Gate system with automatic locking and unlocking feature

A controlled gate system is comprised of a barrier arm which is pivotally connected to a first fixed support. A motion detector is secured to a second fixed support spaced a predetermined distance from the first fixed support and in alignment therewith to create a restricted passageway with the barrier arm normally resting in an obstructing position within the passageway. The barrier arm is arrested at the obstructing position by a solenoid actuated latch which is disengaged by the motion detector. The arc of displacement of the barrier arm is also restricted to permit passage through the passageway in a single direction. Under certain conditions a controller will permit the barrier arm to be disengaged to permit passage in the passageway in opposed directions. The motion detector of the preferred embodiment is constituted by a further barrier arm.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a controlled gate system with automatic locking and unlocking feature and particularly, but not exclusively, for use in shopping establishments.

BACKGROUND ART

A multitude of gate systems are known whereby to restrict passage or control the passage of people in specific areas. Some of these systems are in the form of complicated barriers or turnstile systems or simply a single arm which is pivotally connected at one end by a pivoting mechanism permitting passage in a single direction. An example of such single arm systems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,561,520. Many of these systems are complex in design and are therefore subject to wear and breakage and require frequent maintenance. This can be a nuisance particularly if such gates become broken and locked preventing a person from entering into an establishment such as a supermarket.

Another disadvantage of known prior art one-way self-closing gates is that many of these gates permit passage in only a single direction and in an emergency situation it is not possible or very difficult to exit an establishment through these barriers. Another disadvantage of some of these entrance gate systems is that they do not provide alarms if they are misused such as person trying to exit therethrough and therefore require periodic surveyance. Still further, some of these entrance gate systems permit easy undetected exit therethrough by a person maintaining the barriers or a pair of barriers in a double-gate system, in an open position for a long period of time permitting exit therethrough of another person and even the passage of shopping carts.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide an entrance gate system which substantially overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a controlled gate system which is simple in construction and which provides for controlled passage therethrough in a single direction or in opposed directions during alarm conditions or during other conditions when necessary to do so by personnel of an establishment where the entrance gate system is provided.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a controlled gate system having an automatic locking and unlocking feature.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a controlled gate system equipped with audible and visual alarms to regulate the passage of people through the entrance gate system and to indicate abnormal conditions.

Another feature of the present invention is to provide a controlled gate system having a controller which is interfaced with a general alarm system of an establishment to permit passage in opposed directions during certain alarm conditions.

According to the above features, from a broad aspect, the present invention provides a controlled gate system comprising a barrier arm pivotally connected to a first fixed support. Motion detection means is secured to a second fixed support spaced a predetermined distance from the first fixed support and in alignment therewith to create a restricted passageway with the barrier arm normally resting in an obstructing position within the passageway. Arresting means is provided for arresting the barrier arm at the obstructing position. Control means is provided to position the arresting means at an engaged or disengaged position to arrest or release the barrier arm from pivotal movement. Stopper means is provided to restrict the arc of displacement of the barrier arm from the obstructing position to a non-obstructing position to permit passage through the passageway in a single direction when the arresting means is at the disengaged position.

According to a further broad aspect of the present invention the motion detection means is constituted by a second barrier arm having a sensing means associated therewith to sense the displacement of the second barrier arm in the direction of the passageway whereby to disable the arresting means to permit both barrier arms to be pivoted in an open direction for the passage through the passageway and within a predetermined time period after which an alarm condition is sound.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings and more particularly toFIG. 1, there is shown generally at10a gate system constructed in accordance with the present invention. The gate system will be referred to herein as an entrance gate system to an establishment, but it may also be used in other applications. As hereinshown there are two entrance gate systems10and10′ secured in a side-by-side position. Only one of these systems will be described herein as these are constructed in an identical manner. The entrance gate system10is comprised of a first fixed support11, herein in the form of a support column12to which a barrier arm assembly13is pivotally connected. A motion detection means which is hereinshown in the form of a second support column12′ is secured at a predetermined distance from the first support column12and it is provided with a motion detection means which is herein illustrated in the form of a second barrier arm assembly13′. It is also envisaged that the second support column12may be any other type of support in which a motion detector may be secured to detect the passage of a person entering the entrance gate system10of the present invention. The support columns12and12′ are secured in side alignment and create a restricted passageway14to permit the passage of people in the direction of arrow15from the outer support column12′ to the inner support column12.

