addition to or a parallel system with
such
automated garage door opening systems and safety systems. There are typically
multiple
ways to activate such systems 20. First, there is usually provided a hard
wired wall-mounted
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switch 32 for use by an individual located within the garage space 26.
Depression of a
button or other means of electrically activating the microprocessor 34
controlling the motor
24 serves to either raise or lower the garage door 10. Additionally, most of
such systems 20
are provided with a receiver 36 for receipt of an encoded signal. Upon receipt
of such
signal, the receiver 36 transmits an electrical signal to the microprocessor
34 controlling the
motor 24 of the system 20 to either raise or lower the garage door 10.
[0023] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention as best seen in Fig.
2,
the above-described system 20 is enhanced through the addition of a system 40
designed to
interface with either a new or existing automatic opening system 20. Such
interactive system
40 is f or the detection of heightened concentrations of a toxic gas and is
further designed to
activate the opening system 20 so as to alleviate the detected condition.
Interactive gas
detection system 40 comprises a gas detection means 42 operatively connected
to a relay
switch 44. Upon detection of a previously determined concentration of a
specified gas, for
example, carbon monoxide, or smoke, a signal is sent that closes the relay
switch 44 and thus
completes a circuit suited for triggering the microprocessor 34 to activate
the motor 24 to
open the garage door 10.
[0024] In alternatively preferred embodiments, the same signal sent to close
relay
switch 44 maybe used to activate a pluralityof additional safetyfeatures of
the present
invention, including but not limited to, the activation of either an aucli'ble
alarm and/or a
visual alarm 46 and/or sending an automated distress call 48 through a
publicly available 911
system or through a commercially available security monitoring service. Such
distress call
can be designed to request fire, ambulance or other forms of assistance,
including requesting
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such security monitoring service to call a neighbor and have them investigate
the reasons for
the system's activation. Still further, an atu~iliary exhaust fan 50 may be
activated to clear the
concentrations of the gas within the affected space more quickly.
[0025] In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, potential
sources of such a toxic gas may be provided with a switch that is suitable for
receiving an
encoded electronic signal from the system to terminate the source of the
carbon monoxide
gas, such as a "kill switch" 54 for an automobile engine or generator. The
same signal used
to cause the relay switch to close and thus open the garage door, activate an
active gas
removal methodology, such as but not limited to an exhaust fan, and/or
activate numerous
other warning devices may be used to trigger a transmitter 52 to send a signal
to a remote
receiver on the gas-generating source to terminate its operation. Finally,
such system may be
provided with a back-up power source 56, such as but not limited to, an in-
line rechargable
battery or solax power source.
[0026] Although a preferred embodiment of the present invention has been
described using specific terms and devices, such description is for
illustrative purposes only.
The words used are words of description rather than of limitation. It is to be
understood
that changes and variations may be made by those of ordinary skill in the art
without
departing from the spirit or the scope of the present invention, which is set
forth in the
following claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of various
other
embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Therefore, the
spirit and scope
of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the
preferred version
contained herein.
