Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02495632 1999-04-05
DESCRIPTION
PANIC EXIT DEVICE
This application is a division of Canadian Patent File No. 2,327,865
filed April 5, 1999.
Technical Field
The invention pertains to door hardware, and more particularly to a panic exit
device with a pad actuating device. The latching mechanism includes a quick
reaction
deadlock actuator as well as a "dogging" mechanism to hold the latch in an
open
position.
Background Art
Push pad actuators are commonly used on doors in public settings. The push
pad translates a user's push into the unlatching of the doors latch mechanism,
allowing
the pedestrian entry or exit. For example, U.S. Patent No. 3,614,145 entitled
"Dogging Device for Panic Exit Latch and Actuator Assembly" discloses a
standard
push pad assembly which translates a forward motion to the pad into a lateral
motion
withdrawing a latch bolt from a strike plate. Motion of the push pad is
translated into
the lateral movement of the latch. A control member and an actuator element
are
connected to the latch,by lost-motion connection means so that the latch bolt
can be
retracted by the control member without changing the po.ition of the actuator
element
and so that the latch bolt can be retracted by the actuator element without
changing the
position of the control member.
Push pad actuators are attached to doors by bolts and other fasteners.
However, the bolt pattern is typically unique to each manufacturer. Thus, if
the
actuator is replaced, the user is prompted to buy another from the same
manufacturer
to avoid having to redrill holes in the door. Thus, a need exists for a
modular
mounting plate that would allow the user to first mount the plate using the
existing
bolt pattern in the door and then mount the actuator to the mounting plate.
Push pad actuators are also mounted on fire doors. A fire door is one that
blocks the progression of a fire between the various rooms in a building. The
latch
mechanism on a fire door must become inoperable in the event of a fire. Thus,
a need
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exists for a latch mechanism that incorporates a meltable element that blocks
the normal
motion of the latch in the presence of sufficiently elevated temperatures.
A need also exists for a method of quickly locking the latching mechanism into
an open position. "Dogging" devices have been used to perform such a function.
However, a need exists for an improved dogging device that is not attached to
the push
bar. In other words, the dogging device should be a modular component in the
panic
exit assembly.
Disclosure of Invention
The present invention relates to a panic exit device and fire exit device used
on
doors in schools, hospitals, public buildings and other commercial buildings.
The device
comprises a latching mechanism combined with a pad actuating mechanism. The
device
incorporates several novel features 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 invention in a broad respect provides a panic exit device, comprising a
modular latch assembly, the modular latch assembly comprising a latch bolt, an
auxiliary
bolt, a deadlock link, and a retractable main link carriage. The latch bolt,
the auxiliary
bolt, the deadlock link, and the retractable main link carriage are coupled
together and
are biased in a first, latched position and movable to a second, unlatched
position by
retraction of the main link carriage. The auxiliary bolt moves independently
of the main
link carriage to actuate the deadlock link. There is also provided a modular
push
bar/action bar assembly, the modular push bar/action bar assembly comprising
an action
bar, a push bar, and a first hook element. The push bar couples to the action
bar by a
rocking mechanism, the rocking mechanism translates a forward motion of the
push bar
into a lateral motion of the action bar, the first hook element is coupled to
the action bar
and further couples to the modular latch assembly and transfers lateral motion
of the
action bar to the main link carriage.
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The latch deadlocking mechanism incudes a latch bolt that engages a strike
mounted on a door frame. When the latch bolt is in the locked position, the
auxiliary
bolt controls a locking finger, also called a deadlock link. The link is
designed to block
the retraction of the latch bolt if the auxiliary bolt is retracted first, or
in the event of a
fire. The deadlock link locks directly against the link connected to the latch
bolt. This
position makes the deadlock link very responsive and quick to react to improve
security.
Further, by having the auxiliary bolt wrap around the latch bolt, the assembly
is "non-
handed" and does not require any special bosses on the strike to rub against.
