Patent Application
20220056728
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material, which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present application relates to a flush pull door handle and more specifically to a flush pull door handle and assembly affixable and readily removable from a door, with a mounting cover affixed over an existing door.
Door handles primarily consist of knobs, arms or similar shapes. These types of handles have varying benefits, including reducing difficulties for persons with disabilities to use the door. Most public buildings, including schools, government buildings, corporate offices, etc. have pull handles that extend out from the door.
It is also very common for large entrance areas to include double-doors with mirrored door handles extending out from the door. While on the interior portion of the door, there are usually push-bars or emergency exit bars based on fire code requirements. The technology relating to the existing outwardly extending door handles is well known and well established in the marketplace.
Problems can arise from outwardly extending door handles, including significant safety concerns. For example, it is possible for a malfeasant actor to apply chains to the door via the handles, preventing the doors from being opened from the inside. The door handles, extending out from the door, provide the perfect hooking mechanisms to grasp chains or other items causing the doors to remain unopenable. Such events have occurred in at least one mass casualty on a university campus, students having lost their lives in part from being trapped from chains around door handles preventing escape.
A flush pull handle mounted on a door provides a simple solution to prevent doors from being held secured together using chains or other means. The problem is that flush pull handle technology is extremely limited. Current flush pull handles are physically molded into the doors themselves. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,282,753 describes a flush mount door handle that is recessed within a doorframe, but this door handle is physically mounted into the door such that the handle cannot be removed or changed without dismantling the actual door. This prior art flush pull handle focuses on the novel design of having an angled back portion to allow cleaning.
Another example of limiting flush pull handle prior art is U.S. Pat. No. 5,355,554 showing a pull handle that can be inserted into an existing door. While this allows for minor modifications to the door, this prior art door handle further evidences the limitations of needing to modify or take apart the door to install and remove the door handle. In this system, the door handle is secured to the door itself while the door is being manufactured. This system then requires the manufacturing of the door and the pull handle to be done concurrently, as well as limiting the door to always require that pull handle. If the handle needs repair or replacement, the door itself must be taken apart or the whole door is then replaced.
Existing safety concerns note the value of a flush pull door handle to prevent the doors from being improperly secured together. But, the existing prior art require manufacturing of the door and the handle together, thus requiring a special manufacture of the door. Similarly, the existing technology, by combining the door and the handle into a single manufactured unit, inhibits removal and/or replacement of the handle.
Additionally, a bracing assembly must be secured within the door frame, providing security for the door but also rigidity for pulling forces when opening a door. As such, there exists a need for a flush pull door handle that can be affixed into a door assembly, as well as structural mounting as part of the door assembly.
The door, as described herein, includes structure for affixing a flush pull door handle therein. The door includes a first horizontal frame member having a rear wall, a front wall, and an interior cavity extending between the rear wall and the front wall. The front side has an aperture therein granting access to the interior cavity and to the rear wall of the first horizontal frame member.
In the door, a first brace member is secured within the interior cavity of the first horizontal frame member, the first brace member including at least one fastener engagement element. The first brace member forms a first side of the bracing assembly.
The door includes a first vertical frame member having a first side with engagement means for secure engagement to the first horizontal frame member. The door additionally includes a second brace member secured to the first side of the first vertical frame member such that when the first vertical frame member engages the first horizontal frame member, the second brace member is secured within the interior cavity. Therein, the second brace member forms a second side of the bracing assembly. The second brace member includes at least one fastener engagement element.
Therein, the door includes a mounting assembly with multiple fastener elements. Upon assembly, the mounting assembly is affixed within the interior cavity of the first horizontal frame member by engaging the plurality fastener elements with the fastener engagement elements of the first brace member and the second brace member.
