Wireless remote control system for extendable masts

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WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL SYSTEM
FOR EXTENDABLE MASTS

The present invention claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/309,442 filedAug. 2, 2001, which 5 is incorporated herein by reference.

The subject invention relates to the art of control systems for extendable masts, and more particularly to a wireless remote control system that is adapted to interface with an existing control system on an installed and functional 10 extendable mast.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,163,650; 5,593,129; 5,572,837; 5,615, 15 855; 5,743,635; 5,980,070; 6,290,377; and 6,299,336; and co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent No. 60/332,607 filed Nov. 16, 2001 are incorporated herein by reference as background art and as examples of masts that can be used with the present invention. 20

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Control systems for extendable masts have been provided heretofore, and generally, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743, 25 635 for example, have a mast that is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position. One end of the mast is pivotally mounted to a base that is secured to a transport vehicle. In the retracted position, the mast is of compact length and can be pivoted at the base thereof toward 30 a position generally horizontal and parallel with the roof of the transport vehicle. In such a retracted and horizontally stowed position, the mast is secured in place and the vehicle can be driven in the typical manner. As the need arises, the vehicle is parked in a suitable position adjacent the area 35 where the mast is to be deployed, and the secured mast unsecured. At this point, a control panel mounted on and/or within the vehicle and/or a wired control pad for controlling the power source for erecting the mast is employed to pivot the mast into an upright position and to extend the mast. The 40 mast need not be moved into a substantially vertical position. Rather, the mast may be pivoted into a position in which the extended end of the mast most suitably approaches or overhangs the deployment site.

Generally, lights, such as spot lights, flood lights, or other 45 high output lights, will be on the extended end of the mast so that the elevation of the extended end will permit the lights to shine downwardly on the deployment site. As can be appreciated, devices other than lights can be connected to the end of the mast (e.g. cameras, antennas, dishes, micro- 50 phones, monitors, flags, baskets, etc.). It should be noted that the deployment site may be a construction area, an accident site, or any other area temporarily requiring illumination and/or other device. It should also be noted that the site is often dynamically changing so that the focus and position of 55 the lights, and/or other device, may need to be frequently adjusted. The lights and/or other devices at the end of the mast often include motorized mounting arrangements that allow the lights and/or other devices to pan about a vertical axis or rotate about a horizontal axis. Such motorized 60 mounting arrangements are controlled by and/or moved in response to electrical signals generated by a control panel and/or wired control pad, such as will be described hereinafter. Typically, such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,635, a control panel is mounted within the vehicle that can be 65 used to position the mast, and therefore the lights and/or other devices attached thereto, as desired. However, this

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makes the task of properly positioning and directing the lights and/or other devices difficult because the operator is accessing the control panel from inside the vehicle, and therefore the operator may be unable to see the position of the mast and lights and/or other devices. This difficulty has been at least partially resolved, as discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,635, by providing an external receptacle in the mounting base of the mast. The receptacle receives a plug from a hand-held control pad. The control pad communicates with the control circuitry in the base of the mast in the same way that the control panel inside the vehicle does; that is, by sending a series of electrical signals through the internal wiring from the control panel, and/or through the external plug from the control pad, to the control circuitry in the base of the mast. In both cases, the appropriate electrical signals are generated in response to the depression of control buttons on either the control panel or external control pad. The provision of an external control pad that has a wire that plugs into the base improves the operator's ability to position the mast and lights and/or other devices during initial deployment of the mast, by allowing the operator to stand outside the vehicle and view the position of the mast and lights and/or other devices during deployment.

One disadvantage of the wired control pad is that the operator must return to the vehicle to reposition the mast and/or lights after initial deployment, as the illumination needs and/or other device needs in the deployment area change. The wire from the control pad to the external receptacle of the base can be cumbersome and/or otherwise problematic to use if it is too long. Furthermore, a long wire from a control pad can be damaged if allowed to extend across a construction site or emergency area. As a result, the wire on an external control pad is relatively short, requiring that the operator be near the vehicle to adjust the mast and lights and/or other devices. This is a disadvantage if the operator must leave his or her current task to return to the vehicle and adjust the mast and lights and/or other devices.

In view of the present state of the telescoping masts, there is a need for a mast control system that enables an operator to easily and conveniently operate the mast at a remote location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a wireless remote control system for extendable masts that overcomes or minimizes the problems and difficulties encountered with the use of devices of the foregoing character, while promoting or maintaining the desired rapid installation and simplicity of use, durability of construction, and economy of manufacture. The present invention pertains in part to a wireless remote control system that can be used independently from or in conjunction with a control panel mounted on and/or within the vehicle and/or a wired control pad as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,635. The wireless remote control system enables an operator to control the mast position and/or components on the mast from a location remote to the mast without having to lay a control line between the operator and the mast. As such, the problems associated with prior mast control arrangements are overcome.

