Abstract:
A message sending device mounted under the garage door operating motor whereby a user generated message is projected onto the interior surface of the garage door in conjunction with the operation of the garage door.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    There are no related applications. 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0002]    Not applicable. 
       REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX 
       [0003]    None. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention generally relates to a message sending device for a garage door wherein the display of a message on the interior surface of the door is triggered by operation of the garage door. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The typical American family today is busier than ever. More often than not, both parents work and the children&#39;s extracurricular activities ensure that they are rarely, if ever, able to share a meal or otherwise spend time together. Communication is usually a matter of a scribbled note affixed to the refrigerator with a magnet, or a quick e-mail or text message. Similarly, our lives are so tightly scheduled that we often must depend on notes, for example, taped to our computer screens to remind us of important meetings or appointments. These messages are fleeting, quickly forgotten, and can be easily missed. What is needed is an apparatus that will ensure that messages cannot be missed and are seen by the person to whom it is directed. Preferably, that device will also require no change in the routine of the user. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention is a message sending device for use with a garage door opener. It is mounted adjacent the opener and triggered by its operation, whereby a message is displayed on the interior surface of the garage door. The message may be selected from pre-programmed messages provided with the apparatus, or may be created by the user using a keypad built into the unit, landline or mobile telephony, a computer, or any other current or nascent technology. The device is preferably provided as an adjunct to be fitted to an existing opener, but this invention also contemplates the device being incorporated into the opener during the manufacturing process. 
         [0007]    It is an object of the invention to provide a device for projecting a user selectable and/or programmable message on a garage door. 
         [0008]    It is another object of the invention to provide a garage door message sending device that may be installed by the user. 
         [0009]    It is yet another object of the invention to provide a household messaging center that is simple and intuitive to use. 
         [0010]    It is still another object of this invention to provide a household reminder system. 
         [0011]    The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a bottom plan view of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is the remote control of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The preferred embodiments and best modes of the invention are shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . While the invention is described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is not intended that the present invention be so limited. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalent arrangements as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
         [0015]    This invention is constructed from materials suitable for the manufacture of electrical and electronic devices, including visual projection devices. One skilled in the art will understand that these materials include but are not limited electrically conductive circuitry, various lens and materials necessary for projecting an image, and metal, plastic, or other material for the enclosure of the device. The device is retro-fitted to any garage door opener mechanism and includes a replacement garage door opener switch for controlling both the garage door itself and the adjunct message sending device of the present invention. 
         [0016]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , a bottom plan view of the invention is shown, including the message sending device  10  mounted beneath the drive motor of a garage door opener (not shown). The garage door opener motor drive (not shown) and message sending device  10  are themselves mounted beneath the garage door opener track  32 . A projection beam  15  emanates from the message sending device  15  whereby a message  16  is projected upon the interior surface  31  of any garage door  30 . 
         [0017]      FIG. 2  shows the replacement garage door switch  40  of the present invention, including its switchplate assembly  41 , switch button  42 , and central processing unit (CPU)  43 . The CPU  43  comprises a central processor and random access memory (RAM), either in the form of modules incorporated within the switchplate assembly  41  or via a universal serial bus (USB) interface that permits the user to simply insert a so-called “thumb drive” or “flash drive” containing the desired message into the switchplate assembly  41 . Also included is a telephonic interface (not shown) whereby the user may optionally “call” the device, either from a landline or mobile cellular telephone, and input a desired message. Additionally, one version includes a keyboard in communication with the CPU. 
         [0018]    In use, the user simply programs the desired message into the CPU  43  via 1) a thumb drive / flash drive inserted into its USB interface, 2) “calling” into the device using a landline or mobile cellular telephone, or 3) via its built-in keyboard. Thereafter, pressing switch button  42  causes the aforementioned message to be projected by the message sending device  10 , thereby appearing as a projected message  16  on the interior surface  31  of the garage door  30 . The projected message  16  is thereafter simply automatically deactivated after a suitable time, for example, 30 seconds, or is deactivated by the closing of the garage door  30 . 
         [0019]    The principles, preferred embodiments and modes of operation of the present invention have been described in the foregoing specification. However, the invention should not be construed as limited to the particular embodiments which have been described above. Instead, the embodiments described here should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. Variations and changes may be made by others without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the following claims: