Patent Abstract:
A barrier movement operator controls the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator includes a movable utility light. A head unit is communication with the movable utility light to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit provides power to the movable utility light in response to performance of the moveable barrier functions and also in response to movement of the movable utility light from a first position disposed at the head unit.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to movable lights, and more particularly to a movable light for use with a movable barrier operator. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various remotely controllable access control mechanisms are known, including movable barrier operators for movable barriers including, but not limited to, single and segmented garage doors, pivoting and sliding doors and cross-arms, rolling shutters, and the like. In general, each such system includes a primary barrier control mechanism. The latter couples in an appropriate way to a corresponding barrier and causes the barrier to move (typically between closed and opened positions). 
     Movable barrier operators, such as garage door openers, often have lights for illuminating the inside of an enclosure such as a garage. However, these lights often fail to provide sufficient light to certain area of the garage because of their standard fixed locations at the ceiling of the garage. Sometimes it is necessary to illuminate the area underneath, for example, a car to change the car&#39;s oil, add air to the car&#39;s tires, inspect the car&#39;s body, and so forth. Unfortunately, because of their fixed locations at the ceiling of the garage, the lights on the movable barrier operator often fail to completely illuminate the area in which the user needs sufficient light. 
     Accordingly, in order to acquire the proper illumination, the user typically has to plug in an extension cord coupled to a work light. The extension cord is sometimes plugged into an outlet on the garage door opener or may also be plugged into an outlet on a wall of the garage. The use of such extension cords, however, is cumbersome and may be messy. For example, many extension cords are long and must be manually tied up when not in use. Also, if there is oil or dirt on the garage floor, such oil or dirt may stick to the extension cord and may be tracked into the user&#39;s house when the user is, e.g., utilizing the extension cord indoors. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a barrier movement operator for controlling the movement of a moveable barrier. The barrier movement operator includes a movable utility light. A head unit is communication with the movable utility light to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit provides power to the movable utility light in response to performance of the moveable barrier functions and detachment of the movable utility light from a first position disposed at the head unit. 
     The present invention is further directed to a movable utility light with a cord retention receptacle integral with a housing of a barrier movement operator. A cord couples the removable utility light to the housing. A sensor senses removal of the movable utility light from the housing, and power is provided to the light in response to (a) removal of the removable utility light from a first position on the housing of the barrier movement operator, and (b) activation of the barrier movement operator to move a moveable barrier. 
     The present invention is further directed to a method of controlling power to a movable utility light connected to a moveable barrier operator and removably disposed at a first position. The method includes sensing whether the movable utility light is in the first position disposed at the moveable barrier operator. Power to the utility light is controlled in accordance with (a) predetermined barrier movement criteria of the moveable barrier operator, and (b) movement of the utility light from the first position. 
     The present invention is further directed to a barrier movement operator for controlling the movement of a moveable barrier. A movable utility light has a switch and a user manipulable element to selectively set the switch in an open position and a closed position. An electrical connection link electrically couples a power source to the switch. The movable utility light receives power from the power source in response to the switch being in the closed position. A head unit is in communication with the movable utility light, and functions to command the moveable barrier to perform moveable barrier functions. The head unit provides the power to the movable utility light in response to performance of the moveable barrier functions. 
     The above summary of the present invention is not intended to represent each embodiment or every aspect of the present invention. The detailed description and Figures will describe many of the embodiments and aspects of the present invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above needs are at least partially met through provision of the method and apparatus for remote control described in the following detailed description, particularly when studied in conjunction with the drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a garage including a movable barrier operator, specifically a garage door operator, having associated with it a passive infrared detector in a wall control unit and embodying the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram showing the relationship between major electrical systems of a portion of the garage door operator shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a head unit having a movable light and a stationary light according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a head unit having a movable light according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates the movable light when disengaged from the head unit according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a method of providing power to the movable light according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates the movable light being utilized according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 8  illustrates a switch on the movable light according to an embodiment of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a hard switch for providing power to the movable light according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates the electrical connections between the movable light and the head unit according to an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of various embodiments of the present invention. Also, common but well-understood elements that are useful or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment are typically not depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Generally speaking, pursuant to these various embodiments, a movable light, sometimes known as a “trouble light,” is provided for use with a moveable barrier operator, such as a garage door opener. The movable light may be engaged with the moveable barrier operator and may function in a manner similar to other lights on the moveable barrier operator during normal operation of the movable barrier operator. The movable light may, however, be manually shifted or physically moved. For example, the movable light may be manually grabbed and pulled down to illuminate an area, e.g., located below the moveable barrier operator. 
