U.S. patent application number 09/437624 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-02 for remote control apparatus and method.
Invention is credited to MUELLER, R. THOMAS, PIPER, CURTIS R..
Application Number | 20030001730 09/437624 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27380396 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-02 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030001730 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PIPER, CURTIS R. ; et
al. |
January 2, 2003 |
REMOTE CONTROL APPARATUS AND METHOD
Abstract
A remote control is remotely mounted and controlled by an
activation switch. The remote control is mounted within a cavity of
a motorcycle and in electrical communication with an activation
switch. The activation switch is mounted for easy access and
manipulation. A feedback device is provided for communicating that
the remote control has been activated. A universal mounting bracket
allows the operator to selectively mount the activation switch and
feedback device in any location they desire.
Inventors: |
PIPER, CURTIS R.; (HAYWARD,
CA) ; MUELLER, R. THOMAS; (SAN RAMON, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET
FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Family ID: |
27380396 |
Appl. No.: |
09/437624 |
Filed: |
November 10, 1999 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60107984 |
Nov 12, 1998 |
|
|
|
60111463 |
Dec 9, 1998 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
340/427 ;
340/13.24 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 45/20 20200201;
B62K 23/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/427 ;
340/539; 340/825.72 |
International
Class: |
B60Q 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A remote control actuator for a motorcycle having a split fuel
tank, the actuator comprising a transmitter being positioned
between the fuel tanks in a substantially enclosed compartment. A
switch being in electrical communication with said transmitter and
being positioned away from said transmitter outside of said
substantially enclosed compartment, said switch turning said
transmitter on such that said transmitter emits a signal to be
received by a remotely positioned receiver.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention generally relates to remote control
devices for motor vehicles. Specifically, the present invention
relates to a remote activation device for a remote control and a
method of installing and using the same.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] Previously, remote garage door openers were provided with
bulky transmitters which were easily lost or misplaced. For the
operators of motorcycles, the use of such transmitters was replete
with inconveniences. For instance, due to limited on-board storage
locations, the transmitter is commonly placed in pockets or carried
with the operator while not on the motorcycle. Accordingly, the
transmitter is often misplaced or inconveniently located when the
operator is ready to leave home. Additionally, the transmitter must
be fished from the pocket when attempting to use it. As can be
imagined, it is extremely difficult and dangerous to operate such a
transmitter while also attempting to maneuver or balance a
motorcycle. The level of difficulty is additionally augmented when
the operation of the motorcycle is in adverse or cold weather
conditions (i.e., the operator is wearing gloves which decrease
tactile sensitivity).
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involves
the recognition that an on-board configuration for a motorcycle
remote control is desirable. The on-board configuration allows for
ease of use and eliminates the need to find and handle a separate
transmitter.
[0006] Another aspect of the present invention involves concealing
and mounting the remote control apparatus within a cavity of the
motorcycle. Such a mounting location decreases the weather-exposure
of the apparatus and increases the security of the apparatus.