The top
surface of the main carriage link moves the deadlock link out of engagement. A
firelock
roller is suspended between two nylon spacers adjacent to the deadlock link.
In the event
of a fire, the nylon spacers melt and the roller drops into a position which
blocks the
movement of the deadlock link, thereby forcing it into engagement with the
latch bolt
link.
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The present exit device is constructed in two basic mechanisms, the pad
mechanism and a center case mechanism. The pad mechanism has an action rod and
support structure. The center case mechanism can be a rim style latch bolt or
the
center mechanism for a vertical rod or mortise device. The action rod will
give
motion to the center case mechanism. The two mechanisms are produced
separately
and combined to create the final device. The design utilizes a unique
attachment hook
design that easily couples the two units together during mounting.
In normal use, it is sometimes desirable to lock down the push pad of the
device making the pad inoperable. This allows the door to be opened by simply
pushing against any part of the door. A "dogging" device is used to lock the
action
rod used by the push bar in a retracted position. The dogging device of the
present
invention is not attached to the push bar. Further, it is easy to install or
change to a
different style mechanism. Various styles of dogging devices can be used with
the
panic exit including hex key, cylinder or electrical versions, therefore
making
manufacturing modular. The cylinder design also presents quick action locking,
usually requiring less than a one eighth turn.
The invention further includes the use of a universal mounting plate. Fire
safety regulations require that fire doors must be capable of withstanding
certain.tests
in order to be "rated" as a fire door. To pass these tests, fire doors cannot
contain
extraneous holes. Therefore, because various manufacturers use unique mounting
hole patterns for their door hardware, door hardware on existing doors cannot
be
replaced by another brand without drilling new holes in the fire doors and
allowing
earlier drilled holes to go unused. To avoid this problem, the present
invention
utilizes a separate mounting plate that can have a hole pattem that matches
the earlier
used hardware, thus eliminating the need to drill additional holes in the
door.
Finally, a vertic~al rod-bottom bolt deadlocking mechanism can be located in
the center case. This style of mechanism is typically used with double doors
and
provides two point latching with a strike in the door and a strike in the
floor. Unlike
prior art hardware for double door applications, which typically have a
deadlocking
mechanism near the bottom of the door that deadlocks the floor bolt, the
present
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invention has a top and bottom bolt with a deadlocking feature on each bolt to
improve security. Moreover, including the deadlocking mechanism in the center
case
keeps the bottom bolt very simple, allowing the door hardware to maintain a
low
profile that meets the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA).
The design is non-handed and utilizes a carriage assembly that carries the
deadlock
feature.
Brief Description lif Drawings
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for fiuther
details and- advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Modes
for
Carrying Out the Invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings,
in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective of a panic exit device embodying the present
invention;
Figure 2 is a detailed perspective of the rim latching mechanism;
Figure 3 is sectional view across the latching mechanism;
Figure 4 is a partial sectional view across the length of the push bar
mechanism
showing the attachment between the push pad actuator and the latching
mechanism;
Figure 5 is a partial sectional view showing the key cylinder used to "dog"
the
latch in an open position;
Figure 6 is a top view of the locking mechanism shown in Figure 5;
Figures 7 to 10 illustrate the mounting plate desiga and strike plate locator;
and
Figures 11 to 14 illustrate the surface vertical rod deadlocking mechanism
which can be located in the center case of the door.
Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention
The panic exit device of the present invention improves upon prior art devices
in several areas. First, it incorporates an improved latch deadlocking
mechanism. The
improved design is shown in Figures 1 to 3. Second, the device includes an
improved
latch to pad mechanism shown in Figure 4. Third, the device includes a pad
lock
down feature shown in Figures 5 and 6. Fourth, the device uses an improved
universal
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mounting plate and easily mounted strike. These features are shown in Figures
7 to
10. Finally, the panic exit device includes a vertical rod-bottom bolt
deadlocking
mechanism in its center case, shown in Figures 11 to 14.