     Power to the movable light may be controlled by, e.g., a controller disposed within the moveable barrier operator or in communication with the moveable barrier operator. As discussed above, when engaged with the movable barrier operator, the movable light functions as any of the lights on the movable barrier operator. While in an initial position engaged with the moveable barrier operator, the movable light may be supplied with power for predetermined durations of time set by a control routine for the moveable barrier operator. For example, a controller of the movable barrier operator may initially be set to provide power to the movable light for 4.5 minutes after the moveable barrier operator has been activated to move a barrier, such as a garage door, to which it is attached. The movable light may also be provided power according to movement of a manual switch that can be actuated by a user. For example, the manual switch may be an on/off switch located on a wall of an enclosure, such as a garage, in which the movable barrier operator is housed. The movable light may also be controlled to be provided power when disengaged from an initial position on the head unit. 
     The movable barrier operator includes circuitry to detect when the movable light has been decoupled from a housing of the movable barrier operator. For example, when the user disengages the movable light from an initial position on the movable barrier operator such as, e.g., by pulling the movable light down from the housing, the movable light may be supplied with power. In the event that the movable light was already supplied with power when the user disengaged the movable light from its initial position, it will remain powered. Alternatively, in the event that the movable light was not powered when the user disengaged the movable light from its initial position, the movable light will be provided with power once movement of the movable light from the movable barrier operator housing is detected. Accordingly, by disengaged the movable light from its initial position on the movable barrier operator, the movable light may be powered to illuminate an area so desired by the user. 
     Referring now to drawings and especially to  FIG. 1 , a movable barrier operator embodying the present invention is shown therein and generally identified by reference numeral  10 . The movable barrier operator, in this embodiment a garage door operator  10 , is positioned within a garage  12 . More specifically, it is mounted to a ceiling  14  of the garage  12  for operation, in this embodiment, of a multipanel garage door  16 . The multipanel garage door  16  includes a plurality of rollers  18  rotatably confined within a pair of tracks  20  positioned adjacent to and on opposite sides of an opening  22  for the garage door  16 . 
     The garage door operator  10  also includes a head unit  24  for providing motion to the garage door  16  via a rail assembly  26 . The rail assembly  26  includes a trolley  28  for releasable connection of the head unit  24  to the garage door  16  via an arm  30 . The arm  30  is connected to an upper portion  32  of the garage door  16  for opening and closing it. The trolley  28  is connected to an endless chain to be driven thereby. The chain is driven by a sprocket in the head unit  24 . The sprocket acts as a power takeoff for an electric motor located in the head unit  24 . 
     The head unit  24  includes a radio frequency receiver  50 , as may best be seen in  FIG. 2 , having an antenna  52  associated with it for receiving coded radio frequency transmissions from one or more radio transmitters  53  which may include portable or keyfob transmitters or keypad transmitters. The radio receiver  50  is connected via a line  54  to a microcontroller  56  which interprets signals from the radio receiver  50  as code commands to control other portions of the garage door operator  10 . 
     A wall control unit  60  communicates over a line  62  with the head unit microcontroller  56  to effect control of a garage door operator motor  70 , a stationary light  72 , and a movable light  73  via relay logic  74  connected to the microcontroller  56 . The relay logic  74  is in electrical communication with the movable light  73  via extension cord  102 . The entire head unit  24  is powered from a power supply  76 . In addition, the garage door operator  10  includes an obstacle detector  78  which optically or via an infrared pulsed beam detects when the garage door opening  22  is blocked and signals the microcontroller  56  of the blockage. The microcontroller  56  then causes a reversal or opening of the door  16 . In addition, a position indicator  80  indicates to the head unit microcontroller  56 , through at least part of the travel of the door  16 , the door position so that the microcontroller  56  can control the close position and the open position of the door  16  accurately. A movable light sensor  75  detects when the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24 , and the microcontroller  56  provides power to the movable light  73  when it is determined, based on an output from the movable light sensor  75 , that the movable light  73  has been moved from an initial position on the head unit  24 , as discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 3-6 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of a head unit  24  having a movable light  73  and a stationary light  72  according to an embodiment of the invention. The movable light  73  and the stationary light  72  may each utilize, e.g., incandescent light bulb(s), such as a 60 watt incandescent light bulb, or fluorescent light bulb(s) to illuminate the interior of a housing in which the garage door operator  10  is located. 
     As shown, the movable light  73  may appear very similar to the stationary light  72 . However, the stationary light  72  is fixedly mounted onto the head unit  24  and is not removable without physically taking apart the head unit  24 . The movable light  73 , on the other hand, while also being engaged with the head unit  24 , is movable from an initial position on the head unit  24 . For example, a user may physically disengage the movable light  73  from the head unit  24  and then move the movable light  73  to illuminate various areas within the garage  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the movable light may remain engaged with the head unit but may be moved relative to its initial position. For example, the movable light  73  may be slightly rotated in a clockwise direction to better illuminate an area in a clockwise direction relative to the movable light. In some embodiments, the movable light  73  may include a handle or grip (not shown), to allow the user to safely grip the movable in the event that the movable light  73  is hot such as, e.g., when the movable light  73  utilizes incandescent light bulb(s). The movable light  73  may, e.g., be attached to the head unit  24  with a magnet or a hook. 
     The head unit  24  may include a detector such as a sensor or switch to detect when the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24 . For example, the detector may include a depressible switch that is in one position when the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24 , and in another position when the movable light  73  is not engaged with the head unit  24 . Based on the position of the switch, the movable light  73  may be selectively powered. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates a side view of a head unit  24  having a movable light  73  according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, the movable light  73  is engaged with an end of the head unit  24 . The movable light  73  may be engaged with the end of the head unit  24  facing the garage door  16 . Alternatively, the movable light  73  may be engaged with the end of the head unit  24  opposing the garage door  16  or at an angle to the garage door  16 . In additional embodiments, the movable light  73  and the stationary light  72  may be located on the sides of the head unit  24 , instead of engaged to the front and the back of the head unit  24 , as shown in  FIG. 4 . In other embodiments, the movable light  73  may be engaged with the bottom of the head unit  24 , i.e., the side of the head unit  24  facing the floor of the garage  12  in which the garage door operator  10  is mounted. 
     As illustrated, the movable light  73  is electrically coupled to the head unit  24  by an extension cord  102 . The extension cord  102  may be wound up into a storage compartment  104  of the head unit. The storage compartment  104  may include, e.g., a wind-up reel  106  around which the extension cord is wrapped when inside of the storage compartment  104 . Alternatively, the storage compartment  104  may include any other element suitable for assisting in the storage of the extension cord  102 . 
     As discussed above, the head unit  24  may also include a movable switch  108  to detect when the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24 . For example, when the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24 , it is determined that light need only be provided by the movable light  73  when the garage door operator  10  has been activated to, e.g., open the garage door  12 . However, when the movable light  73  is not engaged with its initial position on the head unit  24 , it is determined that the user has detached the movable light  73  from the head unit  24  and is currently using the movable light  73  to illuminate an area of the garage  12 . Accordingly, when the movable light  73  is moved from its initial position on the head unit  24 , the movable switch  108  signals indicates such occurrence, and the movable light  73  is provided with power. Accordingly, the switch  108  may be utilized in a manner similar to a switch hook on a telephone in that it provides power to the movable light when the movable light  73  is disengaged from the head unit  24 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates the movable light  73  when disengaged from the head unit  24 . As shown, the movable light  73  may be pulled away from the head unit  24 . As the movable light  73  is pulled away, the extension cord  102  unwinds from the windup reel  106 , extending out of the storage compartment  104 . The switch  108  also extends outwardly from the storage compartment  104  because the movable light  73  is not pushing it into the storage compartment  104  as it does when the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24 . In alternative embodiments, as discussed above, the movable light  73  may remain engaged with the head unit  73  but may be moved relative to its initial position. For example, the movable light  73  may be slightly rotated in a clockwise direction to better illuminate an area in a clockwise direction relative to the movable light. When moved from its initial position, the movable light  73  may be provided with power. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a method of providing power to the movable light  73  according to an embodiment of the invention. First, at operation  150  the microcontroller  56  determines whether the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24  in an initial position on the head unit  24 . If it is not, electrical power is provided to the movable light  73  at operation  155 , and then processing returns to operation  150 . If the movable light  73  is, however, engaged with the head unit  24 , a determination of whether the garage door operator  10  has been activated is made at operation  160 . For example, the garage door operator  10  may be activated when the user pushes a button to cause the garage door operator  10  to open the garage door  12 . If the garage door operator  10  has not been activated, processing returns to operation  150 . In the event that the garage door operator  10  has been activated, electrical power is provided to the movable light  73  at operation  165  for a predetermined time interval. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates the movable light  73  being utilized according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, a user  170  has disengaged the movable light  73  from the head unit  24 . Being disengaged, the movable light  73  is electrically powered by the head unit  24  so that the user  170  can illuminate the area around the user&#39;s automobile  172 , for example. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a switch  195  on the movable light  73  according to an embodiment of the invention. The switch  195  may be utilized by the user  170  to selectively illuminate the movable light  73 . According, whereas the head unit  24  provides power to movable light  72 , the user  170  may control the illumination of the movable light  73 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a hard switch  200  for providing power to the movable light  73  according to an embodiment of the invention. The hard switch  200  may be utilized to provide power to the movable light  73  regardless of the operation of movable barrier operator or any input from the micro-controller  56 . For example, even if the moveable barrier operator is not in use, the user may selectively turn on the hard switch  200  to provide power to the movable light  73 . The hard switch  200  may, e.g., comprise a manual switch located on the wall of the enclosure. 
       FIG. 10  illustrates the electrical connections between the movable light  73  and the head unit  24  according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown, a power source  210  supplies electrical power to the micro-controller  56 . The power source  210  may comprise, e.g., an electrical outlet. The microcontroller  56  is in communication with the relays  74 , and upon operation of the movable barrier operator  10 , the micro-controller  56  supplies electrical power to the movable light  73  via the relays  74 . The electrical power may be supplied to the movable light via a first wire  215 . The movable light  73  is also in communication with the power source  210  via a second wire  220  and a third wire  225 . The second wire  220  may provide a reference voltage to the movable light  73  such as a ground reference or neutral reference. The third wire  225  is also in electrical connection with the power source  210 . The third wire  210  may be a “hot” wire that is always supplied with electrical power by the power source  210 . 
     According to the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the user may depress a button  235  on the movable light  73  that is in communication with a switch  240  within a housing  237  of the movable light  73 . By depressing the button  235 , the user may toggle the switch  240  between open and closed positions. The switch  240  and the first wire  215  may both be coupled to an OR gate  245  within the housing  237 . The OR gate  230  is utilized to provide an output to power the movable light  73 . As illustrated, when the switch  240  is in a closed position, electrical power from the power source  210  reaches the OR gate  230  via the third wire  225 . If, however, the switch  240  is in an open position, electrical power from the power source will not reach the OR gate  230  via the third wire  225 . 
     The OR gate  230  functions such that a signal to power the movable light  73  is output whenever the switch  240  is in the closed position due to the fact that the third wire  225  is in direct communication with the power source  210 . An output to power the movable light  73  is also generated whenever the microcontroller  56  and relays  74  output an electrical signal via the first wire  215  such as, e.g., when the movable barrier operator  10  functions to move the movable barrier. The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  therefore powers the movable light  73  according both to the user&#39;s control and control of the micro-controller  56  according to the movable barrier operator functions. 
