Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6571512
-
Patent Number
6,571,512
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, April 24, 200222 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, June 3, 200321 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P.
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 049 26
- 049 27
- 049 28
- 049 197
- 200 6143
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
A sensing edge for actuating a device to cause a closing door to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge. The door has a sensing edge surface, which includes an elongated sheath positioned adjacent to the leading edge surface of the door and is compressible upon application of an external force. Within the sheath is a cavity where a sensor is positioned which is responsive to an external force applied to the sheath. A closure is positioned proximate an end of the sheath. The closure has a channel in an outer surface which extends the width of the closure. The closure further includes a passageway therethrough extending from the cavity to the channel. At least one electrical conductor, which extends through the passageway and partially through the channel to one of the front and rear sides, is in electrical communication with the sensor.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to sensing edges for automatic doors and, more particularly, to bilateral sensing edges which can be readily mounted on either side of the door.
Sensing edges for doors are generally well known. Such sensing edges generally include an elongate sheath in which a force sensing switch (sensor) is positioned. Upon the application of an undesired force to the sheath, the sensor actuates suitable control circuitry for controlling movement of the door. The sensor, positioned within the sheath, typically comprises a pair of flexible, electrically conductive sheets positioned on the upper and lower sides of a layer of non-conducting loam having a plurality of openings extending therethrough from the upper to the lower side. Upon application of force to the sheets, either or both of the conductive sheets are deflected into electrically conductive engagement with each other through the openings in the layer of foam, to thereby actuate suitable control circuitry for controlling the door.
The typical sensing edge includes conductors attached to the sensor for transmitting the sensing signal to appropriate control circuitry mounted to one side or the other of the door external to the sensing edge. In a typical sensing edge, the conductors exit the sheath of the sensing edge through an aperture that is located at the end surface of the sheath or on the top edge or side of the sheath.
It is very desirable for the conductors to exit from the inside of the sensor edge in order that the conductors be less susceptible to damage and to avoid interference with the door operation. However, a conventional sensing edge that employs an inside exit for the conductor requires the manufacture of both right hand and left hand versions of the sensing edge in order to properly place the conductors going to the control circuitry located on the inside of the door for both right and left handed door control circuitry installations. An additional problem may arise if an installer goes to a job site and, in the middle of an installation, discovers that for some reason the control circuitry must be located on a different side of the door than was originally planned. He must then leave the job site to exchange the sensing edge that is currently in his possession, for another sensing edge which has the conductors placed on the other side of the sensor edge.
The present invention is directed to a sensing edge for a door for sensing objects that come into contact with the sensing edge during door closing that is compatible with both right and left hand door control circuitry installations. The sensing edge in the present invention overcomes the problems inherent in the prior art by providing a means for routing the conductors to either the front side or the back side of the sensing edge after the sensing edge is completely fabricated. Although this technology is generally well known in the field, previous bilateral sensing edges require the use of a filling material to be melted into the end of the sensing edge in order to lock the conductors in place and seal the sensing edge so as to prevent damage from moisture, contaminants, and the like. The end of the sensing edge of the present invention merely requires an adhesive with which to maintain the conductors in place, allowing for easier installation than previous bilateral sensing edges. Thus, installation or changes to an installation can be made in the field by the installer without the use of tools such as a hot plate. A single model of the present sensing edge can be used for both left handed and right handed door installations, thereby eliminating the need for manufacturers to produce and stock multiple models of each sensing edge. The result is that only one item need be manufactured for both left and right handed door installations and the installer need only take a single sensing edge to the job site with the assurance that the job requirements can be satisfied, even if the installation parameters change during the installation. The ability to route the conductors to either the front side or the back side of the sensing edge makes the sensing edge bilateral.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly stated, the present invention is directed to a sensing edge for actuating a device to cause a closing door having a sensing edge surface to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge. The sensing edge includes an elongated sheath positioned adjacent to the leading edge surface of the door, the sheath being compressible upon the application of an external force. The sheath forms a cavity having opposing front and rear sides and first and second oppositely disposed ends. A sensor is positioned within the cavity. The sensor is responsive to an external force applied to the sheath between the first and second ends. A closure is positioned proximate one of the first and second ends of the sheath. The closure has an outer surface facing opposite the cavity and front and rear sides corresponding to the front and rear sides of the sheath. The closure has a channel extending from the outer surface toward the cavity to a depth into the closure. The channel extends a length between the front and rear sides of the closure. The closure further includes a passageway extending therethrough from the cavity to the channel. At least one electrical conductor is in electrical communication with the sensor and extends through the passageway and partially through the channel to one of the front and rear sides.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.
