Occupancy indication device and method

An occupancy indicator for a door, and a method of use, one embodiment comprising a magnet a switching apparatus activatable by a person, a signaling device adapted to indicate one of at least two states, and a biasing mechanism. One embodiment may not be comprised of a magnet but may be comprised of a bolt assembly having a plurality of biasing mechanisms. The magnet or bolt assembly, switching apparatus, signaling device, and biasing mechanism are operatively coupled to automatically provide a signaling device state upon the door opening.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to door signal devices displaying room occupancy status.

BACKGROUND

In many instances, it is necessary to determine whether a closed area is occupied by a person prior to entering that area. One prime example of this is a unisex bathroom—it is often necessary to inform a person whether a unisex bathroom such as a portable toilet or a bathroom on an airplane is occupied prior to the person entering the bathroom. In fact, statutes such as the 2004 Oregon Structural Specialty Code actually require unisex bathrooms to have an occupied indicator in addition to a privacy lock.

It is also necessary in some instances to perform a single operation to open a door and leave an area. In fact, some building codes, such as the 2003 International Building Code, contain a requirement that opening a door should not require more than one operation. A single operation is known to mean pushing open a door to leave an area. More than one operation is known to mean turning a lever or a latch in addition to the operation of pushing on the door to open the door and leave the area.

Prior art occupancy indication devices inadequately provide indication signals for room occupancy while allowing builders to satisfy these type of building code limitations (among others). For example, many prior devices which are installed on unisex bathrooms are not simply room occupancy indicators, but also perform a locking function when operated. Often, these prior art devices lock the occupant inside the room when the “occupied” sign is displayed. This is often undesirable. In non-unisex bathroom settings, as well as some unisex bathroom installations, it is necessary to provide an occupancy indication device which is separate from a door locking mechanism. Additionally, the prior art devices do not allow for a person to exit the area by performing a single operation and still provide the correct occupation status to a person wishing to enter the area. These prior art occupancy indication devices must first be manually signaled to indicate that the area is unoccupied prior to opening the door. It is only after providing the correct signal to a person wishing to enter is the person inside the area capable of leaving the area.

SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1Ais a side view of a magnetic bolt assembly in a receded position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1Bis a side view of a magnetic bolt assembly in a partially extended position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1Cis a side view of a magnetic bolt assembly in an extended position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2is a top view of a magnetic bolt assembly in a receded position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3is a bottom view of a magnetic bolt assembly in a receded position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4is an exploded isometric view of an occupied indicator having a magnetic bolt assembly, switching apparatus, and signaling device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5Ais a front view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in a closed position and the signaling device being in an occupied position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5Bis a top view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in a closed position and the magnet and the spring being shown in a cut-away in an extended position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5Cis a rear view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in a closed position and the knob turned to an occupied position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6Ais a front view of a portion of a doorjamb having a strikeplate and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in an open position and the signaling device showing a vacant position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6Bis a top view of a portion of a doorjamb having a strike plate and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in an open position and the magnet shown in a retracted position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6Cis a rear view of a portion of a doorjamb having a strikeplate and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in an open position and the knob turned to a vacant position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7is a rear view of a signaling device according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8is an isometric view of a switching apparatus with a coupled shank and two screws according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9is a bottom view of an occupied indicator not coupled to a door having a bolt assembly, shank, 2 screws, a switching apparatus, and a signaling device.