The door may further include a pull assembly including an assembly interior portion having a first interior side and a second interior side, the first interior side having at least one flange mount opening. The pull assembly includes an assembly face having a handle portion flush with the assembly face and protruding across at least a portion of the assembly interior portion for allowing a pulling action on the pull handle. The pull assembly mounts in the mounting assembly within the interior cavity of the first horizontal frame member. Thus, when assembled, the door includes the pull assembly structurally secured to the door via the mounting assembling and the bracing assembly composed of the brace members within the first horizontal frame.
In one embodiment, the first horizontal frame member includes a ridge element disposed within the interior portion. The ridge element aligns the positioning of the brace members within the interior portion.
For fully assembly of the door, door may additionally include a second vertical frame member, as well as a second horizontal frame member disposed at a top end of the door secured between with the first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member and a third horizontal frame member disposed at a lower end of the door secured between with the first vertical frame member and the second vertical frame member.
The structure of the door can also include at least one skin affixed over the first vertical frame member, the second vertical frame member, the first horizontal frame member, the second horizontal frame member, and the third horizontal frame member. This skin includes an aperture aligning with the aperture on the front side of the first horizontal frame member and allowing for inserting the mounting assembly and/or the pull assembly.
In one embodiment, the frame members are composed of aluminum. In other embodiments, the frame members can be composed of any suitable material allowing for rigidity.
The invention described herein is illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific exemplary embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims.
References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
The pull handle 102 of
In one embodiment, the pull handle portion of the assembly face 132 extending over the interior portion includes a curved edge, such as in one embodiment an 18 degree offset allowing for improved grip of the handle. For example, the pull handle portion allowing for user to grab the pull handle can be curved or designed to not required tight grasping, pinching or twisting for opening the door, such as may be in full compliance with any local, state or Federal guidelines.
It is recognized that the illustration portion of the face 132 of
For further clarification of the mounting assembly 110,
As described in further detail below, a fastener (not shown in
For further illustration,
It is recognized that varying embodiments may include multiple mating elements 122 solely on the bottom portion or the top portion. Similarly, varying embodiments may include different the number and/or placement of fastener openings on the side portion 116, such as for example a single fastener opening 120 in the center of the side portion 116 instead of two openings 120 near the mounting flanges 118. As described further below, in this embodiment for the top portion 112 and the bottom portion 114, the mating elements 122 allow fasteners to engage the pull assembly (130 of
The first interior face 136 includes a plurality of flange mount openings 140. As described below, the flange mount openings 140 are positioned to accept the mounting flanges 118 of the mounting assembly 110 of
The assembly interior 134 further includes fastener openings 142, whereby this embodiment shows the bottom fastener opening 142.
In one embodiment, the flush pull handle may be constructed with an architectural finish, such as having a polish finish consistent with commercial-grade esthetics. The handle may be composed of 11-gauge stainless steel, but any suitable material recognized by one skilled in the art in within the scope of the present invention.
In one embodiment, the mounting assembly 110 has a general dimension of a width of 5.75 inches, a height of 8.32 inches and a depth of 1.5 inches. The mounting flanges 118 extend out 1.12 inches from the assembly 110, centrally disposed within the sidewall of the assembly, each flange disposed 1.74 inches from the top edge and bottom edge, respectively. The pull assembly has a width of 6.3 inches, height of 9.47 inches and depth of 1.62 inches. The curved portion of the handle for grasping has a distance of 0.38 inches and a bottom gap between the handle extending portion and the bottom of the interior portion is 2.29 inches.
It is recognized that the above measurements, dimensions and materials are exemplary in nature of one embodiment. These measurements, dimensions and materials are not limiting in nature and do not restrict or otherwise limit the scope of the flush pull handle described herein as the measurements, dimensions and materials may be modified or adjusted as recognized by one skilled in the art.
Where
In securing the mounting assembly 110 to the bracing assembly 162, the mounting assembly 110 is placed within a receiving portion. When received, a plurality of fasteners are inserted through the fastener openings (120 of
In another embodiment, the mounting assembly may be affixed using non-fastener means, but any other suitable securing means. For example, the mounting assembly may be affixed in the door using welds, adhesives, glues, snap-fit, or any other suitable means recognized by one skilled in the art.
In further extension of the above-described embodiments,
It is noted that in one embodiment, the mounting brace 162 has a mirrored shape and design, such that where
It is noted that in one embodiment, the mounting brace 162 is has a mirrored shape and design, such that where
In one embodiment, the mounting brace 162 is mirrored in the vertical plane and in the horizontal plane. Therefore, during installation, the mounting brace does not require a specific installation alignment. In this embodiment, the location of the apertures on the side interior walls mirror each other and the location of the apertures of the bottom interior wall and the top interior wall also mirror each other. Similarly, the dimensions between an outer edge of the front face and the cavity defined by the interior walls are also mirrored both on the horizontal and vertical planes.
In one embodiment, the mounting brace may therein be securely affixed to the door during the manufacturing process. As used herein, during the manufacturing process includes, but is not limited to, the assembly of the door prior to the application of a skin or other outer shell.
During the manufacturing process, direct access to the interior portion of the door is made available, allowing for a further degree of stability in installation. For example, with full access to the interior portion of the door, the mounting brace may be directed secured within the interior of the door. One such securing technique may include welding the mounting the brace directly into the door interior. Another technique may include an adhesive or glue application. Another technique may include one or more fasteners to an interior door frame. Whereas it is recognized that other securing techniques are within the scope of the present invention and incorporated herein.
The mounting brace 162, in this embodiment, is disposed within the door frame or shell interior during the manufacturing process. The mounting brace 162 is then enclosed within the door skin, leaving the inner cavity 168 exposed. The cavity 168 thus allows for mating with the mounting assembly as described above, such as with reference to
As noted above, the mounting assembly therein allows engagement with the pull assembly. In the first instance, the mounting assembly (110 of
In the embodiments described herein, the flush pull handle does not include any interior latching or door locking mechanisms. Rather, the flush pull handle works with doors having other security means for monitoring ingress and egress. For example, the door with the flush pull handle may include a security card or other type of security access that when activated released a latching mechanism to allow the door to open from the flush pull handle side. Similarly, the flush pull handles may be on the opposing side of a door having push bars that allow for pushing the door open from the opposite side when the door is locked. In one embodiment, the flush pull handle operates with doors typically remaining unlocked and generally accessible during normal hours, such as doors found in a school, library, government office, etc.
As noted above, the flush pull handle being mounted via the mounting assembly into the cavity 166 of the mounting brace 162 of the door prohibits access to the other side of the door. Similarly, if the pull handle is removed, there is no access to any of the locking mechanisms of the door, further enhancing the safety of the flush pull handle. In another embodiment, the mounting assembly 110 may include a backing, such backing can be a means to affix the mounting assembly into the door itself. The backing may include a material or coating providing for a fire-rating of the door. Similarly, such backing and/or coating can be affixed to the pull handle, thus allowing for further enhanced safety, in this embodiment for meeting fire-rating or fire code requirements.
A further embodiment provides for installation and mounting of the door pull assembly within a pre-existing door.
The external mounting brace 200 includes a flat surface 206 within the enclosed cavity 204. As described in greater detail below, the external mounting brace 200, once affixed to the outside of the door, provides for installation of a mounting assembly and a pull assembly therein.
The front face 202 includes outwardly extending flanges 208, 210, 212, 214, spread out from the enclosed cavity 204. The flanges 208-214, in this embodiment, make up the front face 202.
For installation to a door, the backside of the front face 202 is secured against the outer portion of the door. Prior to installation, a section of the door is removed along with any interior bracing or insulation elements. The removed section allows for insertion of the cavity 204 within the interior portion of the door.
