Closure fasteners – Bolts – Emergency operating means
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-20
2001-02-06
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Closure fasteners
Bolts
Emergency operating means
C292SDIG003, C292S336300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06183023
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to a door assembly for an opening of a building. More specifically, the present invention relates to a door having a fire exit release device.
A fire exit release is a separate component mounted on the face of the door. The fire exit release usually consists of a push bar that extends across the face of the door. Some push bars are activated by pushing the bar in a horizontal plane. Other push bars are rods that extend across the face of the door and are rotated about an axis to unlock the door.
These known push bars require that several other mechanisms be mounted to the door to provide the latching function. Commonly, strikes are mounted on the head or jam of the frame. Strikes may also be mounted in a recess on the floor. Vertical rods extend between the push bar and the strikes. These vertical bars usually extend on the outside of the door on the same side as the push bar.
Several disadvantages are present in known fire exit assemblies. One disadvantage with such assemblies is that the assembly is typically installed after the door is mounted in the frame at the job site. This can be costly because skilled trades must be employed to perform the installation. Also, the device cannot be tested and adjusted prior to transporting the components to the jobsite. Prior testing is desirable for a door installation.
Another disadvantage of known exit devices is that because the vertical rods are mounted on the outside of the door, the door can be found or rendered inoperative by pushing pencils, pens, or other implements into or behind the device. Yet another disadvantage of the protruding device is that the moving mechanisms can also be caught on clothing or provide a place for a finger to be caught. Yet another disadvantage of an exteriorly mounted fire exit device is that strikes located on the jam or the head of the frame are an added component which increases cost and which is also not aesthetically pleasing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is, therefore, one object of the invention to provide an aesthetically pleasing exit device that does not allow for the device to be easily defeated, or easily caught on persons or clothing.
In one aspect of the invention, a door with an integrated fire exit device has an operational bar which partially extends across the door. The operational bar is located within a recess in the face of the door. The operational bar has at least one arm that extends into a channel, which is formed in cooperation with the recess. The door has a locking channel which extends along the vertical edge of the door. The locking channel is coupled to a vertical stile that is fixedly located on the vertical edge of the door. The locking channel and the vertical stile are pivotally coupled by a clip. A blocking member is located within the vertical stile. The operational bar has an actuator arm located within the door and within the vertical stile. As the operational bar is pushed inward, actuator arm pushes blocking member to an open position which also allows locking channel to pivot to an open position. If access is required from both sides of the door, a handle may be located outside of the door and coupled to the operational bar by a connection arm. The connection arm moves the operational bar in cooperation with movement of the handle.
One advantage of the invention is that the number of parts used in this exit device is reduced from that in known devices.
Another advantage of the invention is that one length of operational bar can accommodate a variety of door widths since the length of operational bar is not dependent on the door size.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent when viewed in light of the detailed description of the preferred embodiment when taken in conjunction with the attached drawings and appended claims.
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Brochure entitled “Total Door”, undated.
Artz & Artz P.C.
Browne Lynne H.
Mierzwa Kevin G.
Walsh John B.
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