Abstract:
A system for use with a emergency exit door, comprising: a door opener including a stationary actuator with a movable distal arm for pushing the door open; a door strike mountable to a door frame having an opening to receive a latch of the emergency exit door, the electric door strike including a gate having a locked condition and a release condition; a controller connected to the door opener and the door strike; a remote activator having a triggered condition, which provides a signal to the controller when the remote activator is triggered, to unlock the gate and then the door opener, to open the emergency exit door.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    This invention relates to a system and apparatus for use in connection with field and/or delivery personnel, to enable such workers to work more efficiently. 
         [0002]    A need exists for field and delivery workers to work more efficiently. For example, field workers and delivery personnel are often required to do the following: 1. Drive to an establishment, such as a store, restaurant, or a fast food restaurant, and park a delivery vehicle near a delivery/emergency exit door. 2. Exit the vehicle and walk to the front door. 3. Unlock the front door with a mechanical key and enter the store. 4. Re-lock the front door from inside. 5. Proceed to the security alarm system and disarm it within an allotted time. 6. Turn on lights and walk to back of the store to the delivery entrance. 7. Open the delivery/emergency exit door and block it open with any available equipment (e.g. a fire extinguisher). 8. Load merchandise from the truck on a cart or hand dolly. 9. Deliver merchandise though the opened/blocked door. 10. Repeat steps 8 and 9 until the delivery is complete while the door is blocked open. 11. When the delivery is complete, unblock the delivery/emergency exit door and close it from the inside. 12. Turn the alarm system back on and turn the lights off. 13. Unlock the front door, exit the store, and relock it with the mechanical key. 14. Return to the delivery vehicle near the delivery/emergency exit door to proceed to next delivery stop. 
         [0003]    A solution to this cumbersome process is provided by this invention. A more detailed explanation of the invention is provided in the following description and claims, and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0004]    For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the subject matter sought to be protected, there are illustrated in the accompanying drawings embodiments thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the subject matter sought to be protected, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. 
           [0005]      FIG. 1  is a flow diagram of the delivery system for field and delivery workers, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is an interior view of an emergency exit door with associated structure, such as a control box, door opener, electric door strike and motion sensors, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is an exterior view of an emergency exit door with associated structure, such as a keypad and a typical RF (radio frequency) key fob in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  includes an exploded view of an embodiment with a preferred placement of the door opener mechanism, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  shows an exploded view of a typical electric door strike and placement of door magnets, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , with a preferred actuator when the door is in a closed position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 6 , with a preferred actuator when the door is in a partially opened position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 6 , with a preferred actuator when the door is in a fully opened position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , with a preferred actuator when the door is opened by a person using an emergency exit, and the door and door opener are substantially shown not in permanent contact, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 10  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , with a preferred actuator when the door is in a partially opened position, the door and door opener are substantially shown not in permanent contact, and shown with shock absorbing structure, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0015]      FIG. 11  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 10 , with a preferred actuator when the door is in a partially opened position, the door and door opener are shown in contact, and shown with shock absorbing structure, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0016]      FIG. 12  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 10 , with a preferred actuator when the door is in a closed position, the door and door opener are in contact and the latter still extended, and shown with shock absorbing structure, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 13  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , with a preferred actuator having a force centering roller and force centering adapter or interface, when the door is in a closed position, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 14  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 13 , with a preferred actuator having a force centering roller and force centering adapter or interface, when the door is in a partially opened position and the actuator is still shown in contact with the door through the adapter, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 15  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 13 , with a preferred actuator having a force centering roller and force centering adapter or interface, when the door is in a fully opened position, and the actuator is substantially not shown in contact with the door through the adapter, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 16  includes an A-A view of an embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 13 , with a preferred actuator having a force centering roller and force centering adapter or interface, when the door is in a fully opened position, and the actuator in this embodiment is shown extended and in contact with the door through the adapter, in accordance with the instant invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 17  includes an A-A and B-B views of a preferred embodiment as depicted in  FIG. 4 , when the actuator is a pneumatic device, in accordance with the instant invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    Turning now to the drawings, and more particularly to  FIG. 1  thereof, a block diagram of a delivery system  5  is shown. In its simplest form, it includes the steps of: assigning field personnel to enable them to provide a delivery or service at a designated location  10  (hereafter assigning step  10 ); traveling to the designated location to provide an on-site delivery or service  20  (hereafter traveling step  20 ); remotely actuating an opening mechanism to open an emergency exit door  30  (hereafter actuating step  30 ); entering the designated location through the emergency exit door opening  40  (hereafter entering step  40 ); providing a delivery or service at the designated location  50  (hereafter providing step  50 ); and closing and locking the emergency exit door after the delivery or service has been substantially completed  60  (hereafter closing step  60 ). The delivery system disclosed here, is a more efficient and cost effective method then those presently known. 
