WO2011088558A1

WO2011088558A1 - Hidden security gate system for an entryway

Info

Publication number: WO2011088558A1
Application number: PCT/CA2011/000067
Authority: WO
Inventors: Afif Chafic Albimona
Original assignee: Afif Chafic Albimona
Priority date: 2010-01-21
Filing date: 2011-01-21
Publication date: 2011-07-28

Abstract

A hidden security gate system for an entryway and a method for securing an entryway are provided. The gate can be alarmed to protect the entryway of a building and can be activated by remote control to close and open automatically. The system provided allows for the visual aspects of the gate system to be hidden from view when not in use. The hiding of the gate system allows for the proper aesthetics of the building's entryway to be preserved. The sliding gate is hidden inside the system and flaps are used to hide the gate tracks. In case of power failure or other malfunction, a manual override can be included with the system to open the gate from the outside by a locked control box or from the inside by an indoor access panel.

Description

TITLE:

HIDDEN SECURITY GATE SYSTEM FOR AN ENTRYWAY INVENTOR:

AFIF CHAFIC ABILMONA

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority of U.S. provisional patent application serial no. 61/297,156 filed January 21 , 2010, and hereby incorporates the same provisional application by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

The present disclosure is related to the field of security gates, in particular, a security gate system that can protect an entryway and can be hidden when not in use.

BACKGROUND:

Many people and companies invest heavily into the aesthetics of the entryways of their buildings. An entryway, however, is also a main point of break-ins to the building. Break-ins often occur even with the standard doors of the entryway locked. Security in addition to the door locks is required.

It is known in the art to use steel gates outside of building entryways to provide additional security to a building. These gates can provide additional protection and be a deterrent against breaking into the building. One common method of installing these gates is to use a hinge system to allow the gate to swing open and closed in front of an entryway. When in a closed position, one or more locks are required to secure the gate. The time required to unlock the gate, and then unlock the door to enter the building is undesirable

{E5895926.D0C;1} in situations where an individual is trying to enter their building quickly. When in an open position, the gate is swung to the side of the entry way and remains largely visible. These gate systems have the effect of destroying the aesthetics of an entry way.

In addition, existing gate systems often have exposed moving parts. These systems can pose a safety hazard to individuals in contact with the gates where fingers and hands can be crushed in the moving parts.

Other attempts to provide increased security to entryways have included the use of heavy steel doors to replace the wooden doors of the entryway. These steel doors can be designed to appear as a natural wood door, however the advantage of the additional security provided by the increased weight of the door also presents the disadvantage of the door being too heavy to function properly as a door repeatedly opened and closed by people entering and exiting the building.

Therefore, it is desirable to provide a security system for the entryway of a building which does not destroy the aesthetics of the entryway, allows ease of entry and does not have exposed moving parts which are unsafe. SUMMARY:

A hidden security gate system for an entryway and a method for securing an entryway are provided. The gate can be alarmed to protect the entryway of a building and can be activated by remote control to close and open automatically. The system provided allows for the visual aspects of the gate system to be hidden from view when not in use. The hiding of the gate system allows for the proper aesthetics of the building's entryway to be

{E5895926.DOC;!} preserved. The sliding gate is hidden inside the system and flaps are used to hide the gate tracks. In case of power failure or other malfunction, a manual override can be included with the system to open the gate from the outside by a locked control box or from the inside by an indoor access panel.

Broadly stated, a hidden security gate system for protecting an entryway is provided. The gate system comprising: a frame for surrounding the entryway; a gate housed by the frame where the gate can move between an open and a closed position relative to the entryway; a track in the frame to allow the gate to move between the open and the closed position; a means for moving the gate along the track; and a means for concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position.

Broadly stated, a method for securing an entryway with a hidden security gate system is provided. The method comprising the steps of: providing a gate system comprising a frame for surrounding the entryway, a gate housed by the frame where the gate can move between an open and a closed position relative to the entryway, a track in the frame to allow the gate to move between the open and the closed position, a means for moving the gate along the track, and a means for concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position; moving the gate along the track into the closed position to secure the entryway; moving the gate along the track into the opened position to allow access to the entryway; and concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position.