For further illustration,
Additionally, the external mounting brace 200 includes a plurality of mounting channels 224 extending outward from the mounting brace 200 perpendicular to the front face 200. The mounting channels 224 illustrate one embodiment of any suitable embodiment for a securing means to affix the mounting brace 200 to the front side of the door. For example, one embodiment may include the mounting channels 224 including threads or similar elements for gripping or securing a threaded screw, bolt, or other fastener type received through a back side of the door. The mounting channels 224 are not expressly limiting in types or designs for securing means, wherein to one skilled in the art any suitable form of securing means may be used and incorporated herein. For example, one embodiment many include glue or other type of adhesive to secure the external mounting brace to the door. For example, another embodiment may include a threaded screw, bolt, or other male connector connected to the external mounting brace and a female connector feed through the rear side of the door. Therein, the securing means may be any suitable means for securing the external mounting brace to the front side of the door.
The mounting brace 200 and the back plate 230 can be made of any suitable material providing for integrity and strength consistent with descriptions herein. For example, in one embodiment, the brace 200 and back plate 230 can be made from a cold rolled steel. In another embodiment, the brace 200 and back plate 230 can be made from stainless steel. In one embodiment, the brace 200 and back plate 230 can include one or more coatings, including anti-microbial and/or graphics designs.
The mounting brace 200 and the back plate 230 can be made of same or different gauge materials. In one embodiment, the mounting brace 200 is made of an 11 gauge cold rolled or stainless steel. In one embodiment, the back plate 230 can be made of 18 gauge aluminum or stainless steel. The above embodiments are exemplary in nature and not expressly limiting, whereby the gauge and materials can be any suitable gauge and material as recognized by one skilled in the art.
For further illustration,
In this embodiment, the external mounting brace 200 includes a total of six mounting channels 224, three across a top side of the brace and three across a bottom side of the brace. It is recognized that any number of channels or other securing means may be used and the six illustrated via
For additional security of the external mounting brace secured to the door, one embodiment may include a back plate affixed to the back side of the door.
This plate 230 is a single unitary piece of material with a plurality of apertures 232. In this embodiment, the plate 230 can be affixed against the backside of the door, with fasteners (not shown) extending through the apertures 232, subsequently mating with the mounting channels 224 of
The plate 230 is one exemplary embodiment, but it is recognized that any other suitable variation can be used. For example, one embodiment may include two plates horizontally aligned, a top plate for mating with upper mating elements on the external mounting brace and a bottom plate for mating with lower mating elements. In another example, the plate 230 may include three plates vertically aligned with the mating elements. In another example, the plate 230 may include one plate as a secured backing for each of the mating elements, e.g. in this case using six separate plates each with a single aperture.
Installation of the door pull assembly can include using a template or other means for controlling modifications to the door. For example, a template placed over the front portion of the door can indicate where to remove elements of the front side of the door, allowing the enclosed cavity to fit within the door itself. The template could extend around the door and include alignment holes for drilling out the rear side of the door for connecting fasteners to hold external mounting brace in place.
When the door skin is removed and the interior of the door is exposed, the external mounting brace can be inserted in contacting engagement with the door. The enclosed cavity extends inward within the door.
Once the brace is secured in place, such as by connecting fasteners via the rear plate, further installation makes up this embodiment of the door pull assembly. Installation of the door pull assembly includes affixing a mounting assembly within the enclosed cavity. For the sake of brevity,
For example, as the mounting assembly (e.g. mounting assembly 110 of
Once the mounting assembly is secured within the enclosed cavity, the pull handle is then affixed within the mounting assembly. Again for the sake of brevity, the pull handle may be the handle 130 of
For further illustration,
Upon installation of the mounting brace 200, a lock can be inserted within the cylinder cut-out 250. Therefore the door can both have the pull assembly described herein and a locking mechanism for additional security. Varying embodiments may include multiple locks if desired.