In the drawings:
FIG. 1
is a front elevational view showing a door construction including a sensing edge in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is an enlarged partial perspective view of a first end of the sensing edge showing the closure and a portion of the sensing edge in phantom;
FIG. 3
is a partial cross-sectional elevational view of the sensing edge taken along line
3
—
3
in
FIG. 2
; and
FIG. 4
is a partial cross-sectional plan view of the sensing edge taken along line
4
—
4
of FIG.
3
.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “right”, “left”, “upper”, and “lower” designate directions to the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the sensing edge and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words both specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import.
Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout, there is shown at
FIGS. 1 through 4
the first preferred embodiment of a sensing edge
10
for actuating a control device
12
to cause a closing door
14
to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge
10
, in accordance with the present invention. There is shown in
FIG. 1
a doorway
16
provided with the door
14
. While the door
14
as illustrated, is an overhead door having a sensing edge
10
in accordance with the present invention along its lower side or leading edge surface
18
, it is within the scope and spirit of the invention to incorporate the sensing edge
10
along the, edge of any door structure, such as vertically disposed or horizontally movable doors (not shown) as desired. Moreover, it is understood that those skilled in the art that the sensing edge
10
is not limited to use in connection with only doors, it can be used for other application, such as automatic windows and gates.
The door
14
has a leading edge surface
18
, a first lateral side surface
20
and a second lateral side surface
22
. The first lateral side surface
20
and second lateral side surface
22
extend generally parallel with respect to each other, and are oppositely disposed. The door
14
is generally movable mounted on a track (not shown) which guides the door
14
through a range of motion. While the door
14
is indicated to be mounted on a track, it is understood by those skilled in the art that other means of mounting the door
14
in a doorway
16
could be employed, including hinges and levers, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Referring now to
FIG. 2
, the sensing edge
10
includes a securing means for fixing or attaching the sensing edge
10
adjacent to the leading edge surface
18
of the door
14
. In the embodiment shown, the sensing edge
10
is secured to the door
14
via a pair of spaced securing members
24
, which are T-shaped in the end view and extend outwardly from the sensing edge
10
and into suitably complimentary shaped slots (not shown) in the leading edge surface
18
of the door
14
. Note that the sensing edge
10
may also be secured to the door
14
in any other suitable manner. For instance, the sensing edge
10
may be secured by a single member (not shown) which extends outwardly from the sensing edge
10
and into a suitably sized groove (not shown) in the leading edge of the door
14
and may be secured in the groove by use of a friction fit, adhesive substance, mechanical fasteners, or any other conventional securing means. Moreover, it is also within the spirit and scope of the invention to secure the sensing edge
10
to the leading edge surface of the door
14
by an adhesive (not shown) applied between the leading edge surface
18
and the upper peripheral face of the sensing edge
10
.
Referring now to
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the sensing edge
10
is comprised of an elongate sheath
26
extending outwardly or downwardly from the securing member
24
and forming a cavity
28
, which is compressible upon application of an external force. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the sheath
26
be advantageously fabricated of a form-retaining but flexible material, such as rubber. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that the sheath
26
can be made of any form-retaining flexible material, such as an elastomeric material. It is preferred that the sheath
26
have a generally constant cross-sectional outline, extending closely along the leading edge surface
18
of the door
14
. In the present embodiment, the sheath
26
is generally of rectangular cross-section, but may be of any other suitable shape, such as circular or semi-circular (not shown).
Referring now to
FIG. 4
, the sheath
26
has a first open end
34
and a second oppositely disposed open end
36
, a front side
30
and a rear side
32
. The sensing edge
10
is secured to the leading edge surface
18
of the door
14
using the securing members
24
such that the first end
34
and the first side surface
20
of the door
14
are generally coplanar and the second end
36
and the second side surface
22
of the door
14
are also generally coplanar.