[0007] A further aspect of the present invention involves
connecting a remote activating switch and an activation
confirmation indicator to the remote control and mounting the pair
in an easily accessible and easily viewed location. The activating
switch desirably being placing to be actuated with the hand or foot
of the operator. The activation confirmation indicator allowing the
operator to have auditory, visual or tactile confirmation of the
operation of the remote control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] These and other features of the invention will now be
described with reference to the drawings of a preferred embodiment
which is intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention, and
in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary motorcycle
illustrating a portion of a remote control apparatus having
features and aspects in accordance with the present invention;
[0010] FIGS. 2 and 2a are plan views of the motorcycle of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIGS. 3 and 3a are side views of the motorcycle of FIG. 1,
with a portion broken away to illustrate an activation switch or
switches and a confirmation indicator;
[0012] FIG. 4 is schematic view of a remote control apparatus
arrangement;
[0013] FIG. 5 is another schematic view of a remote control
apparatus arrangement;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an optional battery holder
that may be used with the remote control apparatus arrangement;
[0015] FIG. 7 is yet another schematic view of an optional battery
holder that may be used with the remote control apparatus
arrangement;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a motorcycle dash board
illustrating a preferred mounting arrangement;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 8;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a top schematic view illustrating a mounting
arrangement for a remote control apparatus arrangement;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear view of FIG. 10;
[0020] FIG. 12 is a detailed drawing of a universal mounting
bracket illustrative of one embodiment of a universal mounting
bracket;
[0021] FIG. 13 is a photocopy of a photograph illustrating a remote
control apparatus arrangement having features, aspects and
advantages in accordance with the present invention;
[0022] FIGS. 14 and 15 are photocopies of packaging utilized to
ship the remote control apparatus arrangement;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an optional receiver;
[0024] FIG. 17 is a plan view of an exemplary motorcycle
illustrating a portion of a remote control apparatus having
features and aspects in accordance with the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 18 is a side view of the motorcycle of FIG. 17;
[0026] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a motorcycle dash board
illustrating a preferred mounting arrangement;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a side cross-sectional view of FIG. 19;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a top schematic view illustrating a mounting
arrangement for another remote control apparatus arrangement;
[0029] FIG. 22 is another top schematic view illustrating a
mounting arrangement for a remote control apparatus
arrangement;
[0030] FIG. 23 is another schematic view of a remote control
apparatus arrangement;
[0031] FIG. 24 is a side view of a motorcycle illustrating the
location of the upper dash panel relative to the gasoline tank;
[0032] FIG. 25 is a rear view of FIG. 22; and
[0033] FIG. 26 is a rear view of FIG. 21.
[0034] Also attached hereto is Exhibit A having instructions for
use and further drawings of a remote control apparatus having
features, aspects and advantages in accordance with the present
invention. Exhibit A is numbered consecutively with this
specification following the abstract.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0035] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, a motorcycle having a
remote control apparatus is illustrated. The remote control
communicates with a receiver to control any of a number of devices.
For instance, the remote control may be configured to operate all
major brands of garage door and gate openers. Thus, the remote
control and receiver are designed, in part, to allow access to
property, structures or other secured areas from a motorcycle or a
similar vehicle. Additionally, the remote control and receiver may
also be configured to turn on or off other devices such as house
lights, house alarms, or any other appliances as desired by the
operator.
[0036] As is well known, the motorcycle to which the remote control
is mounted generally comprises a frame to which at least one fuel
tank is mounted. In the illustrated embodiment, the motorcycle has
two fuel tanks mounted to the frame such that one fuel tank is
arranged on either side of the frame. The motorcycle provides an
exemplary environment in which the present remote door opening
remote control finds utility. As will be recognized by those of
skill in the art, the present remote door opening remote control
may also be used in all-terrain vehicles, snowmobiles, bicycles,
wheelchairs, lawnmowers, golf carts and the like.
[0037] With reference to FIG. 1, the remote door opening remote
control generally comprises a concealed remote control, an
activation switch and a confirmation indicator. The activation
switch and the confirmation indicator are desirably arranged to be
readily accessible and within a clear view of an operator of the
motorcycle. In the illustrated embodiment, the activation switch
and the confirmation indicator are mounted to one side of the upper
dash panel of the motorcycle. The activation switch and
confirmation indicator can also be attached to the lower dash panel
as well. Desirably, they are proximate to the ignition switch,
below the speedometer and arranged among the other gauges which are
often viewed by the operator. As will be recognized by those of
skill in the art, the activation switch and confirmation indicator
need not be located in tandem, as illustrated, but may be arranged
remotely from one another. Additionally, the activation switch may
be located in other easily accessible locations, such as, for
instance, the handlebars adjacent to the handgrips.