In different embodiments, the rear plate (not illustrated) may also include varying cylinder cut-out options. For example, if the locking mechanism is designed as a full pass-through, accessible on both sides, the rear plate may include a corresponding cylinder cut-out. Whereas, the door pull assembly provides improved and enhanced security prohibiting access to the rear side of the door, a single-side locking mechanism can be used to maintain restricted access to the rear side of the door. Another embodiment may be a cylinder only on the back panel for an interior locking mechanism not accessible from the front side of the door.
The present door pull assembly improves security by prohibiting access to the rear side of a door but allowing for installation of a pull assembly. The present door pull assembly using the external mounting brace provides for modifications of existing doors. A user does not need to replace existing doors, but can modify the existing doors by using a template or other means to cut out a channel on a front side of the door. The external mounting brace is secured within the channel. The mounting assembly then placed within the external mounting brace and the pull assembly mounted inside the mounting brace.
The door pull assembly further accommodates varying embodiments with door access features which may be present on the front side and/or rear side of the door. Doors in high traffic areas may use push-bars to control egress. For example, doors in schools, public buildings, movie theaters, public venues, etc., use push bars to ensure egress is available in an emergency situation, such as large crowds needing to evacuate.
These push bars can be disengaged so the door is in a position free for being pushed open. These bars can also be engaged so the door cannot be opened without depressing the push bar. In this case, the push bar is located on the rear of the door, so when disengaged, a person can use the door pull assembly to simply pull open the door. When the push bar is engaged, a user cannot open the door from the front by pulling on the handle portion of the assembly face of the pull assembly. Whereas, users exiting the building can readily depress the push bar and exit.
In this embodiment with a push bar, the external mounting brace does not extend all the way through the door so it does not impede the push bar. In embodiments using a rear plate, the push bar may be installed on top of the rear plate. In other embodiments, the rear plate may be modified to accommodate the push bar, such as having bolt holes or other modifications.
Therein, the present door pull assembly provides for modifications of existing doors and installing the pull assembly while maintaining security and integrity of the door with prohibited access to the rear side of the door.
It is further recognized that alternative embodiments may be realized relating to the positioning of the mounting flange(s) and fasteners. While illustrated herein having 2 mounting flanges, it is recognized that any number of mounting flanges may be utilized and the position of the mounting flanges may be adjusted as recognized by one skilled in the art. In the preferred embodiment, the mounting flange(s) are positioned on a single side allowing for the pull assembly to be slid or positioned into place. It is recognized that based on tolerances and adjustment factors, multiple mounting flanges on neighboring or opposing sides may be utilized to further secure the pull assembly relative to the mounting assembly.
While the mounting assembly is described herein having a rectangular shape, it is recognized that varying shapes may be utilized and are within the scope of the present invention. Such rectangular shape, including for example curved or slightly rounded edges, provides a means for simplicity of installation by ensuring the pull assembly is not improperly mounted. But it is within the scope herein to include additional shapes for the mounting assembly, such as a circular, oval or oblong shape, wherein the mounting flanges may be disposed through flange mount openings.
Furthermore, while the inclusion of fasteners allow for the ease of installation and ease or removal of the mounting assembly and/or pull assembly, it is additionally recognized that mounting assembly is generally affixed to the door and the pull assembly is affixed to the mounting assembly. Therefore, varying embodiments may include the flush pull door handle to not be designed for removal, for example of the affixing is performed using a more permanent solution such as welding, high-strength glue, or other means.
In another embodiment, the pull handle itself may include an offset grip to allow for ease of gripping for opening the door. As noted above, the shape of the grip portion may also vary, such as having a triangle shape or cascading edges by way of example. In the embodiment described above, the shape of the pull portion of the pull assembly prohibits application of securing means to hold the doors together. For example, the flush pulls do not allow for placement of chains or ropes around the door. In the event someone attempted to place a clamp, the cut-away portion at the bottom of the grip portion provides a means for the doors to be agitated by pushing out and causing the clamp to slide down into the open gap and hence fall off the door.