FIG. 10is an isometric view of an occupied indicator having a latch-spring bolt assembly according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11is a side view of an open door with a cutaway showing a coupled occupied indicator in an extended position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12is a side view of a closed door and doorjamb with a cutaway showing an occupied indicator is a vacant, retracted position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13is a side view of a closed door showing a coupled occupied indicator in a position between a vacant and occupied position, with a cutaway showing the connection arm extended to a position engaging a trigger hammer in a flush position with a door jamb according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14is a side view of a doorjamb and door with a cutaway showing an occupied indicator in an occupied position, according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15is a side view of a door without a cutaway in an open position showing a first portion of the trigger hammer extending away from a door side according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16Ais a front view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in a closed position and the indicator showing an occupied sign according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16Bis a top view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in a closed position and the connection arm, bolt assembly, and trigger hammer being shown in a cut-away in an extended position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16Cis a rear view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in a closed position and the knob turned to an occupied position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17Ais a front view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in an open position and the switching apparatus showing a vacant position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17Bis a top view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in an open position and having a cut-away showing the connection arm and bolt assembly in a retracted position according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17Cis a rear view of a portion of a doorjamb and a door having an occupied indicator, the door being in an open position and the knob turned to a vacant position according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One embodiment of the invention enables an occupier of an area with a door to leave the area through the door without first manually signaling an occupancy indication device on the door, yet still provide a correct occupancy signal to a person wishing to enter the area after the prior occupant has left. One version also satisfies recent regulations governing occupancy display signals, so that a single operation will allow a person to both open a door (or any other leaf having an occupancy indicator), as well as provide the correct indication status. Specifically, the occupied indicator allows a person to enter a room, set the correct occupancy indication status (to “occupied”, in one embodiment), and upon leaving the room by performing a single motion (pushing the door open in one embodiment), the occupied indicator is automatically reset (to “vacant” in one version).

An occupied indicator may be comprised of an operatively coupled magnet, a signaling device and switching apparatus. The signaling device may be referred to as a signaler and the switching apparatus may be referred to as a switch. Being operatively coupled together, setting the switch to an occupied position may display an occupied status on the signaling device. Turning the switch from a first state such as a vacant position to a second state such as an occupied position in one embodiment also moves the operatively coupled magnet to an extended position. One embodiment's extended magnet position is next to an edge of the door, such as a side edge. The magnet may be held in the extended position by magnetic force between the magnet and a strikeplate set in the doorjamb. Upon opening the door, the magnetic force between the strikeplate and the magnet is lost as the door swings open and swings the magnet away from the strikeplate. With the loss of the magnetic force, the magnet is pulled back to a retracted position away from the edge of the door by a biasing mechanism. One type of biasing mechanism may be a spring.

A version's switching apparatus is a rotatable knob or lever operatively coupled to a plate. The plate has an outer side which is adapted to face away from a door inner surface and into the room when the plate is coupled to a door and the door is closed. The knob may be coupled to the plate outer side, with a knob extension portion fitting within a bore on the plate. The extension portion is operatively coupled to the plate, allowing the knob to rotate around the plate in one embodiment. One version's knob extension portion has a hole in a distal end of the portion, the hole being centered and running longitudinally along the extension portion.

Inserted into the extension portion hole in one embodiment may be a shank second end. The shank extends generally perpendicularly away from the switching apparatus and towards the interior of the door in one embodiment. The shank is operatively coupled to the magnet, and in one embodiment is operatively coupled to a bolt assembly or mechanical linkage having a magnet. A radial bearing may also be operatively coupled to the magnet. The bearing enables the magnet to be generally linearly extended from a retracted position to an extended position. The bearing and magnet may be further coupled to mechanical linkage or a biasing mechanism, with the assemblage being referred to as a bolt assembly. A second end of the shank may operatively couple to the signaling device. In one embodiment, the signaling device is coupled to a door outer surface. The signaling device may have a rotatable signaling device extension hole extending to a door interior that is adapted to receive the shank second end.

The signaling device in one embodiment is capable of displaying at least two different signals, such as, but not limited to, a “vacant” sign and an “occupied” sign. The vacant sign may be displayed when the magnet is in a retracted position and the switch is in a first position such as a vacant position. Upon moving the switch to a second position such as an occupied position, the shank may be rotated as the shank is operatively coupled to the extension hole in one version. If the shank is rotated while it is operatively coupled to the signaling device, the signaling device provides a second signal, such as, but not limited to, moving the “occupied” sign into the correct position. In one embodiment, the occupied sign may be coupled to the rotatable signaling device extension hole through a cam. The cam may enable the occupied sign to be moved into place in front of the vacant sign when the extension is rotated by the shank.

A second embodiment may also have a bolt assembly and may not be comprised of a magnet. The second embodiment may be comprised of biasing mechanisms such as, but not limited to, springs. In such an embodiment, the switching apparatus may be operatively coupled to a connection rod, which in turn is operatively coupled to the bolt assembly. The switch may also be coupled to a shank. When the door is shut and the switch is turned from a first position to a second (and possibly occupied) position, similar to the first embodiment, the shank may provide a correct signal on a signaling device. In one second embodiment, the connection arm and biasing mechanisms correctly position the bolt assembly to an extended position near an edge of the door proximal the door jamb.