[0038] Another aspect of the present remote control utilizes a
universal mounting bracket which allows the ultimate operator to
determine an advantageous location for mounting the activation
switch. As illustrated, the universal mounting bracket generally
comprises a pair of c-shaped clamps which, when fastened together,
form a clam-shell arrangement. The structure of the c-shaped clamps
allow the clamps to accommodate a variety of pipe sizes. The
mounting bracket may be made from aluminum, steel, plastic or any
other suitable material. Additionally, the mounting bracket may be
stamped, forged, molded or manufactured in any other suitable
manner.
[0039] Following identification of a desired mounting location, the
location is prepared for the installation. Specifically, the
location may be wrapped with a rubberized tape or other
vibration-reducing component. The rubberized tape also protects the
surface finish in the event the remote control is later removed
from the motorcycle.
[0040] Following preparation of the location, the confirmation
indicator and the activation switch are inserted into their
respective mounting holes in the mounting bracket. The activation
switch may be attached using a retaining nut and washer as is well
known in the art. The confirmation indicator may be attached using
a vinyl grommet as is also well known in the art. The grommet can
also be of any pliant material, such as rubber, for instance.
[0041] Having mounted the activation switch and the confirmation
indicator, the two halves of the clam-shell mounting bracket can be
joined together around the prepared pipe. In the illustrated
embodiment, the halves are joined using threaded fasteners, such as
a machine bolt and a lock nut. Having secured the bracket to the
pipe, the positioning of the bracket may be adjusted to a desired
rotational orientation. The wires may then be connected as
described below.
[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the confirmation indicator is
an led lamp.
[0043] Specifically, the confirmation indicator is a 3-ohm led with
a snap-in mounting ring. Other led lamps may also be used.
Moreover, other confirmation indicators can also be used. For
instance, the confirmation indicator can be an existing indicator
lamp, a tactile alert such as a vibrating element, or an auditory
signal. Additionally, any combination of indicators can be
used.
[0044] The illustrated activation switch is desirably a momentary
push button switch. Specifically, the activation switch is a
momentary push button switch rated to about 0.5 amps at about 125
volts AC. As will be recognized, other activation switches may also
be used. Importantly, because of the application, it is desired
that the switch allow the remote control to transmit a signal for a
brief duration. It is contemplated that a timing circuit could be
incorporated to accomplish this; however, it is preferable to
utilize a momentary switch. An additional switch can also be
provided to operate more than one device as illustrated in FIGS. 2a
and 3a.
[0045] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the activation switch and the
confirmation indicator are mounted to the upper dash pad and
desirably extend through the dash pad. The leads of each of the
elements are accessible in this location. The leads may form a male
electrical connector or be attached in known manners to such a male
electrical connector. In this fashion, the activation switch and
confirmation indicator are easily connected to the remote control
and to a remote power source which may have a female connector. Of
course, one of skill in the art will readily recognize that the
configuration of male and female connectors can be interchanged
without changing the effective coupling.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, the remote control is mounted
within a cavity defined, in part, by the two fuel tanks and the
frame of the motorcycle. Advantageously, the remote control is
mounted below the lower dash panel or below the seat to be readily
accessible through an access opening. This placement allows easy
access for reprogramming and repair should repair become necessary.
Additionally, this internal location helps to reduce the exposure
of the circuitry to adverse weather and excessive water. Desirably,
the remote control is supplied with a vibration damping element or
otherwise configured or mounted to reduce the amplitude and degree
of vibration transferred into the remote control. Additionally, any
switchable elements (i.e., frequency and dip switches) may be
altered to resist movement induced by vibration. For instance, the
switches may be mini-slide switches or the like which require a
positive application of force to move.
[0047] While any suitable fastening technique may be used,
Applicants have found that two part Velcro performs adequately in
most applications. In such applications, the surfaces must be clean
and dry to allow proper adhesion of the backing surface of each
Velcro part. Additionally, double face tape or the like may be
utilized. It is also contemplated that a bracket which extends away
from the frame of the motorcycle may be utilized. In such an
instance, the bracket could be mounted to the frame in conjunction
with the fuel tank mounting brackets.
