Movable or removable closures – Processes
Reexamination Certificate
1997-09-18
2001-01-23
Stodola, Daniel P. (Department: 3634)
Movable or removable closures
Processes
C049S334000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176044
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention related generally to automatic swing door operation systems and more specifically to electromechanical swing door operator assemblies used in such systems.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Swing doors capable of automatically opening and closing are required by many building codes. For example, such doors are commonly required in public buildings where they facilitate ingress and egress of people with respect to the building. These automatic systems are particularly appreciated by the handicapped as well as others whose hands are in use and therefore unavailable to mechanically open and close the door. Automatic swing door systems were originally manufactured for below-ground installation. These early systems were hydraulically controlled and required major underground plumbing of hydraulic tubing. Large remote locations were also required underground for an associated hydraulic sump and electronic controls.
These large and messy systems were soon obsoleted in favor of electromechanical swing door operators. However, these electromechanical swing door operators have only been used in overhead systems. A new generation of electrohydraulic swing door operators have also been solely adapted for overhead installation.
Overhead installations are undesirable for many applications. For example, historic buildings with antique doors need automatic systems in order to satisfy handicap access codes. Unfortunately, these buildings can only be accommodated with a significant alteration to the overhead configuration of the building. This significantly defeats the maintenance of the historic appearance. Other types of buildings, such as those including monumental glass systems, need an underground operator system to automate the door while maintaining the aesthetics of a “structure-free” glass system. In other cases, there simply is not sufficient overhead room to install a standard operator while maintaining minimum height codes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a swing door operation system includes an electromechanical operator and structural support assembly both of which are mounted beneath the surface of the floor. The operator provides sufficient power to open and close the door, but is not subjected to the axially weight or torque associated with the door. On the other hand, the structural assembly includes a spindle which is disposed beneath the floor surface but extends above the floor surface in a coupled relationship with the door. A first bearing plate is included in the support structure and adapted to receive a first bearing which supports the axial door load on the spindle. A second bearing plate is provided to receive a second bearing which opposes the lateral load on the spindle. A power transfer assembly is disposed between the first plate and the second plate and adapted to receive power from the electromechanical device and to transfer that power to the spindle for opening and closing the door.
The entire apparatus with the exception of the spindle, is mounting entirely beneath the floor surface where it does not interfere with the aesthetics of historic buildings or predominately glass structures. Furthermore, it is adapted to support the total weight of the door without damage to the electromechanical operator. Various transfer systems including pulleys, sprockets, gear, belts and chains can be employed to transfer power from the electromechanical drive to the spindle of the structural assembly.
In one aspect of the invention, a conversion assembly is adapted for use in an automatic door closing mechanism which includes a door pivotal on a vertical axis and an electrical power device which is adapted for use in an overhead door closure apparatus. This conversion assembly includes a support structure for pivotally supporting the door, and a first bearing plate included in the support structure and adapted to receive the weight of the door. A spindle having an axis extending between a first end and a second end is supported by the first bearing plate. A second bearing plate included in the support structure is disposed at the second hand of the spindle in a fixed relationship with the first bearing plate. A coupling mechanism in the support structure is disposed between the first bearing plate and the second bearing plate, and is coupled to receive power from the electrical power device to deliver that power through the spindle in the door to pivot the door about the vertical axis.
In another aspect of the invention, a door assembly includes a door automatically operable relative to a floor where the assembly comprises an electromechanical power device disposed beneath the floor and providing a rotary output on a shaft. A support apparatus including a spindle is adapted to receive power from the rotary shaft below the floor with the spindle extending above the floor in coupled relationship to the door. A bearing included in the support apparatus supports the spindle on at least a portion of the weight of the door beneath the floor.
In a further aspect of the invention, a method for constructing an automatic swing door operating system for use beneath a floor surface, comprises the steps of providing an electrical power device adapted for use in an over-the-door system. The method includes steps for providing a structural assembly adapted to support the weight of the door and configured to include a spindle rotatable about an axis. Coupling the electrical power device to the structural assembly facilitates rotation of the spindle by the device. The electrical power device is anchored together with at least a portion of the structural assembly beneath the surface of the floor and the door mounted on the spindle.
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Murphy Edward Preston
Nixon Angelo
Cohen Curtis A.
Myers Dawes & Andras LLP
Pacific Architectural Systems, Inc.
Stodola Daniel P.
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