Referring now to
FIGS. 3 and 4
, a sensor
38
is positioned within the cavity
28
. The sensor
38
is responsive to an external force applied to the sheath
26
substantially between the first and second ends
34
,
36
. In the first preferred embodiment, the sensor
38
extends substantially the entire length of the sensing edge
10
. More particularly, the sensor
38
comprises a first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
which is positioned within the sheath
26
and includes a first face and a second face. The first face of the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
is in engagement or corresponding facing relationship with the top interior side
29
of the sheath
26
. In the first preferred embodiment, the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
and succeeding layers and sheets, described hereinafter, are generally sized to compliment the internal configuration of the sheath
26
. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
and succeeding layers and sheets can be sized to be as wide or as narrow as desired, and be virtually of any length for accommodating different structures and uses.
In the first preferred embodiment, the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
is constructed of an electrically insulating material, preferably soft foam rubber. However, it is understood by those skilled in the art, that the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
can be constructed of either closed or open cell foam rubber or of other electrically insulating materials having similar properties.
Just below (when viewing
FIG. 3
) the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
is a first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
48
, engaged therewith, and having a first and a second face. The first face of the first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
48
is in engagement or in corresponding facing relationship with the second face of the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
.
In the first preferred embodiment, the first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
48
is generally thin and preferably constructed of aluminum or aluminum foil. However, it is within the spirit and scope of the invention to construct the first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
48
of other materials, such as copper, brass, or the like.
The first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
48
is in engagement with a layer of non-conductive material
50
having a first face and a second face for spacing apart the first sheet of flexible electrically conductive material
48
and a second sheet of flexible electrically conductive material
54
, described hereinafter. The first face of the layer of non-conductive material
50
is engagement or corresponding facing relationship with the second face of the first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
48
.
The layer of non-conductive material
50
has at least one opening
52
extending therethrough between the first and second faces thereof. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, the layer of non-conductive material
50
preferably includes a plurality of spaced openings
52
interspersed along the entire length thereof for allowing the actuation of the sensor
38
by applying pressure thereto and causing the electrically conductive material layers
48
,
54
to make electrical contact. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the openings
52
be generally be oval-shaped in cross-section. However, it is in the spirit and scope of the invention to configure the openings
52
of any geometric shape, such as square or circular.
The layer of non-conductive material
50
is preferably constructed of soft foam rubber. It is understood by those skilled in the art, that the layer of non-conductive material
50
can be constructed of either closed or open cell foam or other material having similar insulating properties so long as the function of the sensor
38
is achieved.
The layer of non-conductive material
50
is in engagement with a second sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
54
having a first face and a second face. The first face of the second sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
54
is in engagement or in corresponding facing relationship with the second face of the layer of non-conductive material
50
.
In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the second sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
54
be constructed of the same material in the same configuration as the first sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
48
.
In engagement with the second sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
54
is a second sheet of resiliently compressible material
56
having a first face and a second face. The first face of the second sheet of resiliently compressible material
56
is in engagement or corresponding facing relationship with the second face of the second sheet of flexible, electrically conductive material
54
. The second sheet of resiliently compressible material
56
is preferably constructed of the same material and configured generally identically to the first sheet of resiliently compressible material
46
, except that it has a lesser thickness. However, it is apparent to those skilled in the art, that the first and second sheets of resiliently compressible material
46
,
56
, can differ in configuration, size, and/or material.
Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4
, at least one electrical conductor
40
is in electrical communication with the sensor
38
for connection with a circuit (not shown) that forms part of the control device
12
for controlling the actuation of the door
14
when the sensor
38
detects the application of force to the sheath
26
. Such control devices
12
are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, accordingly further description thereof is omitted for purposes of brevity and convenience only and is not limiting. In the first preferred embodiment, the electrical conductor
40
is comprised of first and second electrical conductors or wire
42
,
44
enclosed in a casing
45
and electrically connected to the first and second sheets
48
,
54
of the sensor
38
, respectively, preferably by soldering at one end thereof. However, it is understood that the first and second electrical conductors
42
,
44
can be connected to the first and second electrically conductive sheets
48
,
54
by any suitable means, such as welding, crimping, or a fastener.