[0048] The illustrated remote control is a remote control having a
programmable configuration. For instance, the remote control is
provided with a frequency and code control configuration allowing
the operator to pre-program a code which corresponds to a code of
the apparatus that is controlled thereby. Moreover, the remote
control may have a key pad to allow an access code to be entered.
In some embodiments, such a key pad will be no larger than a
telephone touch pad so that the key pad can be easily mounted
within the lower dash of the motorcycle.
[0049] The key pad allows four and six digit access codes, such as
those commonly used for entrance gates, to be entered while seated
on the motorcycle. Additionally, this arrangement increases
security as the operator can remain safely on the motorcycle while
gaining entrance to his house, garage or the like, or activating or
deactivating a number of appliances such as lights, alarms and the
like.
[0050] In one embodiment, the remote control has a set of dip
switches which control the code setting. To operate a device, the
remote control code must match the receiver code. By moving each of
the dip switches up or down to match those of the receive, the
required code can be duplicated. In the illustrated embodiment, the
switches have a top, middle, and bottom position; however, in some
receivers only a top and bottom position are provided. Accordingly,
the top position of the remote control corresponds to the top
position of the receiver and the bottom position of the remote
control corresponds to the bottom position of the receiver. The
middle position is not utilized in such configurations.
[0051] The remote control also has a programmable frequency switch.
In one configuration, the switch simply adjusts between three
preset frequencies. Simply matching the preset frequency to the
frequency of the receiver may be necessary. By changing the
frequency, the receiver and remote control may be distinguished
from the receiver and remote control of neighboring facilities.
[0052] The remote control is in electrical communication with a
power source. The power source is preferably independent from the
motorcycle's electrical system. In such instances, the remote
control is in electrical communication with either an internal
battery or a battery holder which may be remotely located relative
to the remote control. For instance, the battery holder may be
mounted within the same cavity as the remote control. Moreover,
similar to the remote control, the battery holder may be secured
using double side tape, Velcro or any other suitable fastening
technique, as discussed above.
[0053] The power sources, such as batteries, desirably provide
ample power to allow the remote control to function. In the
illustrated embodiment, the battery holder carries a single 12 volt
battery. It is contemplated that other power sources can also be
used. For instance, but without limitation, depending upon the
application, a rechargeable battery may be used which is recharged
either by a wall plug in as is known or by a trickle of electrical
power from the vehicle's electrical system. Advantageously, the
battery holder and/or remote control may be mounted in a rear
portion of the cavity to be easily accessed through an access
opening which may be formed below the seat or below the lower dash
panel. In this fashion, the batteries may be readily accessed and
changed when their stored power falls below a predetermined
level.
[0054] While the above-described remote control arrangement allows
the operator to use a pre-existing receiver, it is also
contemplated that the remote control could be utilized with a new
or altered receiver. The receiver could be wired in series to the
original receiver and allow the remote control to communicate with
the new receiver while allowing existing remote controls to
communicate with the existing receiver. The new receiver could have
an antenna allowing the range of the receiver to be increased.
Additionally, the receiver could be a so-called "smart receiver"
which is able to learn a code from an individualized remote
control. The receiver technology can scramble the frequency code
with each use. The new code is used once and scrambled again as is
known.
[0055] With reference to FIG. 16, the new receiver may plug into a
wall outlet. As will be recognized by those of skill in the art,
the receiver will have a receiving antenna which will detect the
emission of an appropriate signal from a transmitter, such as a
remote control. The receiver is wired through an existing wall
switch to control a device, by overriding the existing wall switch
for instance. In this fashion, very little wiring is affecting in
the existing device and structure.
[0056] Although the remote control is arranged within a sheltered
cavity, the remote control can be provided with a weather-proof
enclosure. Additionally, the wires may be connected with
weatherproof shrouds or all-weather electrical connectors. In this
fashion, the remote control can work in all types of weather and
under even the most adverse conditions.
[0057] Although this invention has been described in terms of a
certain embodiment, other embodiments apparent to those of ordinary
skill in the art also are within the scope of this invention. Thus,
various changes and modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *