Illuminated Sensing Edge Assembly For Swing Gate Barrier System

An illuminated sensing edge assembly has an axially elongate, triple tiered body including a first track, a second track and a third track. The first track is configured to connect with a swing gate barrier arm such that the body underlies the barrier arm when mounted thereto. The second track is constructed of an at least translucent material. An LED strip axially extends through the second channel and is configured to emit light to notify individuals of the barrier arm. A sensing edge underlies the body and is secured to the third track. The sensing edge is configured to elicit a stoppage or reversal of a closing operation of the barrier arm upon a force being applied to the sensing edge.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure relates to a sensing edge assembly, and, more particularly, to an illuminated sensing edge assembly for a swing gate barrier system.

Swing gate barrier systems are universally employed in multiple different settings, generally for the control and regulation of vehicular passage, e.g., ingress, egress or other access, in a safe and lawful manner. For example, swing gate barrier systems are employed in tollbooths, parking garages, residential developments, hotels, shopping malls, commercial offices, airports, railways and the like.

Referring toFIG.1, generally, swing gate barrier systems include a barrier system post2affixed to, and projecting upwardly from, the ground surface1and a barrier arm3(shown schematically) rotationally mounted to the barrier system post2. The barrier arm3is configured to rotate (via the motor5) between a substantially upright, open position (not shown) and a substantially horizontal, closed position.

On occasion, the barrier arms3make unintended contact with a vehicle or individual, potentially resulting in damage or injury. For example, a barrier arm3may go unnoticed, particularly when in the upright position, and may be configured with a timer to rotate downward upon completion, resulting in inadvertent collision with a vehicle or an individual.

To address this prospective hazardous occurrence, some barrier arms3have been equipped with an LED strip on each of a front face and a rear face of the barrier arm3to bring additional attention to the barrier arm3from either side. Additionally, or alternatively, some barrier arms3have been equipped with a sensing edge configured to stop rotation of the barrier arm3or rotate the barrier arm3back into the upright position upon sensing contact of the barrier arm3with an underlying object.

One drawback of such approaches is the added weight to the rotating barrier arm3, especially considering the length of the arm and the added stress on the motor unit employed to rotate the barrier arm3. Such added stress may shorten the operating life of the unit. Additionally, added weight unfavorably increases the force of the barrier arm3while rotating downwardly. Employing two separate LED strips and possibly also a sensing edge also further adds to the cost.

It would, therefore, be advantageous to manufacture an illuminated sensing edge assembly for a swing gate barrier system that incorporates a single LED strip and is mountable to the barrier arm in a manner that is visible from both the front and rear sides of the system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an illuminated sensing edge assembly having an axially elongate, triple tiered body including a first track, a second track and a third track. The first track is configured to connect with a swing gate barrier arm such that the body underlies the barrier arm when mounted thereto. The second track is constructed of an at least translucent material. An LED strip axially extends through the second channel and is configured to emit light to notify individuals of the barrier arm. A sensing edge underlies the body and is secured to the third track. The sensing edge is configured to elicit a stoppage or reversal of a closing operation of the barrier arm upon a force being applied to the sensing edge.

Briefly stated, another aspect of the present disclosure is directed to an illuminated sensing edge assembly having an axially elongate, triple tiered body including a first track, a second track and a third track. The first track is configured to connect with a swing gate barrier arm such that the body underlies the barrier arm when mounted thereto. The second track is constructed of an at least translucent material. An LED strip axially extends through the second channel and is configured to emit light to notify individuals of the barrier arm. A sensing edge underlies the body and is secured to the third track, the sensing edge being configured to elicit a stoppage or reversal of a closing operation of the barrier arm upon a force being applied to the sensing edge. An end cap is movably attached to the body proximate an axial end of the body, the end cap including two halves hingedly connected proximate a base thereof, whereby the end cap is selectively manipulatable to diverge the two halves away from one another and converge the two halves toward one another about the hinged connection in a clamshell style. The end cap is movable between an open, mounted position, wherein the end cap forms an oblique angle with the body and the axial end of the body is at least partially exposed, and a closed, mounted position, wherein the axial end of the body is covered by the end cap.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the sensing edge assembly, and designated parts thereof, in accordance with the present disclosure. In describing the sensing edge assembly, the terms proximal and distal are used in relation to the user, proximal being closer to the barrier system post and distal being further from the barrier system post. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead should be read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the words noted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown inFIGS.1-5, an illuminated sensing edge assembly, generally designated10, for a swing gate barrier system (FIG.1), in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The illuminated sensing edge assembly10includes an axially elongate assembly body12. In the illustrated embodiment, the elongate body12is triple tiered, having a first or upper track/channel14, overlying a second or middle track/channel16, overlying a third or base track/channel18. In the illustrated embodiment, the assembly body12is a monolithic structure, i.e., formed as a single, integral and unitary structure, but the disclosure is not so limited.