Upon releasing the knob or other switch after engagement, one embodiment's correct signal is continually displayed until the door is opened. In one such version, the magnet may be held in the extended position by the magnetic force between the magnet and the strikeplate, thereby continually displaying an occupied sign status. In a second embodiment, the bolt assembly is held in the extended position (and therefore the signal status is held in the correct mode) via a biasing mechanisms coupled to the bolt assembly.

In one second embodiment, the bolt assembly includes a trigger hammer, a portion of which may extend beyond a door edge (such as a side edge) when the door is open. When the door is shut, the hammer may come into contact with the door jamb, pivoting into the door from the edge. As the switch is activated from the first state to the second state, the correct signal may be displayed on the signaling device as the bolt assembly is moved into the extended position. In one second embodiment, the bolt assembly is held in the extended position by one portion of the trigger hammer coupling to a connection arm and another end of the trigger hammer resting against the door jamb. When the door is opened, the trigger hammer can not rest on the door jamb as the door jamb is no longer located proximal the door side edge. Therefore, in one embodiment, a spring forces the trigger hammer to once again extend away from the door edge and at least one other spring pulls the connection arm and the bolt assembly portion back to the retracted position.

In either a first embodiment or a second embodiment, the limitations of the prior art are overcome. Both versions enable a person to use a single motion to open a door, while simultaneously correctly displaying the occupancy status of the room. Additionally, the occupancy indicator versions are not locking devices, thereby overcoming a second limitation of prior art door occupancy indicators.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, tense or any singular or plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive rather the term is inclusive meaning “either or both”.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “a variation”, “one variation”, and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least an embodiment of the invention. The appearances of phrases like “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, or “in a variation” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all meant to refer to the same embodiment or variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to either an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The term “integrate” or “integrated” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a blending, uniting, or incorporation of the identified elements, components or objects into a unified whole.

As applicable, the terms “about” or “generally” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−20%. Also, as applicable, the term “substantially” as used herein unless otherwise indicated means a margin of +−10%. It is to be appreciated that not all uses of the above terms are quantifiable such that the referenced ranges can be applied.

As applicable the term “bolt assembly” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a portion of the embodiment which is extended towards a door edge. The term does not required the embodiment to have an actual bolt such as, but not limited to, a bolt similar to a “dead-bolt”.

As applicable the term “strikeplate” as used in this specification and the appended claims refers to a portion of a door jamb proximal the bolt assembly or other occupied indicator portion located within the door. The strikeplate may be adapted to create a magnetic force with the magnet in one embodiment.

A FIRST EMBODIMENT OF AN OCCUPIED INDICATOR

As best shown inFIGS. 1A through 4and7through9, and specifically as best shown inFIG. 4, one embodiment of an occupied indicator10may be comprised of a magnet26, a switching apparatus16and a signaling device14. The magnet may be operatively coupled to a housing12which may be generally rectangular in shape, having a housing wall thickness20of 1/16 of an inch in one embodiment. The housing may be made of a metal alloy such as steel or brass alloy. Other materials such as, but not limited to, a polymeric or composite material are also contemplated as being used for individual devices within the housing or other devices within different occupied indicator versions. The housing may also include a magnet reception cavity. As the magnet may be a magnetic bolt, the cavity may be referred to as a bolt reception cavity21as well.

Included in the housing12in one embodiment may be mechanical linkage. A bearing22may be included in the mechanical linkage. As best shown inFIGS. 1A through 1C, the housing may have three bores23, with the bearing in one embodiment generally being a radial bearing coupled to the center bore. The bearing may also be a different type of bearing or integrated to a different bore. Integrated to the bearing in one embodiment is an arm24. The arm may also be coupled to the bearing in one embodiment. Operatively coupled to an arm end may be at least one lever25. One embodiment may have two levers on either side of the arm. The levers may be coupled to the arm through a pin, with the pin extending through a bore in the arm and the levers. In one embodiment, the levers are coupled to the arm proximal a first lever end. The housing, mechanical linkage, a biasing mechanism, and magnet may be referred to as a bolt assembly.