         [0023]    In more detail, the actuating step  30  includes an applying step, to provide a sufficient threshold force in a substantially outwardly direction and substantially perpendicular direction to the emergency exit door, to open the door. This step provides a simple and durable method and means of opening an emergency exit door. 
         [0024]    In a preferred embodiment, the applying step includes application of a sufficient threshold force step, such as providing a force of at least about 20 lbs., depending on the position of such force, for a smooth and sufficient opening force, as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . In a preferred embodiment, the applying step includes providing a force of at least 25 lbs. to about 300 lbs. or more, when applied in proximity to a hinge, for an efficient and sufficient opening force. 
         [0025]    In more detail, the remotely actuating step  30  can include the steps of: applying a sufficient threshold force in a substantially outwardly direction and substantially perpendicular direction to the emergency exit door; providing the threshold force in the substantially perpendicular direction ranging from zero degrees to about 30 degrees from the perpendicular direction of the emergency exit door; and minimizing a side load to an actuator, as shown in  FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  16 . This combination of steps, provides a smooth and efficient opening and can contribute to providing a longer useful life of the delivery system  5  and associated apparatus utilized herein. 
         [0026]    In a preferred embodiment, providing the threshold force in the substantially perpendicular direction ranging from about zero degrees to about 20 degrees from the perpendicular direction, advantageously helps to minimize a disadvantageous side load to the actuator, relative to the actuating step  30 . In such an embodiment, the side load is minimal or near zero at half stroke, which is beneficial to maximizing the useful life of the system and actuating step  30 . Side loads or radial loads can reduce the life of actuator. 
         [0027]    Also in a preferred embodiment, the actuating step  30  includes locating the outwardly pushing force at a location and position which is substantially minimally invasive to the emergency exit door opening, to allow free and unobstructed access through such door, as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The locating step can include positioning the pushing force in proximity to an upper corner of the emergency exit door near a side of the door where hinges are normally located for free access through the door. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the actuating step includes: applying a sufficient threshold force in an outwardly direction and in a substantially perpendicular direction to the emergency exit door ( FIG. 6 ); energizing an electric strike to unlock the door ( FIG. 5 ), and providing an opening mechanism which is substantially free of being mechanically connected to the emergency exit door ( FIG. 8 ). It is important not to hinder or obstruct the emergency exit and not alter the main function of door, which is for emergency exiting. Further, the providing step which is substantially free of being mechanically connected to the door, allows a field worker to push and swing the door fully open, to keep such door out of the way during field work or emergency exit, for example ( FIG. 8 ). 
         [0029]    In more detail, the providing step  30  can include: providing a plunging mechanism to contact the emergency exit door to push in a substantially outwardly direction; and providing a receiving interface for contacting the plunging mechanism, operatively connected to an inside of the emergency exit door ( FIG. 6 ). Preferably, a minimal friction pad or interface, such as a Teflon-like pad is provided for protection to the door and reduces friction for pushing and sliding, for smooth and a substantially non-binding opening movement. 
