Emergency Operating Means Patents (Class 292/92)
  • Patent number: 6779819
    Abstract: The exit device of the present invention has an elongated securing member, such as a deadbolt or the like, adapted to be mounted horizontally adjacent the free end of a door and a pivoting member inward of the door. The pivoting member has a peripheral portion which rolls against the securing member and serves as an anti-friction bearing and counters against the inward force on the securing member opposing the opening force on the door. In one embodiment, the pivoting member is pivoted by a press bar assembly, and engages and retracts the securing member. In another embodiment, the securing member is retracted by the actuating means. The pivoting member may also include a keeper contact surface which, as the door closes, is contacted by the keeper and the pivoting member is pivoted inward to retract the securing member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Yale Security Inc.
    Inventor: Walter E. Surko, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6769723
    Abstract: An exit device for a door having a first stile, a second stile, and a midrail coupled to the first and second stiles and defining a cutout. The exit device comprises a latching mechanism positioned in the cutout. A pushbar positioned in the cutout encloses the latching mechanism and has a front surface. The front surface is positionable in an extended position and a depressed position. The front surface defines a plurality of apertures which communicate with the latching mechanism. A lid slideably engages the front surface and has a closed position and an open position. The lid covers the plurality of apertures in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2004
    Assignee: Dor-O-Matic Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Bettin Cohrs, Jr., Eric K. Arthur, Marlin Austin, Loren D. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040124639
    Abstract: A fire door lock mechanism is provided, allowing a user to directly push and press a handlebar forwards to activate a lock bolt and open a fire door mounted with the lock mechanism in a comfortable manner. A first opening unit of the lock mechanism is located inside the fire door to operate the lock bolt. The handlebar is located in a second opening unit of the lock mechanism on the fire door. The handlebar, being pressed, activates a link arm connected thereto and accordingly induces a swing arm coupled to the link arm to generate a swing motion, so as to allow a pulley formed at one end of the swing arm to extend into the first opening unit and drive a lock bolt mount connected to the lock bolt to move horizontally, thereby making the lock bolt retract to release the lock mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2003
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Inventor: Ching-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 6746060
    Abstract: A bored-in latch assembly for an exit device having a latch tube which extends past the face plate and past at least a leading edge of the scalp where the leading edge of the scalp is adjacent to the face plate, thereby providing a bearing surface for the latchbolt within the latch tube and in which the bearing surface is free of any edges of the face plate and an edge of the scalp which is adjacent to the face plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Ervos, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. O'Brien, II
  • Patent number: 6732664
    Abstract: The locking mechanism described herein is for use in an enclosure, which is part of a product delivery system. The locking mechanism uses existing locks and latches, and configures them using linkages into a mechanism that is not currently available. The mechanism has a latch that holds the door of the enclosure closed. This latch stays in a normally unlocked state until deliberate acts are taken to lock the latch. When a delivery is made, the delivery person opens the unlocked door, makes the delivery, and then closes the door and turns the rotary latch counter clockwise until it latches in the locked position. There are three independent and distinct ways to unlock the mechanism: (1) a key can be used to unlock the mechanism; (2) a combination lock can be used to unlock the mechanism; or (3) an emergency release paddle, for child safety is located on the lower back cover of the lock, and can be pushed to unlock the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Charles H. Worrall
  • Publication number: 20040041411
    Abstract: A securing mechanism for coupling an exit device to a door. The securing mechanism comprises a bracket coupled to the exit device and a shaft having a first end and a second end and defining a longitudinal axis. The bracket defines a first aperture and a second aperture. The first end of the shaft extends through the first aperture and the second end of the shaft extends through the second aperture. The securing mechanism also comprises a first anchor slideably coupled to the shaft and moveable along the longitudinal axis between a first locked position and a first unlocked position and a second anchor slideably coupled to the shaft and moveable along the longitudinal axis between a second locked position and a second unlocked position. The first anchor frictionally engages the door in the first locked position and the second anchor frictionally engages the door in the second locked position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Dor-O-Matic, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Bettin Cohrs,, Eric K. Arthur, Marlin Austin, Loren D. Mueller
