Automatic locking mechanism

Abstract

In example implementations, a locking mechanism is provided. The locking mechanism includes a movable lever arm coupled to a moving component to be locked, a spring-loaded activating lever, wherein the movable lever arm interacts with the spring-loaded activating lever when the moving component moves to move the spring-loaded activating lever between a first position and a second position, and a locking member coupled to the spring-loaded activating lever, wherein the locking member moves into a locking position when the spring-loaded activating lever is in the first position and an unlocking position when the spring-loaded activating lever is in a second position.

Description

AUTOMATIC LOCKING MECHANISMBACKGROUND

[0001] Overhead doors can be used for a variety of applications. For example, overhead doors can be used as garage doors in residential locations or doors for bays and entrances to warehouses in commercial locations.

[0002] Some overhead doors can include sections or panels that are coupled together, such as a residential garage door. Other overhead doors can include links that are held together to form a security door for commercial applications. Other overhead doors can include a plurality of slats that form a curtain that can be wrapped around a barrel or shaft for commercial applications. When the overhead door is closed, the overhead door can block an entrance or opening. The overhead door can be opened to allow egress through the entrance of the opening. The overhead door can be controlled to be opened or closed through a system that includes a motor / operator that can lift the sectional door or rotate the barrel or shaft connected to the curtain.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] FIG. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an exterior side of an example overhead door system with an example automatic locking mechanism in an unlocked position of the present disclosure;

[0004] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of section 200 of FIG. 1 that includes an example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in theunlocked position;

[0005] FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0006] FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of the example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0007] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0008] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0009] FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of section 700 of FIG. 1 that includes an example locking member of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0010] FIG. 8 illustrates an isometric view of the example locking member of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0011] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the example locking member of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0012] FIG. 10 illustrates a side view of the example locking member of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0013] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the example locking member of the present disclosure in the unlocked position;

[0014] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of an interior side of the example overhead door system with the automatic locking mechanism in the unlocked position of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up view of section 1300 of FIG. 12 that includes an example movable lever arm of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of the example movable lever arm of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of the example movable lever arm of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 16 illustrates top view of the example movable lever arm of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the example movable lever arm of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 18 illustrates another isometric view of the interior side of the example overhead door system with the automatic locking mechanism in the unlocked position of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up view of section 1900 of FIG. 18 that includes an example striker plate of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the example striker plate of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the example striker plate of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the exterior side of the example overhead door system with the automatic locking mechanism in a locked position of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIG. 23 illustrates a close-up view of section 200 of FIG. 22 that includes the example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in the locked position;

[0026] FIG. 24 illustrates an isometric view of the example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in the locked position;

[0027] FIG. 25 illustrates front view of the example spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure in the locked position;

[0028] FIG. 26 illustrates a close-up view of section 700 of FIG. 22 that includes the example locking member of the present disclosure in a locked position;

[0029] FIG. 27 illustrates an isometric view of the example locking member of the present disclosure in the locked position;

[0030] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the example locking member of the present disclosure in the locked position;

[0031] FIG. 29 illustrates an isometric view of the interior side of the overhead door system with the automatic locking mechanism in the locked position of thepresent disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 30 illustrates a close-up view of section 1300 of FIG. 29 that includes the example movable lever arm engaged with the spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 31 illustrates another isometric view of the interior side of the overhead door system with the automatic locking mechanism in the locked position of the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 32 illustrates a close-up view of section 1900 of the FIG. 31 that shows how the locking member is inserted through the striker plate of the present disclosure in the locked position;

[0035] FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of the example overhead door system with the automatic locking mechanism of the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 34 illustrates a close-up view of section 3400 of FIG. 33 to show further details of the spring-loaded activating lever of the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 35 illustrates a close-up view of section 3500 of FIG. 33 to show further details of the locking member of the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 36 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an example bead structure when the curtain of the overhead door system is closed; and

[0039] FIG. 37 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the example bead structure when the curtain of the overhead door system is open.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Examples described herein provide examples of an automatic locking mechanism. In some examples, the automatic locking mechanism can be used with an overhead door. As discussed above, overhead doors can be used for a variety of applications. For example, overhead doors can be used as garage doors in residential locations or doors for bays and entrances to warehouses in commercial locations.

[0041] Some overhead doors can include a curtain that can be wrapped around a barrel or shaft. The curtain can include a plurality of slats that can be opaque or visibly clear. When the curtain is closed, the curtain can block anentrance or opening. The curtain can be opened to allow egress through the entrance of the opening.

[0042] In some applications, it may be desirable to lock the curtain to prevent the curtain from being opened by unauthorized personal to provide additional security. Some locks may be manual. For example, a slide bolt may be implemented or a separate pad lock can be attached to the curtain to prevent the curtain from opening.

[0043] In other examples, electromechanical locks may be implemented. For example, an electronic device (e.g., a solenoid switch) may be used in combination with a mechanical device to lock the curtain. However, electromechanical locks require electricity to be available near the door, may be expensive, and may add undesired costs to the overall cost of the overhead door.