In accordance with the present invention, the wireless remote control system includes a wireless hand-held remote control and a remote control base. The wireless hand-held remote control includes a housing, a keypad on an outside surface of the housing, a power supply, and a transmitter for sending signals to the remote control base. The power 3

supply is typically a standard chemical battery; however the battery can include, or alternatively be, another type of battery such as, but not limited to, a solar battery, fuel cell, etc. The control keys are typically designed to correspond to the various functions and movements of the mast and/or 5 components of the mast (e.g. lights, cameras, antennas, dishes, microphones, monitors, flags, baskets, etc.). The hand-held remote control can also include one or more video monitors, one or more analog and/or digital outputs, one or more visual indicators, etc. The size and/or shape of the 10 hand-held remote control is non-limiting. Typically, the size, shape and weight of the hand-held remote control is selected so that the operator can conveniently and easily convey, handle and operate the hand-held remote control without the assistance of another individual. The hand-held remote 15 control is designed to transmit one or more communication signals to the remote control base in response to the operator's manipulation of the control keys such as, but not limited to, positioning the mast, activating and/or deactivating one or more devices on the mast, operating one or more 20 devices on the mast, positioning one or more devices on the mast, etc. As can be appreciated, the hand-held remote control can include a receiver to receive one or more communication signals from the remote control base. Such communication signals from the remote control base can 25 include, but are not limited to, information on the position or the mast and/or other device on the mast, information on the operation of the devices on the mast, information on malfunctions of the mast and/or device on the mast, etc. The hand-held remote control can also be designed to control 30 more than one mast and/or device on the mast. In some situations, multiple masts may be needed. In such situations, a single hand-held remote control can be used to control two or more of these masts. In such a design, the hand-held remote control typically includes a switch and/or accepts a 35 identification code to designate which mast and/or devices on the mast are to be controlled, so as to prevent inadvertent operation of one mast and/or devices on the mast while another mast and/or devices on the mast are being controlled. As can be appreciated, the hand-held remote control 40 can be operated at a significantly greater distance than a wired control pad having a short cable, and will also overcome the inconveniences and other limitations associated with the use of a wired control pad having a long or short extension cable. Accordingly, the operator will be able 45 to remain in the work or emergency area and continue to perform his or her task in that area, stopping only briefly to manipulate the control keys of the hand-held remote control and thereby adjust the position of the mast and/or other devices to improve the positioning and/or operation thereof 50 in light of changing circumstances or conditions.

In accordance with another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the wireless hand-held remote control transmits a signal from the transmitter that can be received by the remote control base. Typically, the signal is an 55 electromagnetic signal that corresponds to the output from the manipulated keys of the keypad on the wireless handheld remote control. As can be appreciated, such electromagnetic signal includes, but is not limited to, infrared signals, radio wave signals, microwave signals, etc. 60

In accordance with still another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the remote control base includes a receiver for receiving electromagnetic command signals from the transmitter of the wireless remote control, a cable extending to the receptacle of the mast base, a power supply, 65 and a signal converter. The remote control base can be integrated into the control mechanism of the mast and/or can

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be connected to the existing control system of the mast. When the remote control base is integrated into the control mechanism, the control mechanism typically includes an antenna adapted to receive signals from the wireless handheld remote, and/or the mast and/or an antenna on the mast is used to receive signals from the wireless hand-held remote, as can be appreciated, the antenna can be positioned in other locations. When the remote control base is to be connected to the existing control system of the mast, the remote control base typically includes a housing that contains one or more components of the remote control base such as, but not limited to, a receiver for receiving electromagnetic command signals from the transmitter of the wireless remote control, a transmitter for sending electromagnetic command signals to the transmitter of the wireless remote control, a signal converter, etc. In one embodiment, the remote control base includes one or more cables extending from the housing of the remote control base to the mast control system. In one aspect of this embodiment, the cable includes a plug and/or other type of connector to connect to an outlet that is adapted to connect to a wired keypad such as or similar to a wired keypad disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,743,635. The plug can be designed to prevent both use of the wired keypad and the wireless remote control system, or can be designed to allow both the wired keypad and wireless remote control system be connected to the mast control system. In another and/or alternative aspect of this embodiment, the remote control base includes a signal converter. The control system in the existing base of the mast is designed to function in response to signals corresponding to the manipulation of the keypad on the control panel mounted inside the vehicle, and/or the manipulation of the keypad on the wired control pad that attaches to the mast base. As a result, the mast control system is not adapted to receive the electromagnetic command signals directly from the wireless remote control, and that even if the existing control system were so equipped, such signals would be in a language entirely foreign to and unsuitable for use by the existing control system. Accordingly, the remote control base includes a signal converter that receives signals from the wireless hand-held remote control and converts such signals into signals that can be understood by the mast control system. In one arrangement, the signal converter includes a microprocessor, or other suitable device, to convert the signals from the receiver in the remote control base to signals adapted to communicate with the control system in the existing mast base, which causes the mast and/or other devices to properly respond. In another and/or alternative arrangement, the converter includes one or more filters that are used to identify the proper signal being transmitted from the wireless hand-held remote control. Typically, electromagnetic signals not produced from the wireless hand-held remote control (e.g. noise) are received by the receiver of the remote control base. The filters alone and/or in combination with other devices such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, distinguishes the signal received from the wireless hand-held remote control and the received noise to as to ensure proper operation of the mast and/or devices on the mast. Other security and/or signal verification mechanisms can be used by the wireless hand-held remote control and/or remote control base to ensure proper operation of the mast and/or devices on the mast. In addition, the wireless handheld remote control can include a security mechanism (e.g. key, security code, etc.) to prevent unauthorized use of the wireless hand-held remote control.