In the first preferred embodiment, shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4
, a closure
58
is positioned partially within the cavity
28
proximate to either the first end
34
or the second end
36
of the sheath
26
. The closure
58
, which is the same as or slightly greater than the size of the cavity, sealingly engages the internal surface of the sheath
26
to provide a fluid-impervious barrier so that the sensor
38
is protected from outside elements such as water and other liquid or solid material. The closure
58
has an outer surface
60
facing opposite the cavity
28
and front and rear sides
62
,
64
facing respectively the front and back sides
30
,
32
of the sheath
26
.
The closure
58
includes a channel
66
extending from the outer surface
60
toward the cavity
28
to a predetermined depth into the closure
58
. The channel
66
extends the entire length between the front and rear sides
62
,
64
of the closure
58
. The channel
66
is open along its entire length to the outer surface
60
of the closure
58
. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the channel
66
be located along the center of the closure
58
perpendicular to both the front and rear sides
62
,
64
of the closure
58
. However, it is in the spirit and scope of the invention to configure the channel
66
in any direction, such as diagonally up, diagonally down, v-shaped, and vertical.
The closure
58
also includes a passageway
68
that extends along a first axis
70
which is substantially co-linear with a longitudinal axis of the cavity
28
and substantially perpendicular to a second axis
72
of the channel
66
. The passageway
68
has a circular cross-section. The passageway
68
extends along the first axis
70
through the closure
58
from the cavity
28
to the channel
66
. The passageway
68
intersects the channel
66
at an intersection point along the length of the channel
66
. The passageway
68
continues through the channel
66
at the intersection point, opening to the outer surface
60
of the closure
58
with a circular cross-section. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the intersection point of the passageway
68
and the channel
66
is approximately at the center of the closure
58
, corresponding to the center point of the channel
66
. However, it is within the spirit and scope of the invention for the passageway
68
to intersect the channel
66
at any point along the length of the channel
66
.
The conductor
40
extends through the passageway
68
from the cavity
28
to the channel
66
, along which the conductor
40
can then be routed to one of the outer, front, and rear surfaces
60
,
62
,
64
of the closure
58
. It is preferred that the conductor
40
extends from the sensor
38
, through the passageway
68
, out from the outer surface
60
of the closure
58
, and through one of the sides of the channel
66
in order to exit the closure
58
from one of the front and rear sides
62
,
64
. After choosing an appropriate side of the closure
58
from which the conductor
40
is to exit and routing the conductor
40
along the appropriate side of the channel
66
, the conductor
40
can then be sealed within the channel
66
using an adhesive
74
.
Because the channel
66
is open to both the front and rear sides
62
,
64
of the closure
58
, as well as being open along its entire length to the outer surface
60
of the closure, the conductor
40
may exit the sheath
26
from any one of the front or rear sides
62
,
64
of the closure
58
or the outer surface
60
of the closure
58
. Therefore, the sensing edge
10
may be installed on the door
14
with the closure
58
proximate to either the first or second side surfaces of the door
20
,
22
, thereby making the sensing edge
10
bilateral.
The channel
66
has a pear-shaped cross-section, allowing the conductor
40
to be retained in a recessed manner within the channel
66
and under the outer surface
60
of the closure
58
. This allows the conductor
40
to be extended from its electrical connection with the sensor
38
, through the passageway
68
, and through part of the channel
66
, exiting from one of the front and rear sides
62
,
64
of the closure
58
, while being held in a recessed manner under the outer surface of the closure
58
. Retention of the conductor
40
within the channel
66
is achieved because the width of the channel
66
at the outer surface
60
is less than the diameter of the conductor
40
. However, it is understood that the shape of the cross-section of the channel
66
can take the form of any other suitable shape in which the conductor
40
can be routed in a recessed manner, such as a frusto-triangular cross-section.