As hereinshown the barrier arm assemblies13and13′ normally rest in an obstructing position across the passageway14, herein transversely at substantially 90° therein.

As also shown inFIG. 1and conventional with these passageways, tubular barrier rods16are conveniently secured with respect to the support columns to provide a restricted passageway. All of the columns and barrier rods are rigidly anchored to the floor17of an establishment to permit one-way restricted passage.

With additional reference now toFIGS. 2 to 11B, there will be described the construction and operation of the barrier arm assemblies13and13′ and their securement to their support columns12and12′. As shown inFIG. 2, the inner support column12and outer support column12′ are hollow vertical support tubes each having a securement base18to be anchored into the floor17. These support columns12and12′ are provided with a top support bracket19and19′, respectively and bottom support brackets20and20′ respectively. The bottom support bracket20of the inner support column12is of different construction than the bottom support bracket20′ of the outer support column12′ as better illustrated inFIGS. 3,5and6.

As shown inFIGS. 3,5and6, the bottom support bracket20of the inner column12is provided with two spaced-apart horizontal support walls, namely a bottom support wall21and an upper support guide wall22. The upper support guide wall22is provided with a U-shaped slot23to receive a lower end portion of a vertical tubular support member24(seeFIG. 6), forming part of the barrier arm assembly13and in close guided fit therein. A passage8permits passage of a stopper element45to a non-engaging position. A hole25is provided in the bottom support wall21and aligned centrally with the U-shaped slot23whereby to secure the lower end of a stationary vertical shaft35disposed within the tubular support member24, as will be later described.

Secured to the bottom support wall21is a solenoid26which is operated by a signal received from a sensor27, as shown inFIG. 8, which detects the displacement of a stopper ring28secured to the bottom end of the vertical tubular support member24, as shown inFIG. 6. The solenoid26is provided with an energizable coil29which actuates a solenoid rod30connected to an arresting latch31through a pivotal linkage32whereby to position the arresting latch31at an engaged obstructing position with respect to the stopper ring28, as shown inFIG. 5, and at a disengaged, non-obstructing position as shown inFIG. 6. The solenoid26actuated latch31constitutes a displaceable arresting means to arrest the barrier arms9of the barrier arm assembly13at the obstructing position within the passageway14.

The bottom support bracket20′ of the outer support column12′, as shown inFIG. 4, is not equipped with a solenoid and latch and it supports the bottom end of the vertical tubular support member24′ of the second barrier arm assembly13′ for rotation from an obstructing position as shown inFIG. 1to an open position inwardly of the passageway in the direction of arrow15and displaceable substantially 90° therewithin to permit free access to the passageway14. The bracket20′ also has a bottom support wall21′ and an upper support wall22′ provided with a U-shaped slot23′ to receive the vertical tubular support member24′ as shown inFIG. 4. The vertical tubular support member24′ is also provided with a stopper ring28′ but constructed differently as will be described further on.

Referring now toFIGS. 9 to 11B, there is shown the construction of the barrier arm assemblies13or13′. The assemblies each comprise a stationary vertical shaft35which is of rod shape as shown inFIG. 11Band having a threaded bore36at a top end thereof for receiving a fastener36′ therein, seeFIGS. 7 and 9, to secure the top ends of the shafts35immovable in their respective top support brackets19and19′. The bottom end has a connecting rod38which is positioned in the hole25in the bottom support walls21and21′ of the support bracket19, as shown inFIG. 7whereby to secure the shafts35immovable in a vertical position. The stationary vertical shaft35is further provided with an upwardly angulated stationary ramp formation37spaced from an upper end38of the stationary vertical shaft35and secured to the shaft by fasteners39. As shown inFIG. 11B, the stationary ramp formation37has opposed angularly shaped engageable guide surfaces40.