As best shown inFIGS. 1B and 1C, a lever second end may be coupled to a magnet26through a pin. Also coupled to the magnet may be a biasing mechanism. One type of biasing mechanism which may be used is a compression spring27, with a first end of the compression spring27operatively coupling to the magnet. For example, the spring end may be inserted through a bore in a pin, and wrapped around the pin, with the pin coupled or integrated to the magnet. A second end of the return mechanism such as a compression spring may be coupled to a distal housing portion. The magnet may also be a magnetizable bolt in one embodiment.

Extending through a bore in the bearing22in one embodiment is a shank18, as best shown inFIGS. 4 and 9. A shank middle portion may operatively couple to the bearing. A cross-section of both the bearing bore and the shank may be adapted to ensure that as the shank is turned, the bearing is turned by the shank. For example, as best shown inFIG. 4, if the shank has a generally rectangular cross-section, the bore may have a generally rectangular cross-section as well.

A shank18second end may be adapted to operatively couple to the signaling device14and a shank first end, opposing the shank second end, may be adapted to operatively couple to the switching apparatus16. The shank length in one embodiment is about 1.75 inches. The thickness19of the shank18may decrease proximal to at least one end of the shank. As best shown inFIG. 4, the decreased thickness may enable the shank to more easily and accurately couple to the signaling device14.

As best shown inFIGS. 4 and 7, a back side11of the signaling device may have an extension portion15and at least one coupling mechanism13. The extension portion may be referred to as a knob extension portion or an extension or even a knob portion extension or portion extension. The back side may be coupled to a door outer surface. One embodiment has a pair of coupling mechanisms. The extension may be a generally cylindrical extension which may have a hole generally located in the center of the extension, the hole extending longitudinally from an extension outer surface9inward towards the signaling device interior. The hole is adapted to receive the shank, and may be adapted to receive the end of the shank with a smaller thickness than other portions of the shank.

The coupling mechanisms13are adapted to operatively couple to the switching apparatus in one embodiment. The coupling mechanisms may be extensions which have a threaded hole generally centered and running longitudinally along the extension. The threads may be adapted to mate with a bolt42inserted through bores41in the switching apparatus16. The bolts may couple the switching apparatus and the signaling device to opposing door sides through a bore.

The signal apparatus extension portion15is rotatable, extending to the interior of the signaling device14in one embodiment, between the front side7and the back side11. The front side is best shown inFIGS. 5A and 6A. Operatively coupled to one embodiment's signal extension at the interior of the signaling device may be an “occupied” sign. The sign is adapted to be displayed when the switching apparatus is moved to the “occupied” position. For example, a cam may be coupled or integrated to the rotatable extension on the interior of the signaling device, and when the shank18rotates the extension, the cam moves the occupied sign from a hidden position behind a front plate43and below a front window44, to a viewable position. Sometimes the viewable position is in front of a vacant sign which may be typically displayed when the occupied sign is not displayed.

The signaling device14may not have occupied and vacant signs. The signaling device may be capable of indicating other status levels such as, but not limited to, a green light and a red light. The signaling device may also provide a sound. The display signs or the status levels may also be referred to as a “state”. A signaling device in one embodiment is capable of indicating at least two states. On version displays each of at least two states individually, although some overlap may occur changing from one display state to another. For example, the vacant sign may be a first state, and an occupied sign may be a second state. As the state is switched from the vacant sign to the occupied sign, or vice versa, both signs may be at least partially displayed at the same time. More than two states may also be displayed—simultaneously or otherwise.

As best shown inFIGS. 4 and 8, the switching apparatus16may be comprised of a knob40, a plate45and a pair of bolts42. The plate may be coupled to a door inner surface. The knob may also be a lever. Integrated to the knob may be a knob portion46which extends through the switching apparatus plate, as best shown inFIG. 8. The knob portion may extend from an end of the knob, and may be integrated or coupled to the knob. The knob portion may couple to the plate in a manner where the knob may rotate around the plate. At a distal end of the knob portion may be a hole47adapted to receive a second end of the shank18so that the shank may be rotated when the knob is rotated. Other switching apparatus such as, but not limited to, an electronic switching apparatus are also contemplated.

In one embodiment, the switching apparatus16may be turned from a first position to a second position. The first position may be a vacant position and the second position may be an occupied position. The apparatus may be a knob or a lever which may be turned from the first position to the second position. The switching apparatus may also be a toggle switch, with one toggle switch adapted to operatively couple to an electronic device.