  • Publication number: 20040041412
    Abstract: An exit device for a door having a first stile, a second stile, and a midrail coupled to the first and second stiles and defining a cutout. The exit device comprises a latching mechanism positioned in the cutout. A pushbar positioned in the cutout encloses the latching mechanism and has a front surface. The front surface is positionable in an extended position and a depressed position. The front surface defines a plurality of apertures which communicate with the latching mechanism. A lid slideably engages the front surface and has a closed position and an open position. The lid covers the plurality of apertures in the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Applicant: Dor-O-Matic
    Inventors: Richard Bettin Cohrs, Eric K. Arthur, Marlin Austin, Loren D. Mueller
  • Patent number: 6641183
    Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for a door which includes a rotatable latch which is rotated into and held in an open position to allow the door to open, and is released from the open position only when a sensing mechanism provided as a part of the latch mechanism, held in the door, senses the door frame upon a closing of the door. The latch is held in an over center engaged position which it is moved into due to a lost motion connection among some, but not all, elements of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Jackson Corporation
    Inventor: Peter Edward Brown
  • Patent number: 6634681
    Abstract: A lock mechanism for releasably locking a security bar (14) over an opening (12) through a wall (10) includes a housing (30, 32, 60) for mounting to the wall adjacent the opening. An engagement mechanism (28) is coupled to the security bar (14). A keeper member (26) in the housing is movable to selectively engage a lock surface (102) on the engagement mechanism to restrain the engagement mechanism from movement relative to the housing; the engagement mechanism being allowed to move unrestrained relative to the housing when the keeper member does not engage the lock surface. A manually-operable latch mechanism (24) in the housing moves the keeper member out of engagement with the lock surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Exit Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Warren C. Redden
  • Patent number: 6622534
    Abstract: A dead bolt lock system which may use one or more security locks in conjunction with a dead bolt to provide various levels of security access to a door. Generally, the lock system tests the condition of the security lock or locks before allowing retraction of the dead bolt. An inside escape lever is provided as a life safety feature to allow egress from the secured area regardless of the conditions of the security locks. A trigger hold back device maintains the dead bolt in a retracted position until the door has been opened and closed again. Lock covers include associated locked-on-by-combination and relock features. A night latch or lock down feature is provided to prevent access, including authorized access through the outside of the lock system. A force blocking assembly is provided to prevent force applied to the dead bolt from harming internal components of the system. A torque override clutch prevents excessive torque applied to the outside door handle from harming internal lock system components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Lockmasters, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Clayton Miller, Thomas E. Jasper, Joseph G. DeSieno, Albert L. Akers
  • Patent number: 6623050
    Abstract: A door lock device includes a striker plate for engaging with a latch of a base, and a pawl pivotally secured to the latch and having a tongue biased to lock the latch to the base, to prevent the latch from being rotated relative to the base. A beam is engageable with the pawl for preventing the pawl from moving out of the latch. A bar is biased to engage with the pawl. A catch is pivotally supported on the base has two recesses for selectively receiving the bar in a lower and an upper position. A lever is pivotally secured to the base and has one end for moving the pawl into the latch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: Fu Chang Locks Mfg. Corp.
    Inventor: Fu Chang Peng
  • Patent number: 6619704
    Abstract: This assembly relates to an emergent unlatching mechanism for the fire door latch which includes a guide tube and a connecting tube so assembled and attached to the interior of the fire door latch without any necessary modification to the existing designed structure of the fire door. With no fire door key available, the fireman can use the ejection of water from the fire hydrant to open the fire door and enter the fire area for fire fighting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Kun-Lin Lee
  • Patent number: 6615544
    Abstract: A fire-resistant, aluminum, cementitious-material-free, insulation-free door adapted to prevent the spread of fire and heat passing therethrough, consists of: a door frame; a door hingedly mounted on the door frame, the door having a bottom wall, a top wall, and side walls, the bottom wall, top wall and side walls enclosing a hollow central core not containing substantial amounts of insulating material, the bottom wall having an outside surface, and the top wall having an outside surface; and a layer of intumescent material on the outside surface of the bottom wall. A heat-activated self-closing mechanism allows the weight of the door to close the door in the event of fire, by releasing gas from a supporting gas spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Assignee: Nystrom, Inc.