Referring now toFIGS. 9 and 10, it can be seen that the vertical tubular support member24is provided at an upper end thereof with a ramp follower member41and as shown inFIG. 10, the vertical tubular support member24is adapted to be positioned over the stationary vertical shaft35in the direction of arrow43and not yet in full position wherein the slope formation42rests on the engageable guide surfaces40of the stationary ramp formation37. Accordingly, when the barrier arm9is displaced from its obstructing position, as shown inFIG. 1, towards a non-obstructing position by a pushing force, the ramp follower slope formation42is caused to be displaced upwardly by its frictional contact with the upwardly angulated stationary ramp formation37causing the vertical tubular support member24and the barrier arm9to move away from its obstructing position and rise as it is displaced from its obstructing position towards an open position. When the pushing force is released on the barrier arm the ramp follower member41will cause the vertical tubular support member24to descend by gravity over the stationary vertical support shaft35with the barrier arm9re-establishing its obstructing transverse position. Accordingly, the vertical tubular member24is axially rotatably supported over the stationary vertical shaft35.

With reference now more specifically toFIGS. 5 to 8, there is shown the construction of stopper means whereby to arrest the displacement of the barrier arms from their normally obstructing position, as shown inFIG. 1, to an open position in the direction of arrow15. As previously described, stopper rings28and28′ are secured to the bottom end of the vertical tubular support members24and24′, respectively, of the barrier arm assemblies13and13′. The stopper ring28is provided with two spaced-apart abutment surfaces44and44′ disposed at1800from one another, seeFIG. 5. A stopper member45, seeFIGS. 3 and 5, is positioned against the support column12and disposed for abutting engagement by the abutment surface44when the vertical tubular support member with the stopper ring28is rotated in the direction of arrow15, as shown inFIG. 1, to restrict the position of the barrier arm9to an open angle of 90° with respect to the vertical support column12. Similarly, as shown inFIG. 7, a further stopper ring28″ is secured adjacent the upper end of the vertical tubular support member24but it has abutment surfaces47which are herein disposed at 90° angles from one another. The reason for this is that the abutment surface40′ of the lower stopper ring28is disposed for abutment with the arresting latch31of the solenoid26when in an engaged position to arrest the opening of the barrier arm assembly13or more to arrest the rotation of the stopper ring28in the direction of arrow46. The upper ring28″ will only permit 90° rotation of the vertical tubular support member due to the position of its abutment surfaces47engaging either side of an upper stopper member45′.

As shown inFIG. 8, the bottom stopper ring28′ of the vertical tubular support member24′ of the second or outer barrier arm assembly13′ is constructed identically with the upper stopper ring28″ which is also provided at the upper end of its vertical tubular support member24′.

Referring toFIGS. 3,4,14and15, it can be seen that the stopper members45and45′ are secured at opposed ends of a displaceable support rod48which is a flat metal rod having opposed narrower extensions49, herein a bottom extension49which is longer than an upper extension49′, seeFIG. 14, and on which the stopper members, herein rectangular metal blocks having opposed parallel vertical arresting surfaces45″ are immovably secured. The reason for the narrow extension49being longer is that the bottom support brackets21are double-wall brackets needing a longer extension as the displaceable support rod is axially displaceable whereby to position the stopper member45at an engaged position, as shown inFIGS. 3 and 5, and at a disengaged position wherein the stopper members are disposed through the top wall22and top wall19of the lower and upper support brackets20and25, to provide free axial rotation of the vertical tubular support member24and24′ in emergency situations or when desired. The stopper rings of the tubular support members24and24′ prevent the barrier arms9and9′ from being pivotally displaced outwards in a direction opposite arrow15shown inFIG. 1.

With reference now toFIGS. 12A to 12C, it can be seen that the tubular support columns12and12′ are each provided with displaceable vertical support rods48and48′, respectively, as previously described, on a face thereof facing the direction of the brackets, herein support brackets20′ and19′ of column12′. Each displaceable support rod48and48′ is connected to a respective actuator50which is housed within the columns12and12′ in the actuator housings51, as shown inFIGS. 12A and 12C. The actuator construction is illustrated inFIG. 13. The purpose of the actuators50is to displace the stopper members45and45′ from their engaging position with the stopper rings28and28′ in emergency situations. The actuators50have an electric motor52coupled to gearing or other type of drive (not shown) housed within the housing53to cause a displaceable arm54to move in and out of the arm housing55. With further reference toFIGS. 17 and 18, the displaceable arm54has an attachment bracket56at a free end thereof for securement to an attaching plate57which is secured to the support rod48through the hole48′, seeFIG. 14. Fasteners57′ secure the plate57to the bracket56. A spacer block57′ extends through openings56′ of the plate57to connect thereto. The spacer block57′ moves within a slot58provided in the front face59of the support column12′, seeFIG. 18, to cause the displaceable support rod48to move up and down in a guided fashion. The slot58is sufficiently long whereby to position the stopper members45and45′ in a non-engaging position above their respective stopper rings to free the tubular support members24and24′.