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the interface includes a substantially concave cup complementarily constructed to receive a portion of a roller of the actuator ( FIGS. 13-16 ). This construction can substantially eliminate a side load to the actuator, for enhanced useful life to the actuator, while maintaining detachability as well, as detailed herein. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the actuating step  30  includes a wired device, such as a keypad or a wireless device, such as an RF key fob, etc. for actuation, for example ( FIG. 3 ). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, various types of RF communication devices can be used as means for wireless communication. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating step  30  includes providing an RF key fob with at least one of an open signal, an alarm disable signal, a re-activate alarm signal and a panic signal. 
         [0032]    In a preferred embodiment, the actuating step  30  further includes activating the electric door strike mechanism to release a pivoting structure of the door strike mechanism, to allow the door to open ( FIG. 5 ); and pushing the door in an outwardly direction thereafter ( FIG. 6 ). This is necessary, as it should be noted, that the door herein is typically an emergency exit door, that typically cannot be opened from the outside, without first activating the door strike mechanism before opening such door. 
         [0033]    Also in a preferred delivery system  5 , a providing step may include a substantially inwardly directed force, to maintain the door in a fully closed position, until activated. This force utilizes magnets strategically positioned, connected to and partially embedded in proximity to a door jam, which help to maintain such an inwardly directed force on a metal door, for example ( FIG. 5 ). In addition, this force does not adversely affect the emergency exit door and maintains the door in a properly closed position. More specifically, this structure advantageously helps to eliminate outward force on the door, which could cause the door strike mechanism to be inoperable. When there is a certain threshold outward force, such as an excessive in-building air pressure, or boxes stacked against the door, the solenoid of the electric door strike mechanism may not be strong enough to release the mechanism, causing it to be inoperative. This problem is resolved by the use of the providing step as detailed herein ( FIG. 5 ). 
         [0034]    In one embodiment, the system  5  further comprises providing a cushion mechanism to minimize mechanical shock, in the event the door is mechanically shocked, jarred, crashed into, or otherwise hit intentionally or by accident, for example ( FIGS. 11 and 12 ). In an electrical embodiment, as shown in the figures, damage can occur to the actuator if there is an excessive mechanical shock to the door and actuator, in the event that a cushioning mechanism is absent. Similarly, when the actuator is a pneumatic mechanism, the cushioning mechanism is provided by the air pressure in the system, otherwise internal to the mechanism. 
         [0035]    Also in one embodiment, the system  5  further comprises positively tracking and time stamping the opening and closing of the door, travel through the opening, logging the duration when open, and management for lighting the desired area. Further, the system  5  can comprise sensing or counting the number of times a person goes through the door opening, which can be desirable for tracking of field and delivery activity. And, the system can comprise providing battery back-up and a charging system for the battery back-up to power the system  5 , a security system and independent battery powered lighting, if desired, in certain applications. 
         [0036]    In addition, the system  5  can further comprise providing an interface with a security system for providing a fully integrated lock and alarm system. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in it&#39;s simplest form, an emergency exit door delivery management system (DDMS)  100  adapted for use with a conventional emergency exit door  102 , is shown. The conventional emergency exit door includes a so called “panic bar”  101 , and a door closure mechanism  103 , both are preferred or required in one embodiment, for the DDMS  100  to operate properly. The DDMS includes: a door opener mechanism  104  for pushing the emergency exit door  102  open; an electric door strike  110  mountable to a door frame  112  to release the panic bar latch; a controller (or control box)  120  electrically connected to the door opener  104  and the door strike  110 ; an activation device, such as a keypad  128  or an RF key fob  126 ; and optionally a motion sensor  132 . Advantageously, this system and structure enables the system as detailed in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . Advantageously, the system  5  and DDMS  100  are cost effective and retrofitable systems which can be adapted for use in already installed sites and applications. 
         [0038]    In a preferred embodiment, the control box  120  includes: a backup battery, a wiring harness with appropriate connectors, and a controller board with a microcontroller, memory, real-time clock, power supply, backup battery charging circuit, A/D converter to measure system voltages, temperature sensor, input and output interfaces, a communication interface (such as an RS-232), an RF keyfob signal receiver with an internal or external antenna, door opener mechanism power driver circuit, and a keypad interface. 