Broadly stated, a kit for a hidden security gate system for protecting an entryway is provided. The kit comprising: a gate system comprising a frame

{E589592₆.DOC;l } for surrounding the entryway, a gate housed by the frame where the gate can move between an open and a closed position relative to the entryway, a track in the frame to allow the gate to move between the open and the closed position, a means for moving the gate along the track, and a means for concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position; and a set of instructions for assembling the gate system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view depicting an entryway and the frame of the security gate system from the outside of a building.

Figure 2 is a partially cut away front perspective view depicting an entryway, the frame of the security gate system, and the gate in the open position.

Figure 3 is a partially cut away front perspective view depicting the control panel module of the security gate system.

Figure 4 is a partially cut away front perspective view depicting the upper track module of the security gate system.

Figure 5 is a partially cut away front perspective view from the outside of a building depicting the security gate system with the gate in the open position.

Figure 6 is a partially cut away front perspective view depicting the retractable flap system of the security gate system.

Figure 7 is a close-up, partially cut away, side perspective view depicting the retractable flap system of the security gate system in the closed position.

{E₅89₅926.DOC;l} Figure 8A is a close-up, partially cut away, top plan view depicting the retractable flap system of the security gate system in the closed position.

Figure 8B is a close-up, partially cut away, top plan view depicting the retractable flap system of the security gate system in the open position.

Figure 9 is a partially cut away front perspective view from the outside of a building depicting the security gate system with the gate in the closed position.

Figure 10 is a partially cut away rear perspective view depicting the security gate system from the inside of the building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 - 10, a representative embodiment of a hidden security gate system for an entryway is illustrated, generally identified by reference numeral 0.

Referring to Figure 1 , gate system 10 can include gate storage module 12, control panel module 14, and upper track module 16. In an embodiment, gate storage module 12, control panel module 14, and upper track module 16 can be disposed on the left, the right, and above an entryway 18, respectively. It would be understood by the ordinary person skilled in the art that the dimensions of these modules can be adapted to accommodate entryways of various heights, depths, or widths. It would be understood by the ordinary person skilled in the art that entryway 18 could be an exterior entryway of a building, an interior entryway in a building such as an entryway to an apartment unit within an apartment building, a large window, or any other area which would require protection. In an embodiment, the exteriors of the three

{E5895926.DOC;!} modules can be covered by metal sheets which can be further covered by stucco on the outside of the building, and can be further covered by drywall on the inside of the building.

In an embodiment, gate system 10 can also include threshold 20 which can include lower gate track 22 and lower gate track cover 24. Lower gate track cover 24 can be biased towards the threshold 20 by spring hinges 26, which can be located interior to gate storage module 12 and control panel module 14. Lower gate track cover 24 can be in the form of one flap to cover lower gate track 22 or it can be two or more flaps.

Referring now to Figure 2, collapsible sliding gate 28 can be contained within gate storage module 12 when in the gate open position. Gate 28 can be made of steel, or any other material that would be known by one skilled in the art to provide enough strength to prevent unwanted access to entryway 18 when gate 28 is in the gate closed position. In an embodiment the bottom of gate 28 can be located in lower gate track 22 and can be connected to a pulley system generally identified by reference numeral 30.

Referring now to Figure 3, control panel module 14 can contain linear actuator motor 32. In a representative embodiment, linear actuator motor 32 can have the parameters of: maximum thrust: 1700N; voltage: 24DC or 12DC; motor drive; standard stroke: 200mm; duty cycle: 10%; ambient temperature: 5°C to +40°C; standard protection class: IP 54; built in integral limit switch; speed: 120m / sec, low noise design: disability = 42(A), the inspection method in accordance with DS/EN ISO3746 while linear actuator is unloaded. It is

{E₅89₅926.DOC;l} obvious to those skilled in the art that any functionally equivalent linear actuator motor can be used as linear actuator motor 32.