Referring to Figure 1, a panic exit device 100 has a baseplate 102 (not shown)
covered by a housing 104. A push bar 106 is captured by the baseplate 102 so
that it
can move between a first, outward position and a second inward position. The
push
bar 106 can extend the entire length of the baseplate, but in a preferred
embodiment,
only extends a portion of the length of the baseplate 102. A case filler 108
can be used
to fill the unused length of the baseplate. An end cap 110 can be used to
prevent any
lateral movement of the push bar 106 or case filler 108. The end cap 110 also
presents
a smoother surface. The case filler 108 can have an opening to accept a
dogging
mechanism 112 which is coupled between the case filler 108 and the push bar
106:
As will be discussed in greater detail, the dogging mechanism 112 is used to
lock the
push bar in its second, inward, and open position. Finally, a latching
mechanism is
housed under a rim cover 114. The latching mechanism includes a latch bolt 116
which engages a strike 1181ocated on a door frame (not shown).
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the latching mechanism 120. The latching
mechanism generally includes a vertical housing 122 which is mounted flush to
the
door, and a horizontal housing 124 which extends outward from the vertical
housing
122. The horizontal housing encloses a main link carriage 128 which retracts
in
response to the movement of the push bar 106. The main link carriage is
coupled to
both the latch bolt 116 and to an auxiliary bolt 134. The latch bolt 116 is
connected
to the horizontal housing by a latch bolt pin 132.
Referring to Figure 3, the latch bolt 116 is connected to the main link
carriage
128 by a latch bolt link 146. The latch bolt link 146,is attached to latch
bolt 116 by
a pin 116a. Latch bolt link 146 can pivot in a groove 116b in the latch bolt
116.
Further, the latch bolt link 146 can travel within a groove 148 in the main
link carriage
128. In other words, when the carriage 128 is being retracted, a pin 150
coupling the
link 146 within the groove 148 must impact against groove surface 150a before
the
latch bolt 116 pivots to its open position (out of engagement with the
strike). Several
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springs bias the latch bolt 116 and auxiliary bolt 134 into a forward and
engaged
position. At least one auxiliary bolt spring 136 is suspended around rod 153
and is
captured between a flange 152 of the auxiliary bolt 134 and a flange 154 of
the
horizontal housing 124. Auxiliary bolt spring 136 biases the auxiliary bolt
134 in an
extended position. Spring 140 biases the main link carriage 128 forward
against
vertical housing 122 to an extended position.
Auxiliary latch bolt 134 has several important features. First, slot 153a
allows
the latch bolt to be partially retracted without requiring movement of latch
bolt 116.
Additionally, auxiliary latch bolt 134 has an indention1 53b having graduated
sides 10 on its left and its right as shown in Fig. 3. Indention 153b is
positioned directly below
arm 142c of link 142 as shown in Fig. 3i and as will be discussed later. Pin
150 is
positioned within slot 153a. As latch bolt 116 is retracted, pin 150 presses
against the
right side of slot 153a and forces auxiliary bolt 134 to retract.
Figures 3a to 3h illustrate the steps involved when retracting the latch bolt
116.
In Figure 3a, the latch bolt 116 is shown in an extended position and in
contact with
the strike 118. The strike is shown attached to a door frame 2. In this
position, the
door on which the panic exit device is mounted cannot be opened in the
direction
shown by arrow A. A torsional spring 156 (shown in Figure 3a) biases the latch
bolt
116 in this position. As the push bar 106 is pressed, its forward movement is
translated into the lateral movement of the main link carriage 128. This
connection
will be discussed in more detail below. In the fully closed position, the pin
130
contacts the forward edge 126a of grooves 126. The latch bolt link 146 couples
the
main link carriage 128 to the latch bolt 116. Auxiliary bolt 134 is retracted
against
strike 118. This occurs as the door closes. The latch bolt 116 is now secure.