[0044] The present disclosure provides a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism of the present disclosure can be operated automatically without any manual intervention and without any electromechanical components, such as solenoids. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be used with an overhead door system to automatically lock and unlock the overhead door system. Although the examples below illustrate the locking mechanism used with an overhead door system, it should be noted that the locking mechanism could be used for any system that includes a moving member that should be automatically locked and unlocked. For example, the automatic locking mechanism could be deployed with sun shades, windows, shutters, sun roofs, cabinets with a rolling door or cover, and the like.

[0045] FIG. 1 illustrates a first isometric view of an exterior side 160 of an example overhead door system 100 of the present disclosure. In an example, the overhead door system 100 may include a curtain 102. The curtain 102 may be comprised of a plurality of slats 104i to 104n(hereinafter also referred to individually as a slat 104 or collectively as slats 104) and a bottom bar 108.

[0046] In one embodiment, the overhead door system 100 may include tracksor guides 110 and 112. The tracks 110 and 112 may be on opposite sides of the curtain 102. The tracks 110 and 112 may run vertically and guide movement of the curtain 102 into a header 130 as the curtain 102 is opened and closed. The tracks 110 and 112 may each have U-shape or J-shape and may include additional components that are not shown. For example, the tracks 110 and 112 may have roll formed ends to secure end locks (not shown) coupled to the slats 104 of the curtain 102. In addition, the tracks 110 and 112 may include a cover to hide the tracks 110 and 112 and the ends of the slats 104. However, FIG. 1 illustrates the tracks 110 and 112 with the covers removed to illustrate the various components of the automatic locking mechanism of the present disclosure.

[0047] The header 130 is shown in FIG. 1 without a cover. However, it should be noted that the header 130 may include a cover to hide the curtain 102 when the curtain 102 is open.

[0048] A barrel 106 may be located inside of the header 130. The barrel 106 may be directly or indirectly rotationally coupled to a motor 122. The motor 122 may be directly coupled to the barrel 106 (e.g., a direct drive) or may be indirectly coupled to the barrel 106 (e.g., via a chain or coupling for an indirect drive). The motor 122 operate to rotate the barrel 106 in a clockwise or counter clockwise direction to wind the curtain 102 around the barrel 106 in an opening operation and to unwind the curtain 102 from the barrel 106 in a closing operation.

[0049] In one embodiment, the curtain 102 may be moved vertically up and down in a direction as shown by an arrow 150. The overhead door system 100 may include an automatic locking mechanism that disengages as the curtain 102 is opened and locks when the curtain 102 is closed. FIG. 1 illustrates the curtain 102 as it begins to open and is slightly moved upward off of the ground, as shown by an arrow 196.

[0050] In one embodiment, the automatic locking mechanism may include a spring-loaded activating lever 114, a locking member 116, and a movable lever arm 118 (also referred to as a lever arm 118) coupled to a moving component,e.g., the curtain 102. The spring-loaded activating lever 114 and the locking member 116 may be coupled to an exterior side 160 of the track 110 or 112. the movable lever arm 118 may be coupled to an interior side 170 (illustrated in FIG. 12) of the track 110 or 112. Close-up views of the spring-loaded activating lever 114, the locking member 116, and the movable lever arm 118 are illustrated in the following figures and discussed in further detail below.

[0051] It should be noted that although the automatic locking mechanism is described within the context of an overhead door system 100, the automatic locking mechanism may be deployed in other applications that include a movable section. For example, the spring-loaded activating lever 114 and the locking member 116 may be remotely located from one another and the movable lever arm 118 may be coupled to a moving part (e.g., a window, a sun shade, a window blind, a cover for an enclosure, and the like). The movement of the movable lever arm 118 may interact with the spring-loaded activating lever 114.

[0052] In the example where the automatic locking mechanism is deployed on the overhead door system 100, the spring-loaded activating lever 114 may be coupled to a top portion of the track 110. The locking member 116 may be coupled to a bottom portion of the track 110 and remote from the spring-loaded activating lever 114. The spring-loaded activating lever 114 may be coupled to the locking member 116 via a cable, as illustrated in FIGs. 2, 7, and 33 and discussed in further details below. The movable lever arm 118 may be coupled to a slat 104 of the curtain 102. Although the spring-loaded activating lever 114 and the locking member 116 are illustrated as being installed on the track 110, it should be noted that the spring-loaded activating lever 114 and the locking member 116 may also be installed on the opposite side of the curtain 102 on the track 112.

[0053] The movable lever arm 118 may be positioned on one of the slats 104 on a same side that the spring-loaded activating lever 114 is installed. Thus, the movable lever arm 118 can interact with the spring-loaded activating lever 114 when the curtain 102 is closed. This interaction results in the spring-loadedactivating lever 114 imparting movement onto the locking member 116 such that the locking member 116 moves into a locked position to interfere with the movement of the curtain 102. In other words, in the locked position, the curtain 102 may be prevented opening.