         [0039]    All drawings described below, are shown in connection with an emergency exit door with hinges on the right side. As will be appreciated by those skilled in art, the DDMS  100  could also be used with the door having hinges on the left side and with various pivot enabling door structure, for example, and with other changes and modifications, while staying within the scope of the instant teachings. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  shows a view of the top corner near the hinges of the emergency exit door  102 . This figure also indicates the locations of two closer views: A-A and B-B used in later figures. The door opener mechanism  104  is firmly mounted to the emergency exit door frame  112  using a steel or thick aluminum bracket  105 . The bracket  105  needs to be able to support the door opener mechanism  104  during the door opening operation, and sustain any potential abuse. The door closure  103  provides continuous force to keep the emergency exit door  102  closed and is essential for the DDMS  100  to work, since the door opener mechanism  104  is not attached in any way to the door  102 , and it provides an opening force only (in a preferred embodiment). This opening force needs to overcome the closing force from the door closure  103 , and also magnetic force provided by magnets  109  near the electric strike, as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 5  represents a part of the emergency exit door  102  near the panic bar  101  with a latch  116 , and a door frame mounted electric strike  110  with a gate  118  controlled by an internal solenoid. There are two magnets  109  mounted on the door near the strike  110  to provide an additional force to keep the door tightly closed and make sure that the panic bar latch  116  is not touching the strike electric gate  118  when it needs to be energized to release the latch  116  during the opening process. As an alternative, the magnets  109  could be mounted on the door frame  112  near the strike  110 . If either: the emergency exit door  102 , or the door frame  112  are not made of steel, a small steel plate mounted on the opposite side is preferably provided for the magnets  109  to work properly with the door, as detailed herein. 
         [0042]      FIG. 6 to 16  show the A-A views of the door opening mechanism using an electric actuator, which is not attached in any way to the emergency exit door. A typical opening mechanism  104  assembly contains: a linear actuator ( preferably either electric or pneumatic) with an interface adapter  136  to push the door open when the actuator is energized, a door position sensor  130 , a bracket to attach the assembly to the door frame, an assembly cover, and in the case of a pneumatic system, it may also contain an air compressor, a pressure regulator, air valves, filters, and air hoses. As an alternative, the pneumatic devices supporting the air cylinder actuator, could be mounted in a separate box, or even in the control box  120  together with the system electronics. In one embodiment, shown in  FIG. 6 , the linear actuator interface adapter may contain a force alignment shoe  134  attached to the movable distal arm  108 , and the door may be configured with a slider pad  136 , made out of Teflon, or a similar material. Another embodiment is provided in  FIG. 13 , where a force centering roller  144  and a specially shaped, complementarily configured, force centering adapter  146 , attached to the door, are used to interface the linear actuator  106 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 6  shows the door  102  in the closed position and the linear actuator  106  with the distal arm  108  retracted. When a delivery or service is initiated, a delivery or field worker sends or initiates a request to open the emergency exit door  102 , by either pressing the RF key fob  126  button, or punching a code on the keypad  128 . The RF key fob signal is received through the antenna  124  and the RF receiver inside the box ( FIG. 2 ). At this time, the controller may disable the alarm, turn the lights on, enable motion sensor  132 , if those options are selected. It will energize the electric strike  110  to release the panic bar latch  116 , and a fraction of a second later it will activate the linear actuator  106 . If the pneumatic system is used, the controller may need to turn the air compressor on and open the air valve to let the air enter the air cylinder. The linear actuator  106  extends the movable distal arm  108 , which forces the door  102  to open, is shown in  FIG. 7 . The length of the movable distal arm  106  determines the opening angle of the door  102 . The angle could be as small as 15 deg, or as large as 90 deg. Since the door is not attached to the movable distal arm  106 , it could be pulled out and kept open, as desired by the user ( FIG. 8 ). In a preferred embodiment, after a predetermined time, the movable distal arm  106  retracts back. In the case of the pneumatic system, after a predetermined time, the air pressure is released from the air cylinder, and the pressure release valve is kept open until the door  102  is fully closed. 