Should
one push the push bar,(not shown) in the direction of arrow B, main link
carriage 128
would pull latch bolt link backwards which in turn would cause the latch bolt
116 to
rotate about pin 132 to move latch bolt link 146 out of contact with surface
142a of
the deadlock link 142. The deadlock link is biased to rotate into contact by a
deadlock
spring. In the forward position of main link carriage 128, the deadlock link
142 is
allowed to rotate to this contact position. The front slot in 128 allows the
deadlock
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link 146 to travel backward without the main link carriage 128 moving. This is
clearly
shown in Figure 3h. When the latch bolt is in the retracted position (latch
bolt link
146 contacting surface 142a) this interlock can be removed when pad 106 is
actuated.
As the main link carriage 128 moves back, a ramp engages side tabs on the
deadlock
link 142. This rotates deadlock link surface 142a out of contact with the
latch bolt
link 146 and the bolt is free to retract. The link 142 is shown in Figure 3i.
Figure 3b illustrates the behavior of the device when the main link carriage
128 is translated a small distance. The pin 130 no longer contacts the forward
surface
126a of grooves 126. The latch bolt 116 pivots around latch bolt pin 1.32. The
force
of torsionai spring 156 must be overcome to accomplish this movement. The
general
progression of the latch bolt is clearly illustrated in progressive Figures
3c, 3d, 3e, and
3f. Finally, the latch bolt is in its fully retracted position as shown in
Figure 3g. It
is important to note the position of deadlock link 142 during the progression.
At first,
the deadlock link 142 contacts a forward portion 128a of the main link
carriage 128.
Specifically, the forward portion 128a has a top surface 128b. The deadlock
link 142
can slide against the top surface 128b until it contacts the latch bolt link
146, at which
point it slides across its top surface as shown in Figures 3f and 3g. The
deadlock link
142 serves the important purpose of blocking the retraction of the latch bolt
1.16 in
certain situations. For example, Figure 3h illustrates the situation where
only the
auxiliary bolt 134 is partially retracted in direction A. In this instance the
deadlock
link pivots to a position in the path of the latch bolt link. In other words,
the forward
surface 142a will abut the rear surface 146a of the latch bolt link 146,
preventing the
latch bolt 116 from retracting. This motion is accomplished because side tabs
142c
of deadlock link 142 slide down the incline sides of indention 153b in
auxiliary bolt
134. Torsional spring 142.d biases dead lock link 142 in a downward position
while
tab 142c is resident in indention 153b.
The deadlock link 142 has a central opening 142b, shown in Figure 3i, which
accepts the central portion of the firelock roller 144. The firelock roller
does not
disturb the motion of the deadlock link 142 in normal operation. However, in
the
event of a fire, the elevated temperature will melt the nylon spacers 144a of
the roller
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144, releasing its central larger diameter roller to fall into a position that
does block
the normal motion of the link 142. In the blocking position, the roller 144
pins the
link 142 so that it will engage the latch bolt link 146 as discussed above.
The roller
144 is more clearly illustrated in Figure 3j. A pin 144b holds the roller 144
in place.
Figure 4 illustrates the improved latch to pad mechanism that translates the
forward motion of the push bar 106 into the lateral motion of the main link
carriage
128. The push bar 106 is connected to an action rod 158 by a rocking mechanism
160.
The rocking mechanism 160 translates the forward motion applied to the push
bar into
lateral mdvement of the action bar 158. The action bar is coupled to the main
link
carriage 128 by a hook 162 which engages pin 130. The latch assembly 120 and
the
assembly of the push bar 106 and action bar 158 are produced as modular
assemblies.
The modules are easily assemble with a hook 162. Screws are used to keep the
components assembled in the final assembly. Another advantage to the modular
assemblies is that different styles of latch assemblies and push bar needed to
meet
different specifications, such as a electrical operation or different bolt
pattems for
different replacement applications can be produced and then linked together
easily in
many different configurations. The modular construction also has the advantage
of
reducing the inventory required to retrofit a large number of existing bolt
patterns and
applications.