[0054] When the curtain 102 is opened or begins opening (e.g., via the motor that lifts or begins to open a top portion of the curtain 102 first), the movable lever arm 118 may disengage from the spring-loaded activating lever 11 . The disengagement results in the spring-loaded activating lever 114 imparting movement onto the locking member 116 such that the locking member 116 moves into an unlocked position.

[0055] FIG. 2 illustrates a close-up view of section 200 from FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 illustrates a better view of how the movable lever arm 118 is positioned relative to the spring-loaded activating lever 114. FIG. 2 illustrates a moment in time as the curtain 102 is beginning to open and the movable lever arm 118 disengages, or moves away from, the spring-loaded activating lever 114 enough to cause the spring-loaded activating lever 114 to move the locking member 116 into an unlocked position.

[0056] FIG. 2 illustrates a cable 120 that is connected to the spring-loaded activating lever 114. The cable 120 may be a steel braided cable, a polymer cable or cord, rope, or any other type of cable, cord, or rope. A first end of the cable 120 may be connected to the spring-loaded activating lever 114 and run along a height of the curtain 102 (e.g., parallel to a direction of the line 150 in FIG. 1 ). A second end of the cable 120 may be coupled to the locking member 116 (illustrated in FIG. 7). Movement of the spring-loaded activating lever 114 may be translated by the cable 120 into movement of the locking member 116.

[0057] In one embodiment, the slats 104 may be roll formed and connected via a bead structure 3600 as shown in FIG. 1. FIGs. 36 and 37 illustrate a cross- sectional view of the bead structure 3600. FIG. 36 illustrates the bead structure 3600 when the curtain 102 is closed. When the curtain 102 is closed, there may be a gap 3606 between a bottom end 3602 of a first slat 104 and a top end 3604of a second slat 104. The gap 3606 may be a relatively small distance (e.g., less than 0.05 inches).

[0058] FIG. 37 illustrates the bead structure 3600 when the curtain 102 is opened or opening. As the curtain 102 begins to open, the gap 3606 may be eliminated as the top end 3604 of the second slat 104 contacts the bottom end 3602 of the first slat 104. Thus, the size of the gap 3606 may be reduced to zero.

[0059] Thus, there may be some tolerance between the slats 104. For example, as a top most slat 104nmoves, there may be a moment in time before the next slat 104n-i begins to move. In other words, due to the slack or tolerance between the slats 104 as shown in FIG. 36, there may be a delay between when the bottom most slat 104i and the bottom bar 108 begin to move relative to when the top most slat 104nbegins to move. Thus, the entire curtain 102, more specifically, the bottom most slat 104i and the bottom bar 108, may not begin to open until all of the slack is removed between adjacent slats 104 above the bottom most slat 104i and the bottom bar 108.

[0060] Thus, as the top portion of the curtain 102 begins to move, the movement may cause the movable lever arm 118 to move with the movement of the top portion of the curtain 102 during an opening operation. As the movable lever arm 118 begins to lift while the curtain 102 is opening, the moveable lever arm 118 may begin to disengage or move away from the spring-loaded activating lever 114. Thus, the spring-loaded activating lever 114 may begin to pull the cable 120. The movement in the cable 120 may be translated into movement of the locking member 116. The movement of the cable 120 may allow a locking member spring 850 (also referred to as spring 850 and illustrated in FIG. 35 and discussed below) to move the locking member 116 from a locked position to an unlocked position. In other words, the spring 850 may store energy in an extended or contracted state. The cable 120 may force to be removed from the spring 850 to return the locking member 116 to the unlocked position.

[0061] The delay in movement of the bottom slats (e.g., 104i and 1042) maygive the locking member 116 enough time to move between the locked position and the unlocked position. Without the slight tolerance between the adjacent slats 104, all of the slats 104 would move at the same time when curtain 102 begins to open. As a result, the locking member 116 would not have enough time to move from the locked position to the unlocked position and the bottom slats 104 would get stuck against the locking member 116.

[0062] The roll formed slats 104 of the present disclosure, as illustrated in FIGs. 36 and 37, provide the slight delay in movement between the top portion of the curtain 102 and the bottom portion of the curtain 102 to allow the automatic locking mechanism to function properly. However, it should be noted that any slat design that provides some tolerance between adjacent slats or slight delay in movement between the top and bottom portion of the curtain 102 may be deployed.

[0063] When the position of the curtain 102 is compared between FIGs. 1 and 22, there is only a small difference. As a result, FIG. 1 shows only a small amount of upward movement in the position of the curtain 102 to cause the automatic locking mechanism to be in the unlocked position compared to the position of the curtain 102 in FIG. 22 showing the automatic locking mechanism in a locked position. This is because only a small amount of movement of the curtain 102 towards an open position, as shown by the arrow 196, can unlock the automatic locking mechanism of the present disclosure.