Control panel module 14 can also contain box 34 with lock 36. In an embodiment, lock 36 can be a high security lock. Box 34 can be made of steel, or any other material that would be known by one skilled in the art to provide enough strength to prevent unwanted access to the interior of box 34. In an embodiment, box 34 can be covered on the outside of the building with a decorative panel 37 that can be labelled with an address or a homeowner's name. In an embodiment, decorative panel 37 can be made of brass. Control panel module 14 can also contain an alarm annunciator (not shown) to alarm gate system 10.

Box 34 can further contain control panel 38. Control panel 38 can be operatively connected to linear actuator motor 32. Linear actuator motor 32 can be connected to movable plate 40 which can be attached to brake cables 42 where brake cables can be further attached to fixed plate 44.

Referring now to Figure 4, upper track module 16 can include upper track 46 and upper gate guide 48. In an embodiment, upper gate guide 48 can be adjustable to accommodate different heights of gate 28. In an embodiment, upper track module 16 can include a surveillance camera or computer camera (not shown).

Upper track module 16 can also include a gear system generally identified by reference numeral 50. Upper track module 16 can also include a worm gear motor 52 which can be at one end of gear system 50. In an embodiment, worm gear motor 52 can have the parameters of: voltage: single

{E 89₅926.DOC;l} phase, 220V + 10%, motor operation, voltage 24V; motor rated power: 60W - 80W; current limit: 4.6 - 7.5A; motor turn on time: 35.S; closing and opening speed: 120mm/S = 140mm/S; remote: the door closed when the remote control distance of more than 25m, the door opens when the remote distance is more than 50m; motor rated output shaft torque: 6N.m / 7N.m / 8N.m; rated output shaft speed: 20 - 27.5 rpm; emergency operation: emergency manual clutch; host package: L 332mm X W 182mm X H 125mm; dimensions: weight: 7 to 8 kg; temperature: 25°C to +60°C, open frequency: short term working system less than 8 times / hour or 10 times / continuous switch; door openers: remote controller, wireless wall control switch, key pad. In an embodiment, worm gear motor 52 can be a 1000N garage door opener motor without rails or trolleys. In an embodiment, worm gear motor 52 can have a back up battery. It would be obvious to those skilled in the art that any functionally equivalent worm gear motor can be used as worm gear motor 52.

Worm gear motor 52 can include a clutch which can be connected to a manual clutch release system generally identified by reference numeral 59. Handle of manual clutch release system 59 can be accessed through box 34.

Worm gear motor 52 can be connected to chain 54, where chain 54 can have a front portion 55 and back portion 56. Chain 54 can further be connected to horizontal sprocket 57. In one embodiment, horizontal sprocket 57 can include an adjustable turnbuckle. Top leading edge 58 of gate 28 can be attached to chain front portion 55.

Referring now to Figure 5, bottom leading edge 60 of gate 28 can be attached to pulley system 30. Bottom leading edge 60 of gate 28 can include

{E589₅926.DOC;l } a roller (not shown) that can run along the contact point between the gate 28 and the lifted lower track cover 24 so that the gate 28 does not scrape the lifted lower track cover 24 or lower gate track 22. First pulley wire 62 can be attached to bottom leading edge 60 of gate 28 and then run inside the lower gate track 22 under lower gate track cover 24 to first pulley 64 mounted control panel module 14 at the level of the lower gate track 22. First pulley wire 62 can continue from first pulley 64 to second pulley 66 mounted above first pulley 64 in upper track module 16. First pulley wire 62 can then be attached at fixed point 68 on chain back portion 56 within a short distance from horizontal sprocket 57.

