Fixture which provides access control

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a fixture which operates a moveable vehicle barrier.

2. Description of the Related Art

There are many different types of moveable vehicle barriers, such as access gates and overhead doors. These moveable vehicle barriers allow and restrict the access of a vehicle to an architectural structure, such as a parking garage. A moveable vehicle barrier typically operates in response to an input signal, which is provided to an input device in communication with it. The input signal can be provided in many different ways, such as in response to security information or in response to collecting money. Several examples of moveable vehicle barriers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,325,146, 4,360,796 and 6,157,314.

The input device is typically positioned near a driveway extending into the architectural structure. However, there are several problems with positioning the input device near the driveway. One problem is that it is difficult to position the vehicle so that the operator can access the input device. The operator cannot access the input device without exiting the vehicle if the vehicle is positioned too far from it. Further, the vehicle can engage the input device if the vehicle is positioned too close to it.

The present invention employs a fixture which includes a support structure and a flexible arm that carries an input device. The flexible arm flexes in response to an applied force so that the input device can move if it is engaged by a vehicle. The support structure can be positioned proximate to a curb and the vehicle can engage the input device without engaging the curb. The fixture can include a light carried by the support structure, wherein the light is directed at the input device.

The input device is in communication with a moveable vehicle barrier. In one embodiment, the input device is in communication with the moveable vehicle barrier through a cable which extends through the flexible arm. The input device and flexible arm are hermetically sealed when the flexible arm is in the flexed and unflexed positions.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a perspective view of a fixture, in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1b is a partial cut-away side view of a flexible arm which can replace the flexible arm of FIG. 1a.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a light fixture, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 3a and 3b are side and top views, respectively, of a flexible arm and curb, in accordance with the invention.

FIGS. 4a and 4b are top views of the flexible arm of FIG. 1a in unflexed and flexed positions, respectively, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5a is a perspective view of a vehicle access system which includes the light fixture of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 5b is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vehicle access system which includes the light fixture of FIG. 2, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6a is a flow diagram of a method of controlling a moveable vehicle barrier, in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 6b is a flow diagram of a method of installing a vehicle access system, in accordance with the invention.

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