FIG. 19shows the construction of the support columns12and12′ and as hereinshown these columns are substantially of square cross-section but could also be of different cross-section. The back walls60and60′ of these columns have removable section(s) whereby to secure the actuators50, wiring, etc. As shown inFIG. 13, the actuator is provided with an attachment bracket59at an upper end thereof to removably secure same in its respective support columns12and12′. A control circuit is also provided in the upper ends of the inner support column12on a suitable support61(seeFIG. 19) and the top end of this support is provided with signaling means in the form of flashing LED lights and audible sound generating means to generate an alarm under alarm conditions as will be described later. Of course, both the inner and outer support columns12and12′ could be provided with these alarm generating means which are obvious to a person skilled in the art.

With reference now toFIG. 20, there is shown a block diagram of the control means constituted by two controller modules65and65′, one in each column, and their associated devices. The controller assemblies are concealed in the posts and the posts are provided with caps62and62′ to prevent tampering. These caps and/or columns are provided with openings to render the visual and audible alarms effective.

FIG. 20is a simplified schematic diagram of the wiring system and devices associated with the controller modules65and65′. Controller module65is positioned within the inner support column12and controller module65′ within the outer support column12′. These controllers are provided with a power supply from a 120 volt outlet63of an establishment64where the entrance gate system10is installed. A DC voltage is supplied through an AC to DC converter71to provide a 12-volt DC supply to the controllers65and65′. A battery back-up70is also provided in case of power failure. These establishments also have fire alarm systems65and an output connection66therefrom is also fed to the controllers65and65′ whereby the controllers actuate the actuators50and50′ when a specific alarm condition is detected to release the barrier arms from engagement. A programmable timer circuit, not shown, is also associated with the controller65′ to set the time delay for normal passage in the passageway. Optical sensor27, as shown inFIG. 8, provides signals to the controller65. Another sensor27′, associated with the inner support column12, also provides a signal to the controller65′ to indicate the position of the inner barrier arm9. As hereinshown the solenoid26is also controlled by the controller65′.

As shown inFIG. 20, a key switch connection72is provided to cause the controllers to actuate the actuators50and50′ whereby to position the stopper elements to a non-engageable position whereby to free the barrier arms of both the inner and outer support columns whereby they can pivot in either direction from their normal obstructing position. As also herein illustrated both inner and outer support columns12and12′ are provided with audible and/or visual alarms73and73′. Sensor switches74and74′ are conveniently located in their respective support columns whereby to sense the position of the stopper elements45, and namely the displaceable support rod48and provide signals to their respective controllers65and65′. As previously mentioned, a timer circuit, not shown, is a programmable timer circuit and is adjustable whereby to adjust the time delay for the passage of persons within the passageway14in the direction15as shown inFIG. 1.

The entire system can be de-activated by the use of a key operated switch72or remotely through the alarm system of the establishment thereby permitting people to exit through the entrance gate system in case of fire or other such major emergencies. If the system is disengaged by use of a key it needs to be re-engaged by the key. Key slots, not shown, are provided on both of the support columns. If the system is disengaged by an alarm condition, there is provided a reset button on a supply panel to re-activate the system.

As shown inFIG. 21, if the barrier arm9′ is pushed in the direction of arrow15, this automatically disengages the alarm systems73and73′ and disengages the solenoid arresting latch31of the barrier arm9. When the barrier arm9′ returns to its arresting position, as shown inFIG. 1, with a person now having entered the passageway14, the timer starts counting a programmed time lapse92while the person exits through the second barrier arm9. The system re-arms itself once the time delay92has expired. The time delay92is adjustable in the program. The barrier arm assembly13also cannot activate the alarms73and73′ if the barrier arm9is opened and closed during the time delay. The alarms73and73′ are automatically re-armed after the time delay. The diagram ofFIG. 21illustrates this normal sequence of operation.

Referring now toFIGS. 22 and 23, there are illustrated alarm conditions. As shown inFIG. 22, if the barrier arm9of the inner barrier arm assembly13remains open when the system is armed, this being shown by the block extension80, the alarm circuits are armed and this triggers a visual and/or audible alarm, as shown by block95, provided in the support columns. This alarm95will stay on as long as the barrier arm9remains open, that is to say until it returns to its obstructing position. Such is illustrated inFIG. 23.

FIG. 24depicts normal repetitive passage of people through the entrance gate system10of the present invention. As hereinshown when many people pass through the gate system one behind the other, the passage delay is too short to trigger the alarm system and such cannot be activated until the barrier arm9returns to its normal obstructing position. An alarm is triggered only if the barrier arm9is maintained open when the alarm is re-armed, as shown at81, after the time delay92. The blocks82illustrate the opening times of the barrier arm9′ of the outer assembly13′ whereas the blocks83show the conditions of the barrier arm9of the inner barrier arm assembly13. As hereinshown the barrier arm9has re-closed, as illustrated by block83′ prior to the alarm system having been armed as illustrated by block81and no alarm is sound.

As shown inFIGS. 24A and 24B, when the barrier arm9′ of the outer barrier arm assembly13′ is opened the solenoid is actuated and the barrier arm9is free to pivot. When the barrier arm9′ re-closes as shown by block84, it actuates the timer66as shown by block85. This timer has no effect on the system if the barrier arms are open during the timer sequence as shown inFIGS. 24A and 24B. When the barrier arm9returns to its obstructing position, as shown by block86, the controller engages the solenoid to lock the barrier arm9in its obstructing position at the time period87. The system is then re-armed as illustrated by the block88. If the barrier arm9, block86, remains open past the program delay, block85, then an alarm condition will be established until the barrier arm9returns to its closed position as shown at time period89. The system then becomes re-armed at this time period89as shown by block90.

As shown inFIG. 25it is possible that a person may start entering the passageway14and then decide not to enter as the barrier arm9′ is pushed inwardly in the direction of the passageway. This situation is illustrated by block91wherein the barrier arm91has been pushed towards an open position. This automatically disengages the latch of the solenoid permitting the barrier arm assembly13to pivot inwardly of the establishment in the direction of arrow25,FIG. 1. However, the arm9is not moved. After the programmed time delay, as illustrated by block92, the barrier arm9, which has not been displaced, is simply re-engaged by the latch31of the solenoid26and the alarm circuits73and73′, illustrated by block93are re-armed.

When using optical light beams instead of the barrier arm13′, two light beams are used one near the bottom and one near the top of column12′. Both beams have to be interfered within a set time delay to disconnect the latch of the barrier arm13. The alarm system can be de-activated as previously described.

It is within the ambit of the present invention to provide any obvious modifications of the embodiment described herein provided such modifications fall within the scope of the appended claims. As previously described it is envisaged that the entrance gate system of the present invention may be comprised of a single barrier arm assembly13, as shown inFIG. 26, and that suitable sensing means may be provided at an entrance end of the passageway14to detect a person or a shopping cart or any object entering into the passageway and wherein such sensor would then automatically disengage the solenoid permitting the barrier arm assembly13to pivot.

FIG. 27shows a further modification wherein the barrier arm assembly13′ is also provided with a solenoid assembly126identical in construction and operation as the solenoid26associated with the barrier arm assembly13. The purpose of the solenoid assembly126is to latch the barrier arm assembly13′ after a set time delay after engaging the barrier arm assembly13preventing the exiting through the entrance gate system by holding the barrier arm assembly13in an open position.

AlthoughFIG. 1illustrates two entrance gate systems installed side-by-side, there could be more than two such entrance gate systems. It is also envisaged that such entrance gate systems could also be installed as an exit gate system wherein the outer support column12′, which would then be positioned inwardly of an establishment, may be provided with a detector100which detects active security protective devices placed on articles to prevent theft. The support column may also be equipped with an electronic motion detector101. In the event that a person passes through the motion detector101with the security device disarmed, then the solenoid would be automatically disengaged permitting the person to freely exit the establishment. In the event that the sensing device detects an active security device then this would cause the solenoid26to remain engaged preventing the barrier arm assembly13to pivot and the alarm would be activated. A by-pass switch can be provided locally or remotely to retract the solenoid latch in the event of false alarms which occur when security devices are not properly deactivated at the cash registry.