The closure
58
is fabricated of one piece that includes front and rear sides
62
,
64
. The front side
62
includes a first front surface
76
and a second front surface
78
, and the rear side
64
includes a first rear surface
80
and a second rear surface
82
. The first front surface
76
and the first rear surface
80
are a first distance apart, and the second front surface
78
and the second rear surface
82
are a second distance apart. The first distance is greater than the second distance, giving the closure
58
a step like appearance such that the closure
58
can be partially inserted within either the first or second ends
34
,
36
of the sheath
26
. The second distance is the same as or slightly greater than the width of the cavity
28
to provide a tight fit. The channel
66
is housed within the portion of the closure
58
that remains protruding outside the sheath
26
. This configuration allows the channel
66
to be accessible from the outer surface
60
, the front side
62
, and the rear side
64
of the closure
58
. However, it is within the spirit and scope of the invention to configure the closure
58
in a shape other than the step like shape described above. The closure
58
could also take the form of a plug with a uniform width that would be inserted completely within one of the first and second ends
34
,
36
of the sheath
26
, necessitating the presence of holes in the sheath
26
so that the channel
66
is accessible from both the front and rear sides
62
,
64
of the closure
58
.
The stopping block
84
, sealingly engaging the sheath
26
, is positioned proximate to the other of the first and second ends
34
,
36
of the sheath
26
. The stopping block
84
, in combination with the closure
58
, prevents the weight of the door from activating the sensor
38
when the door makes contact with an intended surface such as the ground or door frame (not shown). In order not to interfere with the operation of the sensor
38
, the closure
58
and the stopping block
84
are positioned at the first and second ends
34
,
36
of the sheath
26
such that they remain outside the sensing range of the sensor. It is generally preferred that the closure
58
and the stopping block
84
be constructed of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, it is appreciated by those skilled in the art that the closure
58
and the stopping block
84
may be constructed of any substantially non-compressible substance, such as hardened rubber, stiffened plastic, or synthetic resin.
The sensing edge
10
may be manufactured for any particular installation with or without knowledge of which side of the door
14
the control device
12
will be mounted. Assuming no knowledge of which side of the door
14
of the control device
12
will be mounted, the manufacturing assembly steps would comprise: (1) threading one end of the conductor
40
through the passageway
68
of the closure
58
; (2) cutting the sheath
26
and the sensor
38
to length depending upon the specific door
14
dimensions; (3) stripping the conductor wires
42
,
44
of the conductor
40
and attaching the wires
42
,
44
to the first and second sheets of the electrical conductors
48
,
54
of the sensor
38
; (4) inserting the stopping block
84
into the sheath and sealing the stopping block
84
to the sheath
26
; (5) inserting the sensor
38
and closure
58
into the sheath
26
; and (6) sealing the closure
58
to the sheath
26
. At this point in the assembly of the sensing edge
10
, the conductor
40
extends out from the outer surface
60
of the closure
58
and sensing edge
10
is ready for installation. Completion of the sensing edge
10
assembly is performed following attachment to the door
14
, at which time the conductor
40
is routed partially through the channel
66
such that the conductor
40
exits the closure
58
from one of the front, rear, and outer surfaces
62
,
64
,
60
of the closure
58
, depending on whether the control device
12
is on the left or the right hand side of the door
14
. Following the routing of the conductor
40
partially through the channel
66
, the conductor
40
is held in place within the channel
66
and passageway
68
using the adhesive
74
to prevent the entrance of moisture into the sensing edge
10
. The conductor
40
is electrically connected to the control device
12
.
Assuming the sensing edge
10
is manufactured with knowledge of which side of the door
14
the control device
12
will be mounted, then the routing and sealing steps described in the preceding paragraph can be carried out at the manufacturing site instead of the installation site.
The order in which the foregoing steps of assembly of the sensing edge
10
is not pertinent to the present invention. That is, it is understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure that the order of the steps of assembly can be varied without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, selecting and cutting the length of the sheath
26
and sensor
38
could be the first step in the assembly process.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims
- 1. A sensing edge for actuating a device to cause a closing door to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge, the door having a leading edge surface, the sensing edge comprising:an elongate sheath positioned adjacent to the leading edge surface of the door and being compressible upon application of an external force, the sheath forming a cavity and having opposing front and rear sides and first and second oppositely disposed ends; a sensor positioned within the cavity, the sensor being responsive to an external force applied to the sheath between the first and second ends; a closure positioned proximate one of the first and second ends of the sheath, the closure having an outer surface facing opposite the cavity and front and rear sides corresponding to the front and rear sides of the sheath, the closure having a channel extending from the outer surface toward the cavity to a depth into the closure, the channel being open to the outer surface and extending along an entire length of the outer surface between the front and rear sides of the closure, the closure further including a passageway therethrough extending from the cavity to the channel; and at least one electrical conductor in electrical communication with the sensor, the conductor extending through the passageway and partially through the channel to one of the front and rear sides.