Second pulley wire 70 can be attached to fixed point 68 on chain back portion 56 bottom leading edge 60 of gate 28, and can then run inside upper track module 16 to third pulley 72, which can be mounted near worm gear motor 52. Second pulley wire 70 can continue from third pulley 72 to forth pulley 74 mounted below third pulley 72 in gate storage module 12. Second pulley wire 70 can then be attached to bottom leading edge 60 of gate 28.

Still with reference to Figure 5, brake cables 42 can be attached to flaps 76 in each of gate storage module 12, control panel module 14, and upper track module 16, respectively. Flaps 76 can be located outside of door 78 to entryway 18.

Referring now to Figure 6, flaps 76 can be attached to the frames of gate storage module 12, control panel module 14, and upper track module 16 by hinges 80. Spring hinges 79 can also be used to bias flaps 76 to a flap closed position.

{E5895926.DOC;!} Referring now to Figure 7, as a representative embodiment, flap 76 can be placed between a first buttress 84 to gate 28 and a second buttress 86 to door 78. The second buttress can be adjacent to door frame 82.

Referring now to Figure 8A, flap 76 is shown in a closed position. Referring now to Figure 8B, flap 76 is shown in an open position. Flap 76 can be opened when pulled by cable 42. If flap 76 is in an open position, gate 28 can pass through. First seam 81 can be cut at approximately a 45 degree angle. Second seam 83 can be cut at approximately a 30 degree angle. Caps 85 can be placed on first buttress 84 second buttress to hide seam 81 and second seam 83.

Referring now to Figure 9, flaps 76 are shown in an open position and gate 28 is shown in a closed position. Gate 28 can be expanded across entryway 18 from gate storage module 12 to control panel module 14.

Referring now to Figure 10, gate system 10 can be seen from inside the building. Gate system 10 can include screws 88 or any other appropriate fastener known in the art which can be used to remove panels 89 and access gate storage module 12 or control panel module 14. Upper track module 16 can be accessed by an indoor hinged cover 92. Gate system 10 can also include indoor access panel 90 which can allow access to box 34 containing control panel 38. In one embodiment, indoor access panel 90 is not locked in order to allow quick access to control panel 38.

In operation, when gate 28 is in open position, worm gear motor 52 can be deactivated. A remote control (not shown) can be used to activate receiver (not shown) in worm gear motor 52. As worm gear motor 52 power is off, limit

{E₅89₅926.DOC;l } switch in worm gear motor 52 can activate linear actuator motor 32. Activated linear actuator motor 32 can move down and pull cables 42. Cables 42 can in turn pull flaps 76 to a flaps open position. Once activated, linear actuator motor 32 reaches a position predetermined to correspond with flaps 76 being in the flaps open position, then the linear actuator motor 32 limit switch is activated and power to the linear actuator motor 32 is shut off while power to the worm gear motor 52 is turned on. Activated worm gear motor 52 moves chain 54. Front chain 55 can pull top leading edge 58 of gate 28 towards the gate closed position, while back chain 56 can pull first pulley wire 62 and therefore the bottom of the gate 28 towards the gate closed position.

As bottom leading edge 60 of gate 28 advances, it can twist lower track cover 24 up as gate 28 is pulled across lower track 22. Bottom leading edge 60 of gate 28 can also include a roller (not shown) that can run along the contact point between the gate 28 and the lifted lower track cover 24 so that the gate 28 does not scrape the lifted lower track cover 24 or lower gate track 22.

The fully closed position of gate 28 can extend beyond entryway 18 and into control panel 14 module so that there is no access to leading edge of gate 28 when gate 28 is fully closed. Worm gear motor 52 is calibrated to stop chain 54 once gate 28 is in the fully closed position. In an embodiment, remote control (not shown) can include a two-way reverse signal confirming gate 28 is fully closed and an alarm is activated.

To open gate 28, the remote control can be used to reverse the worm gear motor 52 and chain 54 direction. Front chain 55 can now pull top leading

{E₅89₅926.DOC;l } edge 58 of gate 28 towards the gate open position, while back chain 56 can pull second pulley wire 70, and therefore pull the bottom of gate 28 towards the gate open position.

When gate 28 is in the fully open position, worm gear motor 52 limit switch turns off worm gear motor 52 and turns on linear actuator motor 32. Linear actuator motor 32 now can move in the reverse direction (up) and releases the tension on cables 42. Without tension on cables 42, spring hinges 79 will bias flaps 76 to a flap closed position. When gate 28 returns to the gate fully open position, lower gate track cover hinges 26 can bias lower gate track cover 24 to a cover closed position.

In case of power failure, worm gear motor 52 can include a backup battery. In case of malfunction, box 34 and control panel 38 can include a manual clutch release of gear system 50, allowing gate 28 to be opened manually.

Although a few embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The terms and expressions used in the preceding specification have been used herein as terms of description and not of limitation, and there is no intention in the use of such terms and expressions of excluding equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, it being recognized that the scope of the invention is defined and limited only by the claims that follow.

{E5895926.DOC;!}

Claims

WE CLAIM:

1. A hidden security gate system for protecting an entryway, the gate system comprising:

a frame for surrounding the entryway;

a gate housed by the frame where the gate can move between an open and a closed position relative to the entryway;

a track in the frame to allow the gate to move between the open and the closed position;

a means for moving the gate along the track; and a means for concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position.

2. The gate system of claim 1 wherein the frame comprises a gate storage module, a control panel module, and an upper track module.

3. The gate system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the gate is a collapsible sliding gate.

4. The gate system of any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the track comprises an upper gate track and a lower gate track.

5. The gate system of any of claims 1 to 4 wherein the moving means comprises a gear system.

6. The gate system of claim 5 wherein the gear system comprises a motor and gears.

7. The gate system of any of claims 1 to 6 wherein the concealing means comprises flaps.

{E₅89₅926.DOC;l }

8. The gate system of claim 7 wherein the concealing means further comprises means for biasing the flaps to a closed position.

9. A method for securing an entryway with a hidden security gate system, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a gate system comprising a frame for surrounding the entryway, a gate housed by the frame where the gate can move between an open and a closed position relative to the entryway, a track in the frame to allow the gate to move between the open and the closed position, a means for moving the gate along the track, and a means for concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position;

moving the gate along the track into the closed position to secure the entryway;

moving the gate along the track into the opened position to allow access to the entryway; and

concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the frame comprises a gate storage module, a control panel module, and an upper track module.

11. The method of claim 9 or 10 wherein the gate is a collapsible sliding gate.

12. The method of any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the track comprises an upper gate track and a lower gate track.

{E5895920.DOC;!}

13. The method of any of claims 9 to 12 wherein the moving means comprises a gear system.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the gear system comprises a motor and gears.

15. The method of any of claims 9 to 14 wherein the concealing means comprises flaps.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the concealing means further comprises means for biasing the flaps to a closed position.

17. A kit for a hidden security gate system for protecting an entryway comprising:

a gate system comprising a frame for surrounding the entryway, a gate housed by the frame where the gate can move between an open and a closed position relative to the entryway, a track in the frame to allow the gate to move between the open and the closed position, a means for moving the gate along the track, and a means for concealing the track into the frame when the gate is in the open position; and

a set of instructions for assembling the gate system.

18. The kit of claim 17 wherein the frame comprises a gate storage module, a control panel module, and an upper track module.

19. The kit of claim 17 or 18 wherein the gate is a collapsible sliding gate.

20. The kit of any of claims 17 to 19 wherein the track comprises an upper gate track and a lower gate track.

{E589₅92₆.DOC;l}

21. The kit of any of claims 7 to 20 wherein the moving means comprises a gear system.

22. The kit of claim 20 wherein the gear system comprises a motor and gears.

23. The kit of any of claims 17 to 22 wherein the concealing means comprises flaps.

24. The kit of claim 23 wherein the concealing means further comprises means for biasing the flaps to a closed position.

{E5895920.DOC;!}