One embodiment's switching apparatus16is adapted to be located in a first position when the door is open and when the door is initially closed—prior to enabling the switching apparatus to the second position. When the shank18is coupled to the switching apparatus in one embodiment, as the knob40is turned, the shank is turned. If the shank is also coupled to the bearing22, the bearing will turn with the shank. The bearing in one embodiment will then rotate the bearing arm24, which in turn longitudinally extends the lever25. The lever, being coupled to the magnet26in one embodiment, extends the magnet in a direction which is generally along the longitudinal axis of the housing12.

As a shank18second end is coupled to the signaling device14in one version, the signaling device is also engaged when the shank rotates. For example, if the switching apparatus16moves from a fist position to a second position, the signaling device may move from a fist indication state to a second indication state. The first indication state may be a vacant sign and the second indication state may be an occupied sign.

When the door is closed and the magnet26is extended, the magnet is held in an extended position, as best shown byFIG. 1C, by magnetic force between the magnet and a strikeplate50, as best shown inFIG. 5B. A strikeplate50may be placed within the door jamb, or on the door jamb surface, proximate to the location that the magnet is positioned next to the edge of the door, as best shown in Figures. When the door is opened, the magnet is pulled back into the retracted position as best shown byFIG. 1A and 6Bby the biasing mechanism. For example, a compression spring27may be coupled to the housing12and the magnet such that when the switching apparatus16is not manually or otherwise held in the second position, or there is no magnetic force holding the magnet in the extended, or second, position, the magnet is pulled back by the spring.

A SECOND EMBODIMENT OF AN OCCUPIED INDICATOR

As best shown inFIGS. 10-17, a second embodiment of an occupied indicator10is shown, comprising a switching apparatus16, a signaling device14, and a bolt assembly100. The switching apparatus in one version may have a plate45with a knob40or lever coupled to a front side of the plate. Coupled or integrated to the knob may be a portion extension generally similar to the portion extension in the first embodiment. However, the knob portion extension in the second embodiment may or may not include a hole. In one version, the knob portion extension may extend through the plate, being integrated or coupled to a rotatable disc101on the back side11of the plate. The rotatable disc may simply be referred to as a disc or may also be referred to as a dial. When the switching apparatus is moved from a first position or state to a second position or state, in one embodiment the disc may be rotated. The disc may also be operatively coupled to an electronic switching apparatus.

Coupled to the disc101in one embodiment may be a signaling apparatus biasing mechanism102such as, but not limited to, a spring. The spring is a tension spring in one version adapted to return the disc to a first position, which may be a vacant position in one embodiment. Also coupled or integrated to the disc may be a connection arm103. In one embodiment, the connection arm is coupled or integrated to the disc proximal a disc edge.

The connection arm103may have a distal end104. The distal end is coupled or integrated to bolt assembly100in one version. The connection arm may be coupled to a bolt biasing mechanism105such as, but not limited to, a generally horizontal spring. In one version, the connection arm is coupled to a spring first end, with a spring second end being coupled to the bolt106. The bolt may have a generally rectangular cross-section, or may have another cross-sectional geometry such as, but not limited, to a generally circular cross-section. The spring second end may also be coupled to a bolt extension107, as best shown inFIG. 10. One of either the bolt or the bolt extension may also couple to a trigger hammer biasing mechanism109such as, but not limited to, a generally vertical spring, which may also be coupled to a trigger hammer108. The bolt assembly may have a generally longitudinal axis which is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of the connection arm, bolt biasing mechanism, and bolt. Other biasing mechanisms which may be used in the second embodiment or in other embodiments may include items such as, but not limited to, pistons and piston-type devices or hinges.

The trigger hammer108is a generally “Z-shaped” device in one version and may either be operatively coupled to the bolt assembly100or may be referred to as part of the bolt assembly. The trigger hammer may be coupled to the bolt assembly through the trigger hammer biasing mechanism109or through a hinge110. In one embodiment, the trigger hammer has a first portion111, a second portion112, and a third portion113. The first portion may extend generally upwardly and longitudinally outwardly from a bolt distal end114. The first portion may have a first end115and may be integrated to the second portion at a first portion pivot edge116. The first portion pivot edge may rest on the bolt and may be couple to the hinge. The second portion may extend from the first portion pivot edge upwardly and longitudinally inwardly from the bolt distal end, ending at, and integrated to, the third portion at a third portion pivot edge117. The third portion may extend downwardly and inwardly towards the bolt. The third portion may also have a notch118. The notch may be adapted to allow a connection arm extension119slide under the hammer.

In one version of the second embodiment, the disc101on the switching apparatus16may also be coupled to a shank18. The shank in one second embodiment is generally similar to the shank in the first embodiment. The shank may be coupled to the signaling device14and switching apparatus16in a manner generally similar to the shank coupling to the switching apparatus16and signaling device in the first embodiment. For example, the shank may be inserted into a hole in the disc, and may also be inserted into a hole in a signaling device extension portion15—such as the signaling device extension shown inFIG. 7. The extension may also include the cam as described in the first embodiment. In one version, similar to a first embodiment version, as the knob40on the switching apparatus16is turned, the shank18is also rotated and the cam on the signaling device14is rotated. The cam is coupled or integrated to an occupied sign in one version, thereby the “occupied” sign is displayed in front of the vacant sign. Other signaling devices, as described in the first embodiment may also be used in the second embodiment.

In one version, a switching apparatus plate45is coupled to an inner door surface, with the dial101, shank18, and connection arm103extending within a door interior. Similar to the first embodiment, the inner door surface may include a bore which the dial, shank and a portion of the connection arm may fit within. A door side surface may include a hole99which may intersect the bore, similar to the hole in the door side surface shown inFIG. 6A. When the knob40is rotated in one second embodiment, the connection arm103is also moved. In one version, the connection arm is moved in a direction which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the arm, which is also generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the hole. By the arm being operatively coupled to the bolt assembly100, with the bolt assembly resting on a bore lower surface98, as best shown inFIG. 11, when the arm is moved in a generally longitudinal direction, the bolt assembly is likewise moved in a similar general longitudinal direction.

In one embodiment, the connection arm extension119is coupled to the bolt biasing mechanism105. Whatever type of biasing mechanism is used (such as, but not limited to, a spring, piston, etc.), the biasing mechanism is adapted contract under a load greater than the coefficient of friction between a bottom surface of the bolt106or bolt assembly100and the bore lower surface98. Therefore, in one embodiment, as the switching apparatus is activated (which may or may not be by rotation of a knob or other similar device), the connection arm103is moved. The bolt assembly then slides along the bore lower surface in a direction generally parallel to the bore longitudinal axis.

When the door97is in an open position, similar toFIG. 6B, and the connection arm103is moved, as best shown inFIG. 11, the bolt assembly100may extend away from a door outer edge90. When the door is closed, similar toFIG. 5B, and the connection arm is extended towards the door edge90, the bolt assembly will extend away from the door edge90until the trigger hammer108contacts the doorjamb120, as best shown inFIG. 12. At that point, the connection arm continues to push the bolt assembly towards the door jamb, with the trigger hammer pivoting on the bolt106until the trigger hammer first portion111is generally parallel with a door jamb side edge, as best shown inFIG. 13. In one embodiment, when the door is closed, the doorjamb may be flush with a door side edge. In such an embodiment, the trigger hammer is generally parallel with the doorjamb upon closing the door, similar toFIG. 13, and the bolt assembly generally does not extend away from the door edge.

At this point, the connection arm103may continue its movement towards the door edge90, moving towards the trigger hammer108and in one embodiment sliding along a top surface of the bolt106to do so. When the connection arm extension119comes into contact with the trigger hammer third portion113, the connection arm extension is able to travel past the third portion. In one embodiment, this occurs because the extension is coupled to the connection arm through a biasing mechanism such as, but not limited to, a spring121. The extension may also be coupled to the connection arm through a hinge110.