[0064] FIGs. 3-6 illustrate various views of the spring-loaded activating lever 114 in the unlocked position. FIG. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the spring- loaded activating lever 114. In one embodiment, the spring-loaded activating lever 114 may include a base plate 302. The base plate 302 may be coupled to a stationary portion 122 (shown in FIG. 2) of the track 110. For example, the stationary portion 122 may be a side wall of the track 110 or a back wall of the track 110. In another embodiment, an additional “L” shaped bracket may be used to couple the spring-loaded activating lever 114 to the side wall of the track 110 and positioned in front of the curtain 102.

[0065] In one embodiment, a rotatable lever arm 304 is rotatable coupled to the base plate 302 via a rotatable fastener 31 . The rotatable fastener 314 may be a pin, a rivet, and a rotatable screw or bolt, and the like. FIG. 4 illustrates an arrow 318 that illustrates how the rotatable lever arm 304 may rotate around an axis that would go into the page and through a center of the rotatable fastener 314.

[0066] The rotatable lever arm 304 may also include a fastener 312 on a first end of the rotatable lever arm 304. The fastener 312 may secure an end of a spring 306. The spring 306 may be an extension spring.

[0067] The rotatable lever arm 304 may have a generally rectangular shape and may be rotatably coupled to the base plate 302. The rotatable lever arm 304 may have a second end that is opposite the first end with the fastener 312 securing the spring 306. The second end of the rotatable lever arm 304 may extend beyond a side of the base plate 302.

[0068] In one embodiment, the base plate 302 may include openings 316 to insert mechanical fasteners (e.g., a screw, a bolt, a nut and bolt combination, and the like) through the openings 316 to secure the base plate 302 against the stationary portion 122 of the track 110 or to an “L” bracket (not shown). The fasteners or bolts inserted through the top openings 316 may extend out from the surface of the base plate 302 (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 34). The fasteners that extend out from the top openings 316 may act as mechanical stops. As a result, without any acting force applied to an edge 308 of the rotatable lever arm 304, the spring 306 may pull down on the first end causing the second end to rise.

[0069] An angled member 310 may protrude from the edge 308 of the rotatable lever arm 304. The angled member 310 may have a “shark fin” shape or inverted “V” shape. An angled surface of the angled member 310 may contact one of the fasteners to stop movement of the rotatable lever arm 304 in the unlocked position, for example, the rotatable lever arm 304 may be stopped in a position where the edge 308 is approximately parallel to a top edge of the base plate 302. FIG. 4 illustrates how the angled member 310 would rest against afastener or bolt that would be extending out of the page from the top left opening 316 of the base plate 302.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the spring-loaded activating lever 114. FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the spring-loaded activating lever 114.

[0071] FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of section 700 of FIG. 1 that includes the locking member 116 in an unlocked position and a striker plate 124 coupled to the bottom bar 108 and the bottom slat 104i and between the slate 104i and the track 110. FIG. 7 illustrates how the cable 120 is fed and connected to the locking member 116. In addition, the locking member 116 may be coupled to the stationary portion 122 of the track 110. For example, the locking member 116 may be coupled to a bottom portion of the track 110 remotely away from the spring-loaded activating lever 114. The bottom portion of the track 110 may be the portion of the track 110 closest to the bottom bar 108 and the bottom slats 104i and 1042.

[0072] FIGs. 8-11 illustrate various views of the locking member 116. In one embodiment, the locking member 116 may including a housing 802. The housing 802 may include an interior volume 804. An arm 806 may be located within the interior volume 804 of the housing 802. The arm 806 may be rotatably coupled to an upper first side 830 and an upper second side 832 of the housing 802. For example, a rotatable cotter pin or rivet 810 may be inserted through an opening in the first side 830 of the housing 802, an upper corner 808 of the arm 806, and the second side 832 of the housing 802. The arm 806 may rotate around an axis of the rotatable cotter pin or rivet 810 as shown by an arrow 822.

[0073] In one embodiment, a first end of the arm 806 may include an angled foot or angled member 816. The angled foot 816 may move along a direction as shown by an arrow 824 when the arm 806 is rotated. The angled foot 816 may rotated into an opening 820 formed in a backside 818 of the housing 802 to be in a locked position and may move out of or away from the opening 820 to be in an unlocked position.

[0074] A second end 812 of the arm 806 that is opposite the first end havingthe angled member 816 may include a fastener 814 with a through hole. The fastener 814 may be a pin or a bolt. An end of the cable 120 may be fed through the through hole of the fastener 814 or secured against a head of the fastener 814 and the second end 812. A spring 852 (illustrated in FIG. 35) may also be connected to the fastener 814.

[0075] As discussed above, when the spring-loaded activating lever 114 is in the unlocked position, the rotating lever arm 304 may be rotated upward. The connection to the locking member 116 via the cable 120 may allow the spring 852 (shown in FIG. 35) to pull the second end 812 of the arm 806 downward. As a result, the arm 806 may rotate away from the backside 818 of the housing 802. When the arm 806 rotates away from the backside 818 of the housing 802, the angled foot 816 may withdraw or move out of the opening 820 located in the backside 818 of the housing. As a result, the arm 806 and the locking member 116 may be moved into an unlocked position.

[0076] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the locking member 116. The front view illustrates openings 840. Fasteners (e.g., screws or bolts) may be inserted through the openings 840 to couple the housing 802 of the locking member 116 to the stationary portion 122 of the track 110. FIG. 9 also illustrates a better view of the opening 820 in the backside 818 of the housing 802. The openings 840 may alternatively be located along the first side 830 or the second side 832.

[0077] FIG 10 illustrates a side view of the locking member 116. FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of the locking member 116. The top view illustrates a view of the fastener 814 that can be used to secure the cable 120 and the spring 852 (illustrated in FIG. 35).

[0078] FIG. 12 illustrates an isometric view of an interior side 170 of the overhead door system 100. The view of the movable member 118 is hidden by a cover of the track 110. FIG. 13 illustrates a close-up view of section 1300 of FIG. 12 that includes the movable lever arm 118 with the automatic locking mechanism in the locked position.

[0079] FIG. 13 illustrates the movable lever arm 118 as it begins to moveupward in a direction as shown by an arrow 1302 as the curtain 102 begins to open. As noted above, a small amount (e.g., an inch to a few inches) of upward movement of the curtain 102 may be enough to allow the movable lever arm 118 to also move upward and remove a force that was applied to the spring-loaded activating lever 114. As the force is removed, the rotatable lever arm 304 of the spring-loaded activating lever 114 may also begin to rotate upwards into the unlocked position.

[0080] FIG. 13 also illustrates how the track 110 may have a back side. The back side may be the stationary portion 122 and provide a structure for coupling to the spring-loaded activating lever 114 and the locking member 116.

[0081] FIGs. 14-17 illustrate various views of the movable lever arm 118. FIG. 14 illustrates an isometric view of the movable lever arm 118. In one embodiment, the movable lever arm 118 may include a modified endlock that includes a body 1402 and an extended head 1404. The body 1402 may include a plurality of openings 1408. Some of the openings 1408 may have elongated openings to provide some tolerance to allow the openings to align with the openings on the slats 104. A fastener (not shown) may be inserted through the openings 1408 and corresponding openings on the slats 104 to secure the body 1402 to one of the slats 104. The body 1402 may be positioned within the track 110 or 112 (depending on which side of the curtain 102 the automatic locking mechanism is installed).

[0082] In one embodiment, the extended head 1404 may be coupled to a side of the body 1402. The extended head 1404 may include a semi-circular shape. The extended head 1404 may include a plurality of openings 1410i to 1410m (hereinafter also referred to individually as an opening 1410 or collectively as openings 1410). The plurality of openings 1410 may be positioned along a length of the extended head 1404 illustrated by a line 1450 shown in a front view of the movable lever arm 118 in FIG. 15.

[0083] In one embodiment, a bolt 1406 may be inserted through one of the openings 1410. The plurality of different openings 1410 may allow the position ofthe bolt 1406 to be adjusted and / or provide tolerance relative to the rotatable lever arm 304 when the movable lever arm 118 is attached to a slat 104. The bolt 1406 may extend away from a surface of the extended head 1404. For example, the bolt 1406 may extend from the extended head 1404 in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane that runs along a length (e.g., the dimension from left to right between the tracks 110 and 112) of the slat 104.

[0084] The bolt 1406 may interact with the edge 308 of the rotatable lever arm 304 as the curtain 102 is opened and closed. For example, the position of the bolt 1406 relative to the rotatable lever arm 304 may toggle the automatic locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked position.

[0085] FIG. 16 illustrates a top view of the movable lever arm 118. FIG. 17 illustrates a side view of the movable lever arm 118. FIGs. 16 and 17 illustrate how the bolt 1406 extend perpendicularly away from the body 1402 and the extended head 1404. Although FIG. 16 illustrates the extended head 1404 slightly angled from the body 1402, it should be noted that the extended head 1404 and the body 1402 may be flat or planar.

[0086] FIG. 18 illustrates another isometric view of the interior side 170 of the overhead door system 100. FIG. 18 illustrates a bottom isometric view of the interior side 170 of the overhead door system 100.

[0087] FIG. 19 illustrates a close-up view of the section 1900 of FIG. 18 that includes the striker plate 124. As noted above, the track 110 may be a U-shaped track. The striker plate 124 may be coupled to the bottom bar 108 and the bottom slat 104i and between the slat 104i and the track 110. In one embodiment, the bottom bar 108 may have a cut-out 1902 that concentrically corresponds to an opening 2004 of the striker plate 124 and the opening 820 of the housing 802 of the locking member 116. In one embodiment, the track 110 may also be modified to include a concentric opening 1904 relative to the cut-out 1902, the opening 2004, and the opening 820.