In a further embodiment, the bracing assembly (e.g. element 162 of
In one example, the door can be made from aluminum, with extrusion processes used to form the frames using known extrusion techniques. These frames can then be secured to form the door. The frame and assembly herein can be constructed with an aluminum door, as any other door assembled using similar techniques or materials and is not expressly limited to aluminum stile and rail type doors
When constructed, the frame members are secured to each other using any number of suitable techniques. For example, the second and third horizontal members 304, 306, may be secured to the first vertical member 308 and the second vertical member 310 using a tongue-and-groove interlock. The securing may include fasteners, such as glue, welding, nails, screws, rivets, or any other securing means as recognized by one skilled in the art.
In the door 300, the first horizontal frame member 302 includes an interior cavity (not visible) extending from a front wall 314 of the member 302 to a rear wall 316 of the member 302.
In one embodiment, the rear wall 316 is the solid material of first horizontal frame member 302. Whereas, in the front wall 314, an aperture 320 exposes the internal cavity, allowing access to the rear wall 316. Moreover, while not visible in
The ridge element 324 provides a positional marker noting the location of the first brace member 322 within the internal cavity 312. The first brace member 322 is secured within the interior cavity 312 using any suitable securing means, including but not limited to glue, welding, other any means as recognized by one skilled in the art. For example, one embodiment may include a screw or other threaded member fed through a top aperture (not shown) and bottom aperture (not shown) of the horizontal member 302 that engages threaded mating apertures (not shown) within the brace member 322. In this example, the positioning of the apertures in the vertical member 302 and the mating apertures in the brace member 322 assists alignment and positioning of the brace member 322 within the interior cavity 312 and relative to the aperture 320.
Additionally, the position of the first brace member 322 defines a first side of the bracing assembly. As described in greater detail below, the bracing assembly receives the mounting assembly which receives the pull assembly therein.
For example, in one embodiment the apertures 330 may be similar to apertures 174 of
The vertical frame member 308 includes a brace member 340 attached thereto. This brace member 340 may be similar or identical to the brace member 322 of
Herein, the brace member 340 may include additional features or elements for secure engagement to the frame member 308. For example, one embodiment may include tongue and groove mating features engaging the brace member 340 to the frame member 308. In another example, screws, rivets, glue, welds, solder, or other techniques may be used to mate members 308 and 340. Therefore, in various embodiments, the brace members 340 and 322 may have similar apertures but vary on a back side, with member 340 include different means for being secured to the horizontal frame member 308.
In one embodiment, a plurality of fasteners can be inserted through the top and bottom of the horizontal brace member 302, the fasteners engaging brace member 340. In one example not expressly illustrated in
The horizontal member 302 secured to the vertical member 308 with the brace member 340 in the internal cavity 312 forms another part of the bracing assembly. The horizontal member 302 includes the brace member 322 on the opposing side of the aperture 320 (e.g.
Herein, the bracing assembly then operates similar to the bracing assembly 162 of
Assembling and securing the mounting assembly into the bracing assembly is consistent with techniques described above. Similarly, assembling and securing the pull assembly into the mounting assembly is consistent with techniques described above.
While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications consistent with the disclosure and recited claims are desired to be protected.
The present application is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/675,498 filed Nov. 6, 2019, entitled “Pull Handle Assembly and Door Cover,” which is a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/426,701 filed Feb. 7, 2017, entitled “Flush Pull Door Handle,” now U.S. Pat. No. 10,501,961, which is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/816,378 filed Aug. 3, 2015 entitled “Flush Pull Door Handle,” now U.S. Pat. No. 9,598,877.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 14816378 | Aug 2015 | US |
| Child | 15426701 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 16675498 | Nov 2019 | US |
| Child | 17515897 | US | |
| Parent | 15426701 | Feb 2017 | US |
| Child | 16675498 | US |