- 2. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the closure is fabricated of a single piece of material.
- 3. The sensing edge as recited in claim 2, wherein the closure includes front and rear sides, the front side including a first front surface and a second front surface and the rear side including a first rear surface and a second rear surface, such that the first front surface and the first rear surface spaced a first distance apart and the second front surface and the second rear surface spaced a second distance apart, said first distance being greater than said second distance, such that a first portion of the closure of a first width corresponding to said second distance fits within one of the first and second sheath ends and the second portion of the closure of a second width corresponding to said first distance remains protruding outside of the sheath.
- 4. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the passageway has a first axis extending substantially colinear with a longitudinal axis of the cavity, and the channel has a second axis extending substantially perpendicular to the first axis.
- 5. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the closure is made of a substantially non-compressible material, the closure, in combination with a stopping block positioned proximate to the other of the first and second ends of the sheath preventing the sensor from being responsive to an external force when the sensing edge makes contact with only an intended surface.
- 6. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the closure is sealed to the sheath.
- 7. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the electrical conductor is maintained within the channel using an adhesive.
- 8. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the conductor exits from the closure at the inner surface and the outer surface through the passageway of the closure, the conductor then being capable of being routed partly through the channel to one of the front and rear sides of the closure such that the sensing edge is bilateral.
- 9. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the passageway has a circular cross-section.
- 10. The sensing edge as recited in claim 1, wherein the passageway intersects the channel at an intersection point along the length of the channel, the passageway continuing through the channel at the intersection point and forming an opening to the outer surface of the closure, the opening having a circular cross-section.
- 11. A sensing edge for actuating a device to cause a closing door to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge, the door having a leading edge surface, the sensing edge comprising:an elongate sheath positioned adjacent to the leading edge surface of the door and being compressible upon application of an external force, the sheath forming a cavity and having opposing front and rear sides and first and second oppositely disposed ends; a sensor positioned within the cavity, the sensor being responsive to an external force applied to the sheath between the first and second ends; a closure positioned proximate one of the first and second ends of the sheath, the closure having an outer surface facing opposite the cavity and front and rear sides corresponding to the front and rear sides of the sheath, the closure having a channel that extends from the outer surface toward the cavity to a depth into the closure, the channel being open to the outer surface of the closure, the channel further extending a length between the front and rear sides of the closure, the closure including a passageway therethrough extending from the cavity to the channel; and at least one electrical conductor in electrical communication with the sensor, the conductor extending through the passageway and partially through the channel to one of the front and rear sides.
- 12. A sensing edge for actuating a device to cause a closing door to stop closing upon a force being applied to the sensing edge, the door having a leading edge surface, the sensing edge comprising:an elongate sheath positioned adjacent to the leading edge surface of the door and being compressible upon application of an external force, the sheath forming a cavity and having opposing front and rear sides and first and second oppositely disposed ends; a sensor positioned within the cavity, the sensor being responsive to an external force applied to the sheath between the first and second ends; a closure positioned proximate one of the first and second ends of the sheath, the closure having an outer surface facing opposite the cavity and front and rear sides corresponding to the front and rear sides of the sheath, the closure having a channel that is open through the outer surface of the closure along a channel length, the channel extends from the outer surface toward the cavity to a depth into the closure, the channel length extending between the front and rear sides of the closure, the closure further including a passageway therethrough extending from the cavity to the channel; and at least one electrical conductor in electrical communication with the sensor, the conductor extending through the passageway and partially through the channel to one of the front and rear sides, a width of the channel at the outer surface of the closure is less than a diameter of the conductor.
US Referenced Citations (22)
Foreign Referenced Citations (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
1 174 902 |
Sep 1984 |
CA |