    Inventors: Jalil Tlemcani, Michael J. Carroll, Patrick K. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6612626
    Abstract: This invention provides a touch bar exit device on a door. The exit device has a touch bar assembly having two ends supported at one end by an active case attached to the door and an inactive case fastened to the door at the other end. There is a means for creating tension on the touch bar assembly between the two ends when a load is applied against the touch bar assembly. Alternatively, the means for creating tension on the touch bar assembly between the two ends can occur in the absence of a load applied to the touch bar assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ervos, Inc.
    Inventor: James A. O'Brien, II
  • Patent number: 6609738
    Abstract: An electromagnetic door lock system, allowing emergency exiting of a building, including an armature mount allowing considerable outward movement of the door with respect to the door frame on which the electromagnet is mounted, whereby outward movement of the door initiates a time delay door release, and gives an increased reassurance that the door will open in an emergency, and allows for improved tamper resistance and reduced false alarms, as the distance the door opens out of the door frame in response to actuation of a panic bar from within is greater than that of conventional systems. A tamper resistant door position sensor includes redundant magnetic reed switches for sensing the position of the door and can include an additional reed switch for detecting when an external magnet is placed near the sensor in an attempt to tamper with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Securitron Magnalock Corp.
    Inventors: Thomas Roth, Dennis Wojdan, Vincent Frallicciardi, Robert Cook
  • Patent number: 6601881
    Abstract: A door release device (10) includes a pivot bar (40) on which a push plate (44) and an actuator (48) are mounted. The actuator (48) is aligned with a door latch handle (20) and the fixed end of pivot bar (40) is pivotable about a pivot pin (42) carried in its associated mounting bracket (28b). The active end of the pivot bar (40) is freed to move within its associated mounting bracket (28a) by removal of the pivot pin (42) associated with bracket (28a). The door release device (10) is used by pushing on push plate (44) or pivot bar (40) to advance actuator (48) against door latch handle (20) to open the door. A method for securing door release device (10) to a door (12) includes securing the mounting brackets (28a, 28b) to door (12) with one end of pivot bar (40) positioned to align actuator (48) with door latch handle (20), and removing the pivot pin (42) from the mounting bracket adjacent to door latch handle (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Inventors: Julian Mandell, Morton A. Silverman
  • Patent number: 6565130
    Abstract: An exit bar employs a dual action latch retractor comprising a slotted link which connects manual and electrically actuated latch retraction means. The slot permits the latch to be retracted by a solenoid latch retractor regardless of the position of the push bar or other manual latch retraction means. A buffer spring transmits energy from the solenoid latch retractor to the push pad so that under normal circumstances actuation of the solenoid latch retractor retracts both the latch and push pad. However, if the push pad is jammed in the projected position, the buffer spring is compressed to permit relative movement between the solenoid latch retractor and the manual latch retraction mechanism. As soon as the force holding the push pad in an extended position is removed, the energy stored in the buffer spring is applied to the push pad through the mechanical linkage to retract the push pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Walsh, III
  • Patent number: 6560925
    Abstract: A security device for one or more doors or windows which includes an elongated support bar, an attachment mechanism mounted to the support bar, at least one receiving member attached to a structure to which the security device is to be positioned adjacent, at least one blocking member attached to the support bar, and an actuator mechanism. The at least one receiving member is surface mounted to the structure by an adhesive, glue, or cement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Access Denied, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Rice
  • Patent number: 6550831
    Abstract: A lock and emergency release system for a door normally power operated by a door operator. The system comprises a lock displaceable between an idle position to a functional position in which opening of the door by the door operator is prevented. An emergency release handle is manually operable for simultaneously displacing the lock to its idle position and releasing the door from the door operator, thereby allowing the door to be manually opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Tekdata Inc.