[0088] The example illustrated in FIG. 19 illustrates the bottom bar 108 having the cut-out 1902. The striker plate 124 may be coupled to the bottom bar 108.The striker plate 124 may be positioned such that the cut-out 1902, the opening 2004 of the striker plate 124, the opening 1904 of the track 110, and the opening 820 of the housing 802 of the locking member 116 are all concentrically aligned. In one embodiment, the opening 2004, the opening 1904, and the opening 820 may each have a similar shape and size or dimensions. The cut-out 1902 may have a generally similar shape and size as the openings 2004, the opening 1904, and the opening 820.

[0089] FIG. 20 illustrates an isometric view of the striker plate 124. The striker plate 124 may include a body 2002. The body 2002 may have a generally rectangular shape. In one embodiment, one of the sides 2010 may be curved. The body 2002 may include the opening 2004. Although the opening 2004 is illustrated as being towards a bottom of the body 2002, it should be noted that the opening 2004 may be located anywhere in the body 2002.

[0090] The body 2002 may also include a plurality of openings 2006. The openings 2006 may be used to couple the striker plate 124 to the bottom bar 108 via one or more fasteners (not shown), such as screws, bolts, and the like. FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the striker plate 124.

[0091] FIG. 22 illustrates an isometric view of the exterior side 160 of the overhead door system. FIG. 22 is similar to FIG. 1 except that the curtain 102 is in a closed position such that the automatic locking mechanism is in a locked position.

[0092] As noted above, only a small amount of movement (e.g., an inch to a few inches) of the curtain 102 may be sufficient to lock and unlock the automatic locking mechanism due to the tolerance between adjacent slats 104. Thus, the position of the curtain 102 in FIG. 22 may be slightly lower to a full closed position compared to the position of the curtain 102 in FIG. 1 being slightly moved upward as the curtain 102 begins to open.

[0093] FIG. 23 illustrates a close-up view of section 200 that includes the spring-loaded activating lever 114 in a locked position. FIG. 23 illustrates when the curtain 102 is in a closed position, the movable lever arm 118 movesdownward in a direction as shown by an arrow 2302. The movable lever arm 118 applies a downward force on the spring-loaded activating lever 114. The movement is translated into pulling up on the cable 120, which then causes the locking member 116 to move into a locked position, as described below.

[0094] FIG. 24 illustrates an isometric view of the spring-loaded activating lever 114 in a locked position. For example, the rotatable lever arm 304 is rotated downward in a direction of the arrow 2304. FIG. 25 illustrates a front view of the spring-loaded activating lever 114 in the locked position. FIG. 25 illustrates how the rotatable lever arm 304 is positioned at an angle 2502 relative to when the rotatable lever arm 304 is positioned in the unlocked position. The spring 306 may be an extension spring that can be stretched and restored to a default position as shown by an arrow 2504.

[0095] FIG. 26 illustrates a close-up view of the section 700 that includes the locking member 116 in the locked position. For example, as the cable 120 is pulled upward by the movement of the rotatable lever arm 304 of the spring- loaded activating lever 114, the cable 120 may cause locking member 116 to move into a locked position.

[0096] FIG. 27 illustrates an isometric view of the locking member 116 in the locked position. For example, the upward pull of the cable 120 may cause the second end 812 to move upward. The upward movement may cause the arm 806 to rotate around the rotatable cotter pin or rivet 810 in a direction shown by an arrow 2702. The rotation of the arm 806 may cause the angled foot 816 to move toward the opening 820 of the housing 802 in a direction shown by an arrow 2704 and through the opening 820. When the angled foot 816 is moved through the opening 820, the locking member 116 may be in the locked position.

[0097] FIG. 28 illustrates a side view of the locking member 116 in the locked position. The angled foot 816 may be extended through the opening 820. In one embodiment, the angled foot 816 may include sides 860, 862, 864, 866, and 868. The sides 860 ad 862 may form an angle 852 that is greater than 180 degrees. The sides 864 and 866 may form an angle 853 that is less than 180 degrees.Thus, an end or portion of the angled foot 816 that is formed by the sides 862, 868, and 866 may be bent downward towards the bottom bar 108.

[0098] As a result, when the curtain 102 is in a closed position and an upward force is applied to the curtain 102 at the bottom bar 108 (e.g., someone trying to lift open or pry open the curtain 102 from the exterior side 160), the upward force may allow the slats 104 to further engage the angled foot 816 and preventing further movement of the slats 104. As a result, the automatic locking mechanism may provide a relative secure lock for the curtain 102 that is resistant to prying forces.

[0099] FIG. 29 illustrates an isometric view of the interior side 170 of the overhead door system 100. The view of the movable member 118 is hidden by a cover of the track 110. FIG. 30 illustrates a close-up view of section 1300 of FIG. 29 with the automatic locking mechanism in the locked position. FIG. 29 illustrates a more detailed view of the movable member 118 applying a downward force (e.g., in a direction shown by the arrow 2302) on the spring- loaded activating lever 114. The downward force may cause the rotatable lever arm 304 to move downward, as described above with respect to FIGs. 24 and 25.

[0100] FIG. 31 illustrates another isometric view of the interior side 170 of the overhead door system 100. FIG. 32 illustrates a close-up view of the section 1900 of FIG. 31 with the automatic locking mechanism in the locked position.FIG. 32 illustrates how the angled foot 816 extends through the opening 1904 of the track 110, the opening 2004 of the striker plate 124, and the cut-out 1902 in the bottom bar 108. Thus, if an upward prying force is applied to the bottom bar 108 or slat 104i , the striker plate 124 would abut against the angled foot 816 preventing the curtain 102 from being pried open.

[0101] FIG. 33 illustrates a front view of the example overhead door system 100 installed in exit or entrance 3302 of a building. As can be seen, when the overhead door system 100 is installed, the automatic locking mechanism and cable 120 may be inaccessible within the track 110, 112, and the wall of the exitor entrance 3302. FIG. 33 illustrates a full broken view of the cable 120 connected to both the spring-loaded activating lever 114 and the locking member 116.

[0102] FIG. 34 illustrates a close-up view of a section 3400 of FIG. 33. FIG.34 illustrates a more detailed view of the cable 120 and the spring 306. For example, a first end of the cable 120 may be coupled the fastener 312. Thus, as the rotatable lever arm 304 rotates around the rotatable fastener 314, the rotatable lever arm 304 may also move the cable 120.

[0103] In one embodiment, the spring 306 may be coupled to a fastener 350 and the fastener 312. In other words, a first end of the spring 306 may be coupled to the fastener 350 and a second end of the spring 306 may be coupled to the fastener 312.

[0104] In addition, FIG. 34 illustrates fasteners 352 and 354. The fasteners 352 and 354 may be screws or bolts. As discussed above the fasteners 352 and 354 may be inserted through the openings 316 to couple the base plate 302 to the slats 104. The fasteners 352 and 354 may extend through the openings 316 and away from the base plate 302 and the slats 104. As a result, the fasteners 352 and / or 354 may be used a mechanical stop for the rotatable lever arm 304, as described above. For example, the angled member 310 may rest against the fastener 352 as the force applied from the bolt 1406 of the movable lever arm 118 is removed as the curtain 102 begins to open and move upwards and the rotatable lever arm 304 begins to rotate upwards.

[0105] FIG. 35 illustrates a close-up view of a section 3500 of FIG. 33. FIG.35 illustrates the same cable 120 illustrated in FIG. 34 that is run vertically down the track 110 or along the curtain 102. A second end of the cable 120 may be coupled to fastener with a through hole 814 coupled to the second end 812 of the arm 806.

[0106] In one embodiment, a spring 850 may also be coupled to the arm 806. For example, a first end of the spring 850 may be coupled to the fastener with a through hole 814 inserted through the second end 812 of the arm 806. Thespring 850 may be coupled to a member 852 that is angled from a back side 818 of the housing 802. For example, the member 852 may be a tab formed out of the backside 818 of the housing 802 that is angled and extends towards the arm 806. The second end of the spring 850 may be coupled to the member 852 and / or the backside 818 of the housing 802. The spring 850 may pull the second end 812 towards the backside 818 and downwards towards the bottom bar 108, as described above, as the cable 120 is moved vertically upward by the rotatable lever arm 304 rotating upward as the force from the bolt 1406 is removed.

[0107] Thus, the present disclosure provides an automatic locking mechanism. Notably, no manual intervention or electrical components are required to unlock and lock the automatic locking mechanism. Rather, the movement of the curtain 102 may automatically lock and unlock the automatic locking mechanism.

[0108] Although the automatic locking mechanism is described within context of an overhead rolling door, it should be noted that the automatic locking mechanism may be applied to any apparatus that has a movable component that can open and close. In addition, although the automatic locking mechanism is illustrated as being installed on a particular edge of the curtain 102, it should be noted that the automatic locking mechanism can be installed on either edge of the curtain 102.

[0109] It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A locking mechanism, comprising: a movable lever arm coupled to a moving component to be locked; a spring-loaded activating lever, wherein the movable lever arm interacts with the spring-loaded activating lever when the moving component moves to move the spring-loaded activating lever between a first position and a second position; and a locking member coupled to the spring-loaded activating lever, wherein the locking member moves into a locking position when the spring-loaded activating lever is in the first position and an unlocking position when the spring- loaded activating lever is in a second position.

2. The locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the movable lever arm contacts the spring-loaded activating lever when the moving component is moved into a closed position to apply a force to move the spring-loaded activating lever into the first position.

3. The locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the movable lever arm disengages from the spring-loaded activating lever when the moving component is moved into an open position to allow the spring-loaded activating lever to move into the second position.

4. The locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the locking member is located remotely from the spring-loaded activating lever, and wherein the locking member is coupled to the spring-loaded activating lever via a cable.

5. The locking mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the locking member interferes with movement of the moving component when the in the locking position.

6. A locking mechanism for an overhead door system, comprising: a curtain comprising a plurality of slats; a lever arm coupled to a slat of the plurality of slats of the curtain; a spring-loaded activating lever coupled to a first location on a stationary portion of the overhead door system and adjacent to the lever arm such that the lever arm contacts the spring-loaded activating lever when the curtain is in a closed position and the lever arm moves away from the spring-loaded activating lever when the curtain is in an open position; a locking member movably coupled to the spring-loaded activating lever and a second location on the stationary portion of the overhead door system, wherein the locking member locks the curtain when the lever arm contacts the spring-loaded activating lever and the locking member is unlocked from the curtain when the lever arm moves way from the spring-loaded activating lever.

7. The locking mechanism of claim 6, further comprising: a cable connected to the spring-loaded activating lever and the locking member.

8. The locking mechanism of claim 6, wherein the lever arm comprises: a modified endlock, comprising: a body coupled the slat; an extended head coupled to the body, wherein the extended head comprises a plurality of openings along a length of the extended head; and a bolt secured through one of the plurality of openings, wherein the bolt extends away from the extended head perpendicular to a plane that runs along a length of the slat.

9. The locking mechanism of claim 8, wherein the bolt contacts an edge of the spring-loaded activating lever to move the spring-loaded activating lever.

10. The locking mechanism of claim 6, wherein the locking member comprises an angled member that that moves towards the plurality of slats when the lever arm contacts the spring-loaded activating lever and moves away from the plurality of slats when the lever arm moves away from the spring-loaded activating lever.11 . The locking mechanism of claim 10, wherein the angled member moves through a cut-out in the curtain to lock the curtain when the lever arm contacts the spring-loaded activating lever.

12. The locking mechanism of claim 6, wherein the stationary portion comprises a track of the overhead door system.

13. The locking mechanism of claim 12, wherein the first location of the track comprises a top end of the track that is closest to a barrel of the overhead door system and the second location of the track comprises a bottom end of the track that is closest to a bottom bar of the overhead door system.

14. An overhead door, comprising: a barrel; a curtain comprising a plurality of slats, wherein the curtain is coupled to the barrel to wrap around the barrel in an open position and unwrap from the barrel in a closed position; a track to guide movement of the curtain as the curtain moves between the open position and the closed position; and a locking mechanism to automatically lock and unlock the curtain as the curtain moves between the open position and the closed position, the locking mechanism comprising: a lever arm coupled to a slat of the plurality of slats of the curtain;a spring-loaded activating lever coupled to a first location on the track and adjacent to the lever arm such that the lever arm contacts the spring-loaded activating lever when the curtain is in the closed position and the lever arm moves away from the spring-loaded activating lever when the curtain is in the open position; a locking member movably coupled to the spring-loaded activating lever and a second location on the track, wherein the locking member locks the curtain when the curtain is in the closed position and the locking member is unlocked from the curtain when the curtain is in the open position.

15. The overhead door of claim 14, wherein the spring-loaded activating lever, comprises: a base plate coupled to the track with a plurality of fasteners; a rotatable lever arm coupled to the base plate via a rotatable fastener, wherein the rotatable lever arm comprises an angled member that extends away from an edge of the rotatable lever arm, wherein the lever arm coupled to the slat of the plurality of slats interacts with the movable lever arm; and a spring coupled to a first fastener of the plurality of fasteners and the rotatable fastener, wherein a second fastener of the plurality of fasteners interacts with the angled member of the rotatable lever arm to limit movement of the rotatable lever arm when the lever arm moves away from the rotatable lever arm when the curtain is in the open position.

16. The overhead door of claim 15, wherein the locking member, comprises: a housing coupled to the track, wherein the housing comprises an opening on a backside of the housing; an arm rotatably coupled to an interior volume of the housing, wherein the arm comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the second end of the arm comprises an angled foot to move through the opening and a correspondingopening in the curtain to lock the curtain when the curtain is in the closed position; a fastener with a through hole coupled to the first end of the arm; and a locking member spring coupled to the backside of the housing and the fastener with the through hole on the first end of the arm.

17. The overhead door of claim 16, further comprising: a cable, wherein a first end of the cable is coupled to the rotatable fastener of the spring-loaded activating lever and a second end of the cable is coupled to the arm via the through hole of the fastener with the through hole coupled to the first end of the arm.

18. The overhead door of claim 16, wherein the curtain comprises a cut-out and a striker plate comprising the corresponding opening, wherein the striker plate is coupled to a portion of the curtain with the cut-out19. The overhead door of claim 16, wherein an end of the angled foot is angled towards a bottom bar of the curtain.

20. The overhead door of claim 14, wherein spring-loaded activating lever and the locking member are located on opposite ends of the track.

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