In accordance with yet another and/or alternative aspect of the present invention, the wireless remote control system can be stored inside the vehicle when the mast accessories are not being used. When needed, the wireless remote control and the remote control base can be removed from the interior of the vehicle and/or other storage location on the vehicle and installed. In one embodiment of the invention, 5 the remote control base includes at least one hook, magnet, suction cup, and/or other attachment device to at least partially secure the remote control base to the vehicle or mast base. Once the remote control base is connected to the vehicle, the plug end of the cable from the remote control 10 base housing can be inserted in the existing plug receptacle on the mast base. The existing plug receptacle is typically designed to accommodate the plug from the wired hand-held control pad; however, a separate plug receptacle can exist 15 from the plug from the remote control housing. Once the remote control base is powered, and the wireless remote control system can be used.

The principal object of the present invention is to provide a wireless remote control system to control a mast and/or 20 one or more devices on the mast.

Another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a wireless remote control system for use with an existing extendable mast.

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Still another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a wireless remote control system having a wireless hand-held remote control, and a remote control base adapted to communicate command signals between the remote control and the control system of a mast 3Q to control the operation of the mast and/or one or more devices on the mast.

Yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a wireless remote control system that can be stored inside the vehicle and installed on the vehicle or 35 mast base upon arrival at the deployment site.

Still yet another and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a wireless remote control system that can be quickly connected to the interface receptacle of the control system of an existing mast base, and be immediately 40 functional as a mast deployment and positioning control.

A further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a wireless remote control system that can communicate commands from the wireless remote control to the existing control system of the mast and from the existing 45 control system of the mast back to the wireless remote control.

Still a further and/or alternative object of the present invention is to provide a wireless remote control system that is easy and quick to install without tools, and is comprised of a minimal number of parts having a durable yet simple structure, thereby promoting the economic production of the wireless remote control system.

Yet a further and/or alternative object of the present 55 invention is to provide a wireless remote control system that can be used independently from or in conjunction with control panel mounted on and/or within the vehicle and/or a wired control pad.

Still yet a further and/or alternative object of the present 60 invention is to provide a wireless remote control system that includes security and/or signal verification mechanisms to ensure proper operation of the mast and/or devices on the mast.

These and other advantages will become apparent to those 65 skilled in the art upon the reading and following of this description taken together with the accompanied drawings.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference may now be made to the drawings, which illustrate various embodiments that the invention may take in physical form and in certain parts and arrangements of parts wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle equipped with a mast and mast base, and the mast base having a prior art wired control pad associated therewith;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the vehicle shown in FIG. 1, with the wired control pad removed, and showing a wireless remote control system in accordance with the present invention for installation thereon;

FIG. 3 is a partial sectional view of a prior art mast and light; and,

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the command signal transmitting, receiving and conversion components of a wireless remote control system in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED
EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showing is for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not for the purpose of limiting the same, FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle V having an extendable mast arrangement 10 thereon. Mast arrangement 10 includes a base 12 that is suitably secured to and supported by vehicle V, and an extendable mast 14 pivotally attached to the base. Mast 14 is shown as having four telescoping sections. However, it will be appreciated that masts are available in many sizes and configurations, and that the subject invention is not limited to any one mast arrangement. Mast 14 has a base end 16 and a tip end 18. Base end 16 is pivotally attached to base 12 for movement between a generally horizontal, stowed position and a deployed position that may range from nearly horizontal to generally vertical. Mast 14 is generally fully telescopically collapsed when in the stowed position, and may be partially or fully extended when deployed. It will be appreciated that in many mast arrangements, the mast may be infinitely adjusted between the fully collapsed and fully extended lengths. It will be further appreciated that in many mast arrangements, the mast may be infinitely positioned between the horizontal station and the generally vertical station, and that the mast may, in some arrangements, be pivoted beyond the 90° vertical position. The configuration and operation of some of these masts is disclosed in more detail in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,163,650; 5,593,129; 5,572,837; 5,615,855; 5,743,635; 5,980,070; 6,290,377; and 6,299,336; and co-pending United States Provisional Patent No. 60/332,607 filed Nov. 16, 2001, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

The extension and retraction of mast 14, and the positioning of the mast between its horizontal and vertical stations, is facilitated by a control system. The control system includes at least one interface, such as wired control pad 24, for the input of commands by an operator. The control system may also include motors, solenoids, power supplies, microprocessors, and other such electrical devices as may be suitable for effectively maneuvering mast 14. Additionally, the control system may include pneumatic, hydraulic, or other such components. These components may likewise be configured to respond to commands input from control pad 24 through their suitable interface with the control system. As such, the control system may take the form of a non-centralized, but integrated, collection of