The illuminated sensing edge assembly10is configured to mount/clip onto a barrier arm3of a swing gate barrier system via the first track14. As should be understood, the barrier arm3is shown schematically in the figures and is intended to encompass different styles and types of barrier arms. The first track14may be modified to complement a particular style and type of barrier arm. In the illustrated embodiment, the first track14defines a widest lateral extent W14(in a direction perpendicular to the axial extent and perpendicular to the elevational extent) of the body12. The first track14is configured to axially receive a base portion (or a mounting assembly) of a barrier arm3therethrough, such that the illuminated sensing edge assembly10underlies the barrier arm3when mounted thereto. As shown, the first track14includes a pair of parallel and laterally spaced apart, axially extending upper surfaces14aas well as a pair of elevationally spaced, parallel and laterally spaced apart, axially extending, lower surfaces14b. The pair of upper surfaces14adefine an axially extending, central upper void14ctherebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of lower surfaces14balso define an axially extending, central lower void14dtherebetween, but the disclosure is not so limited. The upper and lower pairs of surfaces14a,14bdefine laterally spaced apart generally U-shaped mounting ledges15(in a cross-section defined by the elevational and lateral planes) in facing relation with one another, configured to axially receive, for example, an inverted T-shaped mounting structure3aof the barrier arm3.

The second track/channel16, underlying the first track14, is generally rectangular in cross-section (defined by the elevational and lateral planes). In the illustrated embodiment, the second track/channel16defines a narrower lateral extent W16(in a direction perpendicular to the axial extent and perpendicular to the elevational extent) than the lateral extent W14of the first track14, but the disclosure is not so limited. The axially extending, central lower void14dalso forms a continuous cavity between the first track14and the second track/channel16, but the disclosure is not so limited.

As shown best inFIGS.3-5, an elongate single LED strip20axially extends through the second channel16. In the illustrated embodiment, the second channel16includes a continuous base surface16band a pair of axially extending, upper ledges16abounding the axially extending, central lower void14d. As shown best inFIGS.3and4, the LED strip20is stabilized between the base surface16band the ledges16a. As should be understood, however, the LED strip20may additionally or alternatively be stabilized within the second channel16via numerous means currently known or that later become known, such as by an adhesive.

The LED strip20is electrically connected with a controller4(FIG.1), e.g., installed within the barrier system post2and a power source (not shown). In one configuration, the controller4may be configured to have the LED strip20emit light having a first color, e.g., green, when the barrier arm3is in the fully open, i.e., upright, position, and emit light having a different, second color, e.g., red, whenever the barrier arm3is not in the fully open position, i.e., in the fully closed (horizontal or parallel to the underlying ground surface) position or any position other than fully open position. Alternatively, the controller4may be configured to have the LED strip20emit light having a first color when the barrier arm3is in the fully open position, emit a different, emit light having second color when the barrier arm3is in the fully closed position, and emit light having a different, third color, e.g., yellow, when the barrier arm3is positioned anywhere in between the fully closed and fully open positions. Advantageously, mounting the illuminated sensing edge assembly10to an underside of the barrier arm3allows visibility of the LED strip20from both the front and rear of the barrier arm3. That is, the barrier arm3does not, itself, obscure the emittance of the LED strip20from the front or rear thereof. Accordingly, only a single LED strip20is required to bring the barrier arm3, and particularly the position thereof, to the attention of individuals on either the front side or the rear side of the barrier arm3.

To maximize emittance of the LED strip20, the elongate body12may advantageously be constructed of an at least translucent (which includes substantially transparent) material. For example, the elongate body12may be constructed of a clear vinyl material. The elongate material may also advantageously be constructed of a material having UV inhibitor(s) to mitigate premature degradation of the material (e.g., yellowing or reduction in clarity) due to UV light exposure. As one example, the elongate body12may be constructed of Rimtec 43006 UV Clear manufactured by Rimtec Corporation.

Referring again toFIGS.2and3, the third or base track/channel18, underlying the second channel16, is also generally rectangular in cross-section (defined by the elevational and lateral planes). In the illustrated embodiment, the base track/channel18defines the narrowest lateral extent W18(in a direction perpendicular to the axial extent and perpendicular to the elevational extent) of the body12, but the disclosure is not so limited. The base track/channel18is configured to secure a sensing edge22thereto, such as, for example, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,640, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the base track18includes a pair of parallel and laterally spaced apart, axially extending, base ledges18a, elevationally spaced from the base surface16bof the second channel16and defining an axially elongate cavity17therebetween. The pair of base ledges18adefine an axially extending, central base void18btherebetween, i.e., an axially elongate opening to the cavity17. The axially extending, central base void18b, in combination with the pair of base ledges18a, is configured to support an axially elongate, T-shaped (in a cross-section defined by the elevational and lateral planes) mounting member24projecting upwardly from the sensing edge22, thereby attaching the sensing edge22to elongate body12. As should be understood, however, the sensing edge22may additionally or alternatively be secured to the elongate body12via any other suitable manner.

As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the sensing edge22is configured at least to halt or reverse a closing operation of the barrier arm3upon a force being applied to the sensing edge22. The sensing edge22includes an axially elongate sheath26underlying the mounting member24. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting member24and the sheath26are monolithic, but the disclosure is not so limited. In one non-limiting configuration, the mounting member24and the sheath26may be constructed of a form-retaining but flexible material, such as an elastomeric material (e.g., rubber).

The sheath26defines an internal, axially elongate cavity28, which is compressible upon application of an external force. Axially extending within the elongate cavity28are two spaced apart electrically conductive members30a,30b, e.g., electrically conductive polymers, which operate as two opposing electrical contacts of a circuit (not shown) connected with the controller4. In their normal orientation, when the sheath26is uncompressed, the circuit is open/disconnected. Upon sufficient compression of the sheath26, e.g., upon contact with an object, which causes the two electrically conductive members30a,30bto make contact with one another, the circuit is closed/connected, whereby the controller4is actuated and configured to halt or reverse a closing operation of the barrier arm3(e.g., via a motor5). The LED strip20can also change colors or flash intermittently upon contact with the sheath26

Turning toFIGS.6-11, the sensing edge assembly10may further include a respective end cap32connected to each axial end of the elongate body12. In one configuration, the end cap32is generally U-shaped in cross-section (defined by the elevational and lateral planes), but the disclosure is not so limited. In one configuration, the end cap32also defines a first axial section37aadjacent a second axial section37b. In the illustrated configuration, the first axial section37ais narrower than the second axial section37b, but the disclosure is not so limited. As should be understood, the end cap32may be formed of a single axial section or more than two axial sections of equal or varying thickness.

The end cap32also defines two halves32a,32bin facing engagement with one another and defining a cavity32ctherebetween. The two halves32a,32bdefine a closed rear end37c(relative to the elongate body12) and are connected at a base thereof by an axially extending living hinge33therebetween, thereby defining base and rear walls for the cavity32c. Conversely, as shown best inFIG.7, the cavity32chas open front and top ends. The living hinge33enables the end cap32to be selectively opened and closed in a clamshell style, i.e., enabling the halves32a,32bto diverge away from one another and converge toward one another about the hinge33. Alternatively, the two halves32a,32bof the end cap32may be connected by other hinge types currently known or that later become known. Further alternatively, the end cap32may be constructed of a material having sufficient flexibility to permit the two halves32a,32bto flex toward and away from one another as required to mount the end cap32onto the elongate body12without the presence of a hinge. In one configuration, the end cap32is constructed of a polymeric material, e.g., polypropylene, but the disclosure is not so limited.

Each end cap32is movably attached to the elongate body12proximate an axial end thereof. The end cap32is configured to complement the external cross-sectional footprint of the elongate body12and the attached sensing edge22underlying the elongate body12. Accordingly, the end cap32is also generally triple tiered, having a first or top level34a, overlying a second or middle level34b, overlying a third or bottom level34c. The cavity32cdefines the interior of the first, second and third levels34a,34b,34c. In the fully mounted state of the end cap32(FIGS.10,11), i.e., a closed, mounted position, the first level34agenerally elevationally aligns with the first track14, the second level34bgenerally elevationally aligns with the second track16, and the third level34cgenerally elevationally aligns with both the third track18and the sensing edge22. In the fully mounted state of the end cap32, the axial ends of the elongate body12and the sensing edge22are received within, and covered by, the internal cavity32c.

As shown, the end cap32includes a pair of axially extending ledges/fingers35each having a laterally inwardly projecting peg36, i.e., the two pegs36projecting toward one another. The pegs36are configured to engage corresponding apertures (not shown) in the elongate body12to pivotably attach the end cap32to the elongate body12. Generally, to mount the end cap32onto the elongate body12, the halves32a,32bof the end cap32may be opened/diverged as necessary about the hinge33and the end cap32is positioned upon an axial end of the elongate body12and sensing edge22and the end cap32is subsequently clamped to engage the pegs36with the corresponding apertures formed in the elongate body12. In the illustrated configuration, the ledges35axially project from the second level34b, and, therefore, the corresponding apertures in the elongate body12are formed in the opposing sidewalls of the second track16, but the disclosure is not so limited. The end cap32is, therefore, pivotable relative to the elongate body12between an open, mounted position (FIGS.6,9), wherein the end cap32is mounted to the elongate body12and forms an oblique angle therewith, and the closed, mounted position. As shown best inFIG.9, the axial end of the elongate body12remains at least partially exposed in the open, mounted position of the end cap32, whereas the axial end of the elongate body12is covered by the end cap32in the closed, mounted position (FIGS.10,11). Advantageously, as shown inFIG.6, two end caps32may be attached to the elongate body12as a component of the illuminated sensing edge assembly10during assembly thereof and the ends caps32may be maintained in the open, mounted position prior to engagement of the assembly10with a swing gate barrier system. The assembly10may, therefore, be transported to the user/consumer with the end caps32pre-attached.

As shown best inFIGS.7and10, and similarly to the first track14of the elongate body14, the first level34aof the end cap32includes a pair of parallel and laterally spaced apart, axially extending upper surfaces38aas well as a pair of elevationally spaced, parallel and laterally spaced apart, axially extending, lower surfaces38b. The void between the upper surfaces38adefines the open top of the cavity32c. The upper and lower pairs of surfaces38a,38balso define laterally spaced apart channels therebetween. An axially extending polymeric, e.g., elastomeric, strip39is fitted within each channel. In one configuration, the polymeric strip39may be constructed of Santoprene, but the disclosure is not so limited.

In one configuration, as previously described, the barrier arm3may define an inverted T-shaped mounting structure3a. In such a configuration, after mounting of the sensing edge assembly10to the barrier arm3(as previously described), and with the halves32a,32bsufficiently diverged from one another about the hinge33, the end cap32may be pivoted from the open, mounted position thereof to the close position thereof, wherein the inverted T-shaped mounting structure3ais received within the first level34aand positioned between the polymeric strips39. Subsequently, the halves32a,32bmay be sufficiently fastened with one another to form a press-fit between the strips39and the mounting structure3atherebetween to fix the end cap32to the barrier arm3(FIGS.10,11). As shown, the one of the halves32a,32bmay include an aperture40aand the other of the halves32a,32bmay include a threaded post40baligned with the aperture40a. A fastener41may be inserted through the aperture40aand threadedly engaged with the threaded post40band sufficiently tightened. As should be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, the first and second halves32a,32bmay be selectively tightened together or loosed apart via any of numerous means currently known, or that later become known, capable of functioning in like manner as described herein.

As shown inFIGS.6,9and10, the barrier arm3may alternatively define an axially elongate mounting channel6, open at the base end thereof. As shown, the mounting channel6may define a generally rectangular shape in cross-section (defined by the elevational and lateral planes), but the disclosure is not so limited. A pair of oppositely facing, generally hook-shaped, axially extending ledges6aproject downwardly within the mounting channel6. Each mounting ledge15of the elongate body12is configured to axially receive, i.e., in a slidable manner, a corresponding hook-shaped ledge6aof the barrier arm3.

Thereafter, with the halves32a,32bsufficiently diverged from one another about the hinge33, the end cap is 32 is pivoted from the open, mounted position into the closed, mounted position, i.e., into engagement with the generally hook-shaped ledges6a. The laterally spaced apart upper surfaces38aare each dimensioned to advance through a lateral opening between a corresponding hook-shaped ledge6aand a corresponding sidewall of the mounting channel6. The end cap32is subsequently pivoted into the closed, mounted position thereof and sufficiently fastened with one another to form a press-fit between the strips39and the mounting structure hook-shapes ledges6atherebetween to fix the end cap32to the barrier arm3(as previously described).

As shown inFIGS.6,7,9, and10, the end cap32also defines an arcuate recess42along a top edge of the closed rear end37c. As previously described, the LED strip20and the sensing edge22are electrically connected with the controller4. Advantageously, the cavity32cand the recess42operate as a cradle for the wires8extending from the LED strip20and the sensing edge22, thereby alleviating gravitationally induced and/or motion induced strain on the wires8, particularly at the junction between the wires8and the LED strip20and the sensing edge22.