Therefore, as the extension119contacts the third portion113and the connection arm105continues to extend towards the door edge90, a portion of an extension bottom edge may also continue towards the door edge, with an extension top edge pivoting on the third portion, compressing the biasing mechanism109, and rotating on the hinge110. As the bottom edge continues to generally travel towards the door edge, the extension continues to pivot on the third portion, with the extension top edge sliding down and eventually under the third portion. At a point where the entire extension top edge has slid past the third portion, the extension may extend back up in a position generally perpendicular to the connection arm. At this point, the switching mechanism may be released, with the bolt biasing mechanism105pulling the extension arm against the trigger hammer third portion. At the same time, in one embodiment, the trigger hammer biasing mechanism109, as best shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, pushes the trigger hammer against the door jamb. When the door is opened, the trigger hammer biasing mechanism enables the trigger hammer to pivot so that the trigger hammer first portion111extends outward from the door side edge and the third portion113moves upward, thereby releasing the connection arm, and allowing the switching apparatus16to return to the first position. The switching apparatus is returned to the first position by the signaling apparatus biasing mechanism102.

One Method of Displaying Room Occupancy Status:

As best shown inFIGS. 5A through 6Cand16A through17C, a method of displaying room occupancy status comprises closing a door97, moving a switching apparatus16from a first position to a second position, and displaying an occupancy status on a door outer surface96. In one method, the door has an occupancy indicator which includes a bolt assembly and includes moving the bolt assembly from a first position to a second position. In one method version, the first or second positions of the bolt assembly or switching apparatus are different positions. A method version also includes the additional step of opening the door. In such a version, opening the door automatically returns the bolt assembly and from the second position to the first position.

One method may have a bolt assembly which may include a magnet26. A strikeplate may also be used on the method, as best shown inFIGS. 5A through 6C. A method's strikeplate may be magnetized and may include a magnet which is not magnetized, but is a material which may create a magnetic field with the magnetized strikeplate. As best shown inFIG. 5C, when the door97is closed, the switching apparatus16may be moved to the second position. The switching apparatus may be a lever or a knob40operatively coupled to a plate45, with a knob portion extending into the interior of the door. As best shown inFIG. 5B, moving the switching apparatus to the second position may position the magnet proximal a door edge90, such as, but not limited to, a door side edge. The magnet may be operatively coupled to the switching apparatus and may be operatively coupled through a bolt assembly having mechanical linkage such as, but not limited to, a bearing which may be integrated to an arm which, in turn, may be coupled to a lever. The door edge may be proximal to a door jamb120. Other door edges may be used. Also, other operatively coupled mechanisms are also contemplated.

The switching apparatus16may also be coupled to a signaling device14. A shank may be used to couple to two items. The signaling device may display a plurality of signals. In one method, the signaling device may display a sign with the words “occupied” and a sign with the words “vacant”. In one method, when the switching apparatus is in the second position, as best shown inFIG. 5C, the signaling device displays the occupied sign, as best shown inFIG. 5A.

As best shown inFIG. 6B, when the door is opened, the magnet26slides to a retracted position away from the door edge90. This may happen due to the loss of magnetic force between the magnet and the strikeplate50. The magnet is pulled to the retracted position through a biasing mechanism such as, but not limited to, a spring27, as best shown inFIG. 5B. The spring may be operatively coupled to the switching apparatus such that when the switching apparatus is placed in the second position, a load is created in the spring (or other biasing mechanism). When the magnet is released, a first state is displayed on the signaling device, as best shown inFIG. 6Ashowing the vacant sign, and the switching apparatus is moved to the first position as best shown inFIG. 6C.

Instead of including a magnet26, the method may include a trigger hammer. As best shown inFIG. 16B, in one method, when the door97is closed and the switching apparatus is in an occupied position, the connection arm103may be in an extended position. One method may have the connection arm extended generally towards a door side edge90. The third portion115of the trigger hammer may be pressed against the door jamb120, with the first portion113of the trigger hammer holding a connection arm extension to keep the connection arm from being returned to the retracted position by a biasing mechanism. A connection arm biasing mechanism such as, but not limited to, a spring121, is also shown inFIG. 16B. When the connection arm is in the extended position, occupied state may be shown on the signaling device, as best shown inFIG. 16A, and the switching apparatus may be in an occupied state as well, as best shown inFIG. 16C.

Upon opening the door in one method, the connection arm103may be returned to a retracted position, as best shown inFIG. 17B. This may also cause the signaling device and switching apparatus to return to their vacant states, as best shown inFIGS. 17A and 17C. Returning the connection arm to the retracted position may be performed by unloading a biasing mechanism or releasing a trigger hammer.

Other Embodiments and Variations

The embodiments of the occupancy indication device and methods as illustrated in the accompanying figures and described above are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous variations to the invention have been contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.