    Inventor: Magdy A. Rizk
  • Publication number: 20030062725
    Abstract: A handle assembly is adapted for a panic handle having a latching mechanism. The handle assembly includes a handle that is moveable between extended and retracted positions and a slide moveable laterally corresponding to movements of the handle. The movement of the handle between the extended and retracted positions works to operate the latching mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: William J. Horgan
  • Publication number: 20030057714
    Abstract: A latch mechanism is provided for a door which includes a rotatable latch which is rotated into and held in an open position to allow the door to open, and is released from the open position only when a sensing mechanism provided as a part of the latch mechanism, held in the door, senses the door frame upon a closing of the door. The latch is held in an over center engaged position which it is moved into due to a lost motion connection among some, but not all, elements of the latch mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Inventor: Peter Edward Brown
  • Patent number: 6532777
    Abstract: The panic exit device includes several features which improve its ease of use and operability over earlier devices including: (1) an improved latch deadlocking mechanism; (2) an improved latch to pad mechanism; (3) a pad lock down feature; (4) an improved universal mounting plate and easily mounted strike; and (5) a vertical rod-bottom bolt deadlocking mechanism in its center case. The latch deadlocking mechanism includes a deadlock link, which in the event of a fire, will block the movement of the latch bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Detex Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Haeck, Greg Drake, Albert E. Ranzau, III
  • Patent number: 6511104
    Abstract: A handle assembly is adapted for a panic handle having a latching mechanism. The handle assembly includes a handle that is moveable between extended and retracted positions and a slide moveable laterally corresponding to movements of the handle. The movement of the handle between the extended and retracted positions works to operate the latching mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Blumcraft of Pittsburgh
    Inventor: William J. Horgan, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6511105
    Abstract: A locking device is to be mounted on a bed of a truck or within an ambulance to lock or fasten goods on the bed or a stretcher within the ambulance. The locking device includes a frame, an operating handle rotatably mounted on the frame, a link mechanism connected to the operating handle and having a recess defined therein, a hook connected to the operating handle via the link mechanism, and a locking pin slidable relative to the operating handle. The hook is locked by introducing the locking pin into the recess and is unlocked by moving the locking pin apart from the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Delta Tooling Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yutaka Sakamoto
  • Publication number: 20020153730
    Abstract: A door release device (10) includes a pivot bar (40) on which a push plate (44) and an actuator (48) are mounted. The actuator (48) is aligned with a door latch handle (20) and the fixed end of pivot bar (40) is pivotable about a pivot pin (42) carried in its associated mounting bracket (28b). The active end of the pivot bar (40) is freed to move within its associated mounting bracket (28a) by removal of the pivot pin (42) associated with bracket (28a). The door release device (10) is used by pushing on push plate (44) or pivot bar (40) to advance actuator (48) against door latch handle (20) to open the door. A method for securing door release device (10) to a door (12) includes securing the mounting brackets (28a, 28b) to door (12) with one end of pivot bar (40) positioned to align actuator (48) with door latch handle (20), and removing the pivot pin (42) from the mounting bracket adjacent to door latch handle (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventors: Julian Mandell, Morton A. Silverman
  • Publication number: 20020153731
    Abstract: This is invention provides a touch bar exit device for a door having an active case attached to the door and an inactive case attached to the door. A touch bar assembly is releasable attached to the active case and the inactive case.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: James A. O'Brien
  • Publication number: 20020105191
    Abstract: The exit device of the present invention has an elongated securing member, such as a deadbolt or the like, adapted to be mounted horizontally adjacent the free end of a door and a pivoting member inward of the door. The pivoting member has a peripheral portion which rolls against the securing member and serves as an anti-friction bearing and counters against the inward force on the securing member opposing the opening force on the door. In one embodiment, the pivoting member is pivoted by an actuating means, such as a press bar, and engages and retracts the securing member. In another embodiment, the securing member is retracted by the actuating means. The pivoting member may also include a keeper contact surface which, as the door closes, is contacted by the keeper and the pivoting member is pivoted inward to retract the securing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Inventor: WALTER E. SURKO JR.
  • Patent number: 6409232
    Abstract: An improved exit alarm lock including a push pad moveable between an extended position and a depressed position; a pivotable first bell crank, a first end of the first bell crank being connected to a first end of the push pad; a pivotable support connected to a second end of the push pad; and a deadbolt moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, a second end of the first bell crank directly engaging the deadbolt, whereby when the push pad is moved to the depressed position, the push pad pivots the first bell crank, the first bell crank second end contacts the deadbolt and moves the deadbolt from the extended position to the retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2002
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel N. Nigro, Jr., Eugene Karl Siller
  • Patent number: 6394508
    Abstract: An electrified emergency exit device having a normally locked condition and having an operable hold off lock that is accessible from the emergency use side for maintaining an unlocked condition. The emergency exit device includes a star wheel door latch for locking or unlocking a door, a sliding catch having a lock position where the sliding catch is engaged to the door latch for locking the door and a free position where the sliding catch is disengaged from the door latch for unlocking the door, a push bar linkage operable from the emergency use side and coupled for sliding the sliding catch to the free position, a remotely operable solenoid coupled for sliding the sliding catch to the free position, the hold off lock coupled for maintaining the sliding catch in the free position, and a solenoid spring for biasing the solenoid for urging the sliding catch to the lock position when none of the push bar, solenoid, and hold off lock are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Raymond E. Zehrung
  • Patent number: 6390514
    Abstract: A latch assembly comprising a latch frame mounted to a door. A latch bolt is mounted to the latch frame for pivotal movement between a biased position extended position and a retracted position. The latch bolt includes a tip portion with opposing planar locking and shaped engagement surfaces. A link is pivotally mounted to the frame for movement between a biased blocking position and a release position. In the blocking position the link prevents movement of the latch bolt from the extended position. A push bar pivots the link to the release position in response to an applied force. A frame bolt is mounted to a door frame for linear displacement between a position projecting from the door frame and a position displaced toward the door frame. The frame bolt includes opposing engagement and planar locking surfaces. When the door is closed the planar locking surfaces are in opposing surface-to-surface contact securing the door to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventor: George Frolov
  • Patent number: 6386597
    Abstract: An exit bar for securing a door has a housing assembly adapted for mounting to a door. A push pad for receiving a push force is mounted to the housing assembly. A latch is pivotable relative to the housing assembly to releasably latch the door to which the exit bar is mounted. A mechanical retraction system links the push bar to the latch so that a push force exerted on the push pad releases the latch. A selectively operable electromagnet is disposed within the housing assembly. An electromagnetic retraction system links the electromagnet to the latch independently of the mechanical retraction system so that selective operation of the electromagnet retracts the latch. The electromagnet further dogs the electromagnetic retraction system, and thereby the latch, in the retracted condition as long as the electromagnet receives power. The push bar and mechanical retraction system may be dogged by the electromagnet upon the first exertion of a push force thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Walsh, III
  • Patent number: 6382685
    Abstract: A sliding catch with partition release assembly for a fire extinguisher cabinet having a locking mechanism that comprises of a L-shaped member that has a first portion and a second portion that is defined as a stopping mechanism and a slotting mechanism. The slotting mechanism may be moved from a first locked position to a second unlocked position thereby releasing the locking mechanism and allowing the fire extinguisher cabinet to open. A partition release assembly allows for the injury-free access to the fire extinguisher cabinet by a fire-person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: 3562042 Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Leonard G. Hammond
  • Patent number: 6283513
    Abstract: An improved locking device is provided for use on a pair of panic doors. The locking device includes an actuating bolt including a triangularly-shaped body and being formed with a stopper portion and a recessed portion; a curved pivotabie member which is formed with a pair of opposite guide pegs slidably abutting on the stopper portion on the actuating bolt and is pivotably turnable when the actuating bolt is being pushed inwards; a movable tube which is axially movabvle when the curved pivotable member is being pivotally turned; a slidable bar which is slidable with the axial movement of the movable tube; and a latching bolt linked to the slidable bar so that when the slidable bar is moved the latching bolt is protruded out of the locking device to lock the paired panic doors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Inventor: Wen Tien Yeh
  • Patent number: 6189939
    Abstract: An electrified emergency exit device having a normally locked condition and having an operable hold off lock that is accessible from the emergency use side for maintaining an unlocked condition. The emergency exit device includes a star wheel door latch for locking or unlocking a door, a sliding catch having a lock position where the sliding catch is engaged to the door latch for locking the door and a free position where the sliding catch is disengaged from the door latch for unlocking the door, a push bar linkage operable from the emergency use side and coupled for sliding the sliding catch to the free position, a remotely operable solenoid coupled for sliding the sliding catch to the free position, the hold off lock coupled for maintaining the sliding catch in the free position, and a solenoid spring for biasing the solenoid for urging the sliding catch to the lock position when none of the push bar, solenoid, and hold off lock are actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Raymond E. Zehrung
  • Patent number: 6183023
    Abstract: A door with an integrated exit device has an operational bar which at least 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Leon Yulkowski
  • Patent number: 6145897
    Abstract: A push-bar for doors in general, which comprises a bar element provided, at its ends, with couplings for connection to a door; the particularity of said push-bar is the fact that it is provided with a threaded bar which is arranged inside the bar element, each end of said bar element being connected to lever means which are in turn pivoted at one end to the bar element and, at the other end, to a pusher whose rotation as a consequence of a pressure applied to the bar element causes the rotation of a pawl which is adapted to engage the pivot of the lock of the door in order to turn it for opening, an empty space being provided between the bar element and the surface of the door to which the bar element is connected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: Gebhard Heinrad Locher
  • Patent number: 6116661
    Abstract: An electric dogging mechanism for an exit device consisting of slidable plate and armature which are attracted to an electric coil when the coil is energized. The slidable plate is connected to a touch bar mechanism. After the touch bar is depressed, retracting the exit device latch, the coil is energized attracting and holding the armature to the coil, thereby holding the touch bar depressed and the latch retracted by the connection of the slidable plate to the touch bar mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Monarch Hardware and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: James Wiley Overbey, Kun Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 6102451
    Abstract: A door latch push bar assembly for providing a push bar for unlatching a door latch such as the type found on storm doors. The door latch push bar assembly includes a mounting bracket and an elongate rod having a pair of opposite ends. A first of the ends of the rod is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket is designed for mounting to a door adjacent a first side of the door. A second of the ends of the rod is designed for extending towards a second side of the door and for receiving a free end of pivotable lever of a latch adjacent the second side of the door releasably engaging the second side of the door to an adjacent portion of a door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Donald E. Merryman
  • Patent number: 6048000
    Abstract: An improved door access bar for installation onto a door through which access is controlled by an electrically operated door access system is disclosed in which the door access bar has an electromechanically operable door locking mechanism which is used to selectively lock and unlock the door to thereby control access or egress through the door. The door access locking bar of the present invention incorporates an interlock mechanism to prevent the bolt from being forced into a retracted position by jimmying the locking mechanism to unlock the door. The locking mechanism of the present invention prevents the door from being opened until the electromechanical locking mechanism is operated to do so. The door access locking bar of the present invention operates in a fail-safe manner so that in the event of a power failure it will automatically be in an unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2000
    Inventors: Arthur Geringer, Richard Geringer, David Geringer
  • Patent number: 6032985
    Abstract: A latch device, which is especially adapted for an exit bar, incorporates a trigger assembly. When the latch device is retracted and released, as ordinarily occurs when the door is opened, the latch bolt is biased to an intermediate extended position. The trigger engages the rim of the strike plate which in turn releases a retainer arm and allows the latch bolt to project to an extended position within the strike thereby providing a latch function of high integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2000
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Ryan D. Cutter
  • Patent number: 6009732
    Abstract: The panic exit device includes several features which improve its ease of use and operability over earlier devices including: (1) an improved latch deadlocking mechanism; (2) an improved latch to pad mechanism; (3) a pad lock down feature; (4) an improved universal mounting plate and easily mounted strike; and (5) a vertical rod-bottom bolt deadlockig mechanism in its center case. The latch deadlocking mechanism includes a deadlock link, which in the event of a fire, will block the movement of the latch bolt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Detex Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Haeck, Greg Drake, Albert E. Ranzau, III.
  • Patent number: 6000733
    Abstract: A presser bar mechanism for an exit door having a frame with a stile, upper and lower lock rods vertically sliding in the stile, a presser bar carried on the door frame, a plate mounted in the stile for rotation about a horizontal axis, upper and lower connectors each having a first end attached to the plate and each having a second end attached to said upper and lower lock rods, respectively, a drive pin carried in one of the connectors and projecting outward from the stile, a slide housing carried on the stile and including a slide channel, a slide member carried in the slide housing for translation along the slide channel, and a crank carried in the slide housing and having first and second crank arms, with the first crank arm engageable by the presser bar and with the second crank arm engagable with the slide member so that pressing on the presser bar rotates the crank to move the slide member in the slide housing, with the slide member engaging the drive pin in driving relation to translate the drive pin
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: International Door Closers, Inc.
    Inventor: John P. Linder
  • Patent number: 5988708
    Abstract: An exit bar for securing a door has a housing adapted for mounting to a door. A push pad for receiving a push force is mounted to the housing. A latch extends from the housing to releasably latch the door to which the exit bar is mounted. A link system links the push pad to the latch so that a push force exerted on the push pad releases the latch. An electromagnetic lock disposed in the housing locks the link system to prevent releasing of the latch. The electromagnetic lock employs an electromagnet and a movable armature to lock the link system. The exit bar further delays unlocking the link system for a preestablished delay time after the push pad has been pushed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Harrow Products, Inc.
    Inventors: George Frolov, John E. Walsh, III, James J. Scott, Peter S. Conklin, Gary E. Lavelle
  • Patent number: 5984380
    Abstract: A tether assembly for tethering an object, which tether assembly includes a cable having opposite ends and a connector attached to one of the opposite ends, and a retaining block for securing the cable to a support. The retaining block includes two parallel through-bores which extend through the retaining block and are provided for receiving the cable. The retaining block also includes a stepped bore which has a threaded portion and a non-threaded terminal portion. The non-threaded terminal portion of the stepped bore has a cylindrical portion which terminates at a common intersection with each of the two parallel through-bores, and a tapered end. A spherical element is positionable in the non-threaded portion of the stepped bore. In use, the retaining block is secured to a support structure and the connector is connected to an object to be tethered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Access Denied, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian J. Rice
  • Patent number: 5969440
    Abstract: An improved pressure-actuated door access bar is disclosed which may be located on a door to control access or egress through the door, whereby the door access bar is used to trigger unlocking or opening, or both unlocking and opening, of the door following pressure being exerted on the door access bar by an individual desiring access or egress through the door. Two electromechanical force transducer assemblies having no moving parts are mounted within a rigid base member which may in turn be mounted on a door or in another desired location, and a cover member mounted over the base member exerts pressure on the electromechanical force transducer assemblies when pressure is placed on it. When a given amount of pressure is detected by either or both of the electromechanical force transducer assemblies, the door will be unlocked or opened, or both unlocked and opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventors: Christopher L. Young, Richard Geringer, David Geringer
  • Patent number: 5947534
    Abstract: A panic device that can be easily installed and used with standard doors and door jambs manufactured or prepared for conventional latching mechanisms is disclosed. The disclosed panic device can be used to replace a door knob without replacing or significantly altering the door or door frame. The latching mechanism of the panic device is housed in the hollow sections of a standard door and door jamb, e.g., in sections formerly occupied by a knob and its associated latching mechanism. The panic device includes a panic bar apparatus mounted on the exterior of the door and a latch compressing mechanism occupying the hollow section of the door. The panic bar apparatus and latch compressing mechanism interact with one another to control the movement of a latch bolt inside the door, i.e., the same latch bolt as that employed in the conventional two-knob arrangement. The latch compressing mechanism may also be controlled by a standard door knob or handle mounted on the side of the door opposite the panic bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Vincent W. Zarzycki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5927765
    Abstract: A dogging device for securing a panic exit and actuation device in an unlatched condition. The dogging device uses a U-shaped spring clip to secure a base plate, a dogging adapter and a dogging hook together. The base plate, dogging adapter and dogging hook are rotated about a common axis by an operator, which can either be a hex shaft or a cylinder adapter operated by a keyed lock, from a disengaged position to an engaged position where the dogging hook engages a control rod of the exit device thereby holding, or dogging, the exit device in an unlatched condition. An over center spring is used to bias the dogging hook into either the engaged or the disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Von Duprin, Inc.
    Inventors: Marlin D. Austin, Richard B. Cohrs, Jr., Stephen M. Rohrbaugh
  • Patent number: 5890752
    Abstract: A push-type lock for fire-blocking door which includes a base body, a frame mounted on the base body, a latching member pivotally mounted on the frame, an actuating piece mounted also on the frame, and a safety release unit penetratingly secured for the frame. The safety release unit includes a rod member, an inner end and an outer end formed on both ends of the rod member respectively, a spiral spring coupled axially to the rod member and positioned between the inner end and an inner surface of the frame, and a hot-melt member sleeving the rod member between the outer end and an outer surface of the frame and subject to being melted away when heated. As a consequence of the hot-melt member being melted away, the rod member will be moved to the inside of the frame due to the compressed spiral spring, thus allowing the rod member to be moved to a position blocking up the way the latching member can be withdrawn to the inside of the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Chin-Tien Lin
  • Patent number: 5865481
    Abstract: A motor-vehicle door latch has a latch housing formed with a recess open in an acceleration direction the latch is displaced in during a collision and, immediately adjacent the recess, with a blocking formation directed in the direction. A latching element is displaceable on the housing between a position retaining a door bolt and a position releasing the door bolt and a retaining pawl displaceable engageable with the latching element is pivotal on the housing between a retaining position holding the latching element in its retaining position and a freeing position releasing the latching element. An actuating lever pivotal on the housing is engageable with the pawl to move same into the freeing position. The actuating lever extends transversely of the acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Kiekert AG
    Inventor: Alexander Buschmann
  • Patent number: 5864936
    Abstract: A method of providing and installing a door latching structure for operatively interconnecting an upper latching structure carried by a door and a lower actuator structure carried by the door, the upper latching structure located outside the door, and comprising providing a longitudinally elongated link sized for reception within the door and to extend into proximity to the latching structure, and to the actuator structure, the link operatively connected to the actuator structure; and providing a laterally extending link attached to an upper end portion of the longitudinally elongated link, the laterally extending link connectible to the latching structure to transfer longitudinal movement of the longitudinal link effected by the actuator structure to the latching structure, for operating same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Adams Rite Manufacturing Co.
    Inventors: Rory M. Riley, Masoud S. Miresmaili