Figures 5, 6a, 6b, and 6c illustrate the interaction of the dogging mechanism
112 with the action rod 158 and lock cylinder 112a. The dogging mechanism 112
is
mounted to a bracket 166 which is affixed to case filler 108. Not being fixed
to the
base plate 102 allows the assembly to be easily removed in the factory or
during
installation for an alternate function such as replacement of wom parts or
upgrading
to new assemblies. Shims 170 can be used for height adjustments needed for
different
lock cylinder links on commercially available lock cylinder styles.
The dogging mechanism 112 comprises a latching element 168 which can
engage a second hook element 164 on the action bar 158. The latching element
168
has a cam surface 168a which engages the action rod when the latch bolt is
disengaged
from the strike. During rotation of the dogging mechanism, shown in Figures 6b
and
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6c, the cam surface 168a engages the action bar 158 when it is in a retracted
position, thus
dogging the latch bolt into an open position. In order to rotate dogging
mechanism 112, a
key is inserted into lock cylinder 112a, shown in Figure 5 which is coupled to
tail piece 112b
as shown in Figures 6a-6c. Tail piece 112b slides in slot 112c in latching
element 168. As
tail piece 112b reaches either side of slot 112c, it causes latching element
168 to rotate and
engage or disengage the action rod. Slot 112c can be made variable widths to
accommodate
different rotational requirements of different commercially available lock
cylinders as new as
to allow the key to be rotated back to its home position for removal.
Detents 168b allow the dogging mechanism to be positively positioned in a
variety
of positions. For example, three detents are shown in the figures. The detents
can serve other
purposes as well. For example, when the dogging mechanism is in the second
detent, Figure
6b, then an electrical contact 168c could be made to initiate an electrical
control signal, for
instance, to control a security notification, solenoid or other apparatus. If
a solenoid were
actuated, it could possibly even retract the action bar. Figure 6c illustrates
the dogging
mechanism seizing the action rod in position.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a strike locator 190 for locating strike 118 for
use with panic
exit device 100. Strike locator 190 has a first side 191 and a substantially
perpendicular
second side 193. First side 191 has a pair of strike holes 196. In one
embodiment, second
side 193 has a substantially centered alignment mark 195. In another
embodiment, second
side 193 has a generally centralized relief 197. In another embodiment, second
side 193 has
two outwardly extending tabs 192. In another embodiment, tabs 192 are
positioned in a plane
immediately above second side 193. In another embodiment, second side 193 has
a pair of
mullion holes 194.
Referring to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, a mounting plate 174 is disclosed. In a
preferred
embodiment best seen in Fig. 9, mounting plate 174 comprises a substantially
planar base 175.
A pair of upturned outside flanges 171 extends from base 175. Slotted
apertures 172 are
located in outside flanges 171. A pair of upturned inside flanges 173 extends
from base 175.
In one embodiment, inside flanges 173 are substantially parallel to outside
flanges 171. In
another embodiment, a cam 182 is rotatably mounted substantially in the center
of mounting
plate 174. An aperture 183 is centrally located on the pivot axis of cam 182.
In
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one embodiment, aperture 183 is cruciform shaped. In another embodiment, a cam
limiter
tab 177 extends upward and outward from base 175. Outside mounting holes 178
are located
on base 175 in generally opposite relation to the center of mounting plate
174. Inside
mounting holes 179 are also located on base 175, in generally opposite
relation to the center
of mounting plate 174.
Referring to Fig. 9, a panic exit device 100 connectable to mounting plate 174
is
disclosed. In an embodiment of the present invention, tabs 176 extend from
upper legs 122a
and lower legs 122b of vertical housing 122 of panic exit device 100.
Strike locator 190 provides a simple, convenient, and accurate means for
mounting
strike 118 and mounting plate 174. In a new installation, a locating mark is
made on the
unhinged side of door 4 at a height desirable for the location of panic exit
device 100, as is
commonly done with existing devices. Strike locator 190 is placed on door 4 in
alignment
with the locating mark made on door 4. As would be obvious to anyone skilled
in the art,
this can be readily achieved by centering alignment mark 195 with the locating
mark on door
4. With door 4 in a closed position, strike holes 196 on strike locator 190
are used to locate
holes for installing strike 118 on door frame 2. As shown in Fig. 8, mounting
plate 174 is
abutted to strike locator 190 so that tabs 192 of strike locator 190 are
received in slots 172
of mounting plate 174. In another embodiment, cam limiter tab 177 engages
relief 197 of
strike locator 190. In this position, mounting plate 174 is properly located
for attachment to
door 4. Door 4 is marked to indicate where the desired holes are to be
drilled, and strike
locator 190 and mounting plate 174 are removed. The holes are then drilled and
mounting
plate 174 is secured to door 4. Door 4 can be marked to indicate where the
desired holes are
to be drilled, and strike locator 190 and mounting plate 174 removed.
Alternatively, the holes
may be drilled, or fasteners directly installed while holding,mounting plate
174 in place.
Mounting plate 174 can be attached to door 4 by installation of fasteners
through either
outside mounting holes 178 or inside mounting holes 179. In an alternative
embodiment,
mullion holes 194 are used to locate the holes for mounting an interlocking
hook (not shown)
on a mullion.
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In a retrofit installation, strike locator 190 can be utilized when replacing
an existing
panic mounting device with panic exit device 100, to position mounting plate
174 on door 4
in proper alignment with an existing strike or strike location. The previous
strike is removed
and strike locator 190 is positioned on door frame 2 such that strike holes
196 are centered
on the preexisting strike location. New holes for strike 118 can be marked for
drilling from
strike holes 196 in strike locator 190 if necessary. As shown in Fig. 8,
mounting plate 174
is then abutted to strike locator 190 such that tabs 192 of strike locator 190
are received in
slots 172 of mounting plate 174. New holes for mounting plate 174 can be
located for
drilling through outside holes 178 and/or from inside holes 1.79 of mounting
plate 174. Door
4 is marked to indicate where the holes are to be drilled, and strike locator
190 and mounting
plate 174 are removed. The holes are then drilled and the strike 118 and
mounting plate 174
are secured to door frame 2 and door 4 respectively with appropriate fasteners
such as screws.
Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other arrangements of tabs and
slots or
other mating arrangements known in the art can be utilized on mounting plate
174 and vertical
housing 122 to facilitate the proper vertical positioning and retention of
exit device 100 in
mounting plate 174. Once mounting plate 174 is attached to door 4, mounting
plate 174
functions as both a locator and a quick mount support for installing exit
device 100 by
retaining device 100 in proper alignment with strike 118 until device 100 is
secured.
Figs. 9 and .10 further disclose the hardware used to mount panic exit device
100 to
door 4 so that it can engage strike 118 mounted on door frame 2. With mounting
plate 174
securely attached to door 4, panic exit device 100 is positioned so that tabs
176 on vertical
housing 122 engage slots 172 on mounting plate 174. Panic exit device 100 is
then rotated
into place against door 4. Outside flanges 171 and inside flanges 173 extend
from base 175
thereby forming with base 175 a channel sized to receive upper and lower legs
122a and 122b
of vertical housing 122 of exit device 100. Outside flanges 171 and inside
flanges 173
function as stops to prevent lateral and rotational movement of exit device
100. Engagement
of slots 172 with tabs 176 of vertical housing 122 prevents vertical movement
of panic exit
device 100.
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In another embodiment, a lock device 180 can be mounted on the
opposite side of door 4 substantially centered on mounting plate 174. In this
embodiment, a shaft 181 extends from lock device 180 through door 4 and
rotationally engages aperture 183 of cam 182. In one embodiment, shaft 181
engages a cruciform aperture 183 of cam 182. Cam 182 engages the release
mechanism of exit device 100. Upon activation of lock device 180, cam 182
actuates the release mechanism of panic exit device 100; moving latch bolt 116
out of engagement with strike 118 from the opposite side of door 4.
Mounting of the panic exit device 100 is completed by installing screws
in a bracket located under end cap 110. It will be appreciated that mounting
plate 174 of the present invention greatly eases the process of mounting panic
exit device 100. Only mounting plate 174 must be held in position on door 4
while marking or drilling the necessary holes. Another advantage of mounting
plate 174 is that outside holes 178 and inside holes 179 can be variously
configured to match the holes in door 4 from a previously mounted panic exit
assembly. Thus, by providing separate mounting plates 174 with a variety of
hole patterns, panic exit device 100 of the present invention can replace a
variety
of other panic exit devices.
Figs. 11 to. 14 illustrate the use of the.locking mechanism to actuate
vertical rods. This style of panic exit is used primarily on double doors with
a
strike in the header, and a strike in the floor. In Fig. 11, only a single
door 4
is shown. A push pad actuator 106 is shown mounted to the door along with
a dogging mechanism 112, case filler 108, and an end cap 110. These elements
operate as described above. A center case mechanism 200 under cover 212 is
used to translate the motion of the push pad 106 to a pair of vertical rods
202,
204. Rod 204 controls . a latching mechanism 208 and a latch 210. Latching
mechanism 208 is well known in the prior art. As vertical rod 204 moves
upward, latching mechanism 208 operates to translate the upward motion into
a retraction of latch 210. Rod 202 controls the translation of a
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peg 206. Through cooperation of translating vertical rods 202 and 204 and
latching
mechanism 208, when push pad actuator 106 is pushed, both peg 206 and latch
210
are retracted so that the door may freely open. Of course, either rod could
control any
fashion of latch including a mechanism similar to that described in Figure 3.
Figures 12, 13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d show the internal workings of the center
case mechanism 200 and the pivotal deadlock lever 216. The mechanism 200 has a
frame 218. A first linkage 220 is coupled to the action rod under the push pad
106.
The action rod translates the first linkage 220 in the direction shown by
arrow A.
Motion of the first linkage translates a pair of lifting mechanisms 214, shown
in
Figure 13a. The lifting mechanisms 214 have a bent surface which impacts
surface
216a against a pivotal deadlocking lever 216. The motion of the lifting
mechanism
214 moves the deadlocking lever out of engagement with the rod 202. As the
ftrst
linkage moves, so do the lifting mechanisms, until, as shown in Figure 13d,
the rods
202, 204 are raised to the fullest extent required from center case mechanism
200.
The deadlocking lever 216 has a notch 216b that engages end of the rod 202.
This
prevents the rods from movement due to external forces such as prying pin 206
from
below.
The placement of deadlocking levers 216 in the center case mechanism 200
allows the center case mechanism to replace the deadlocking levers that are
usually
present in the prior art at the bottom of the door frame, resulting in a
simpler, cheaper
door frame which is more easily ADA approved and more visually appealing.
Figures 14a and 14b illustrate the transfer of movement from horizonal to
vertical of the rods 202, 204. First linkage 220 as previously described in
association
with Figures 12 and 13, is operatively coupled to coupling cam 222 and when
moved
in the direction A causes coupling cam 222 to rotate about pin 224. The
rotation of
coupling Cam 222 in turn forces the pair of lifting mechanisms 214 to be
raised.
Similarly, as shown in Figure 14b, as first linkage 220 is moved in direction
B,
coupling Cam 222 rotates about pin 224 in the opposite direction allowing
lifting
mechanism 214 to lower rods 204 and 202.
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Although the best mode for carrying out the present invention has been
described in the foregoing detailed description and illustrated in the
accompanying
drawings, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the
embodiments
disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions
of steps without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the
present
invention is intended to encompass such rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions of steps as fall within the scope of the appended claims.