     Although the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 10  includes an OR gate  230 , it should be appreciated that an OR gate may not be required other embodiments. Also, although not shown, the first wire  215 , the second wire  220 , and the third wire  225  may all be contained within the extension cord  102  discussed above with respect to, e.g.,  FIG. 2 . 
     According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the movable light  73  may comprise a flood light or spot light that may be powered according to normal operation of the movable barrier operator. However, instead of turning off after, e.g., 4.5 minutes like the station light  72  would under normal operation, the movable light  73  may instead be powered for a longer period of time such as, e.g., 9 minutes. Alternatively, the amount of time for which the movable light is to be powered may be programmed by the user. In additional embodiments, the moveable light remains powered until the user manually turns off the light such as, e.g., through use of a switch. 
     Although the head unit  24  is shown as having both a permanently fixed light  72  and a movable light  73 , it should be appreciated that in some embodiments, only the movable light  73  is utilized and a permanently fixed light  72  is omitted. Also, although the switch  108  is shown as being mounted on the head unit  24 , in other embodiments, the switch  108  may instead be mounted on the movable light  73  itself. Also, a switch  108  need not be utilized to detect whether the movable light  73  is currently engaged with the head unit  24 . Instead, a sensor may be utilized to detect the presence of the movable light  73 . The sensor may be a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor, for example. 
     In other embodiments, there is no permanently fixed light  72  but instead there are two or more movable lights  73  on the head unit  24 , which may or may not be disengaged simultaneously to provide greater illumination control to the user  170 . In additional embodiments, no extension cord  102  is used. Instead, the movable light  73  has a rechargeable battery that charges when the movable light  73  is engaged with the head unit  24  and powers the movable light  73  to emit light when the garage door operator  10  is in use or when the movable light  73  has been manually disengaged from the head unit  24 . 
     In additional embodiments, the movable light  73  may be engaged with the head unit  24  via a magnetic connection, Velcro™, a frictional fit, a taped interference, a spring tab, a ball and socket, a snap tab, or in any other suitable manner. The movable light  73  may also include a courtesy outlet to allow other electric devices to receive power in some embodiments. In the event that the movable light  73  is disengaged from its initial position on the head unit, the movable barrier operator is disabled in other embodiments. In such embodiments, the movable light  73  may indicate that someone wishes to operate the movable barrier operator by, e.g., the microcontroller  56  causing a slight interruption in the supply of power to the movable light causing the illumination of the movable light  73  to flicker. 
     Accordingly, pursuant to the various embodiments discussed above, a movable light  73  is provided for use with a moveable barrier operator, such as a garage door opener. The movable light  73  may be engaged in an initial position on the head unit  24  of the moveable barrier operator and, when engaged with the head unit  24 , may function as any other light attached to the movable barrier operator. The movable light  73  may be manually grabbed by a user  170  and pulled down to illuminate an area, e.g., located below the moveable barrier operator. Power to the movable light  73  may be controlled by, e.g., a microcontroller  56  disposed within the moveable barrier operator or in communication with the moveable barrier operator. While in an initial position engaged with the head unit  24 , the movable light  73  may be supplied with power for predetermined durations of time set by a control routine for the moveable barrier operator. The movable light  73  may also be controlled to light up according to movement of a manual switch that can be actuated by the user  170 . 
     The movable barrier operator includes a detector, sensor, or other circuitry to detect when the movable light  73  has been decoupled from the head unit  24  of the movable barrier operator. For example, when the user  170  pulls the movable light  73  down from the head unit  24 , the movable light  73  may be supplied with power. In the event that the movable light  73  was already supplied with power when the user  170  pulls down the movable light  73 , it will remain powered. Alternatively, in the event that the movable light  73  was not powered when the user  170  began pulling down the movable light  73 , the movable light  73  will be provided with power once movement of the movable light  73  from the head unit  24  is detected. Accordingly, by pulling down the movable light  73  from the head unit  24 , the movable light  73  may be powered to illuminate an area so desired by the user  170 . 
     Those skilled in the art will recognize that a wide variety of modifications, alterations, and combinations can be made with respect to the above described embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that such modifications, alterations, and combinations are to be viewed as being within the ambit of the inventive concept.

Technology Classification (CPC): 4