         [0044]      FIG. 9  shows that the emergency exit door  102  can always be opened manually, no matter what the position of the door opener mechanism is. 
         [0045]      FIG. 10  shows optional spring shock absorbers  142  to the door opener mechanism  104 . This option will protect the linear actuator  106  from damage in case there is an obstruction behind the door, or if the operator hits the door  102  with a delivery cart, while the movable distal arm  108  is still in the extended position.  FIGS. 11 and 12  show the possible scenario, when the door  102  is being open and then forcefully closed with the distal arm  108  still extended, and the shock absorbers  142  protecting the linear actuator  106  from damage. 
         [0046]    If the door  102  needs to be open to  45  deg or more, a preferred embodiment includes use of the force centering roller  144  and the force centering adapter  146 , as described previously ( FIG. 13 ). 
         [0047]      FIGS. 13 ,  14 ,  15 , and  16  show a typical DDMS operation with movable distal arm  106  in various positions. In a preferred embodiment, the distal arm  106  moves to the fully retracted position after a predetermined time ( FIG. 15 ), and the door  102  can still be kept open. 
         [0048]    The pneumatic version of the door opening mechanism  104  is presented in  FIG. 17 . It contains: an air compressor  152  to provide compressed air during the door opening process, a filter/water separator  154  to remove any moisture from the compressed air, a 2-way valve  156 , with its normally open port used for the compressed air to pass to a pressure regulator  158  which limits the air pressure to maximum set by the regulator dial, and an air cylinder  150  used as a linear actuator (View B-B). A door position sensor  130  is used to determine if the door  102  is closed, and an air cylinder position sensor  160  is used to determine when the door is open, as required by the system—a locator band with the sensor  160  is adjustable to set the maximum opening angle. The electronic controller  120  turns the compressor  152  on for the time needed to open the door, or until the internal preset time expires. The system could be setup to have the door  102  partially, or fully open during this process. The door  102  will close automatically after certain amount of time, determined by another internal timer. This time could be as long as, for example, 30, 60 or 90 seconds, or any other time determined by the user. The door  102  may also become closed by the operator sending a close door request. In one embodiment, the close door request signal may be sent by pressing an RF key fob button. When the close door request is provided, the electronic controller activates the 2-way pressure relief valve  156  with the normally closed port open to atmosphere. This activation releases the air pressure from the air cylinder  150 . Closing of the door  102  in the DDMS  100  always requires the closure  103  to move the door  102  to the closed position. If there is a restriction preventing the door  102  to reach its closed position, the controller  120  will maintain the 2-way pressure relief valve  156  energized to continue bleeding the air from the air cylinder  150 , until the door  102  is closed. Door closing requests initiated by the user, deactivates the DDMS  100 , and the open pressure relief valve  156 , until the door  102  is closed. 
         [0049]    If the actuator  106  fails to open the door  102  within a given time, it is possible to send another opening request and the DDMS  100  will try to correct the problem. It is desirable for the user, however, to verify the reason of the opening failure. Once the actuator position sensor detects the distal arm fully extended, the further opening requests are not allowed. 
         [0050]    The controller  120  includes memory to record the time and duration of when the door has been opened. This is beneficial, as this provides the time of the delivery and duration, to track field personnel efficiency, time stamping if an incident occurs, etc. Likewise, the DDMS  100  can further comprise a motion sensor  132 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , for tracking field and delivery activity through a door opening of the emergency exit door  102 . 
         [0051]    In another embodiment, the controller  120  controls a charging of a system backup battery, if the main power source voltage meets an appropriate threshold. If there is a power outage, for example, the DDMS  100  would still operate, and deliveries would then not be interrupted or delayed in such instances. 
         [0052]    The DDMS  100  can be integrated with an alarm system coupled to the controller  120 , for enhanced security. 
         [0053]    Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments and system, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications are to be viewed as being within the ambit of this invention.