Panic exit device

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.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

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 OF THE INVENTION

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. Pat. 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 position 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. The bolt pattern however 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 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.

SUMMARY OF THE 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 latch deadlocking mechanism includes 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.

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 present dogging device 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. For fire doors to remain rated, they must not contain extraneous holes. Thus, various manufacturers will use unique mounting hole patterns for their door hardware. Thus, once a first brand is mounted, it cannot be replaced by another brand without the need to drill new holes in the fire doors and allowing earlier drilled holes to go unused. The present invention utilizes a separate mounting plate which can include the hole pattern that matches the earlier used hardware.

Finally, a vertical 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. Prior art mechanisms have a latch on the floor with deadlocking in it. This concept uses a bolt in the floor but a deadlock in the center case, thus keeping the bottom bolt very simple. The vertical rod device has a top and bottom bolt with a deadlocking feature on each bolt to improve security. However, the bottom bolt maintains a low profile to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The present design solves this problem by moving the deadlocking mechanism into the center case mechanism. The design is non-handed and utilizes a carriage assembly that carries the deadlock feature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and for further details and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following Detailed Description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective of a panic exit device embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective of the rim latching mechanism;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view across the latching mechanism;

FIG. 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;

FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view showing the key cylinder used to "dog" the latch in an open position;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the locking mechanism shown in FIG. 5;

FIGS. 7 to 10 illustrate the mounting plate design and strike plate locator; and

FIGS. 11 to 14 illustrate the surface vertical rod deadlocking mechanism which can be located in the center case of the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF 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 FIGS. 1 to 3. Second, the device includes an improved latch to pad mechanism shown in FIG. 4. Third, the device includes a pad lock down feature shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Fourth, the device uses an improved universal mounting plate and easily mounted strike. These features are shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. Finally, the panic exit device includes a vertical rodbottom bolt deadlocking mechanism in its center case, shown in FIGS. 11 to 14.

Referring to FIG. 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 118 located on a door frame (not shown).

FIG. 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 FIG. 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 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 indention 153b having graduated sides 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.

FIGS. 3a to 3h illustrate the steps involved when retracting the latch bolt 116. In FIG. 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 FIG. 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 link 146 to travel backward without the main link carriage 128 moving. This is clearly shown in FIG. 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 FIG. 3i.

FIG. 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 132. The force of torsional spring 156 must be overcome to accomplish this movement. The general progression of the latch bolt is clearly illustrated in progressive FIGS. 3c, 3d, 3e, and 3f. Finally, the latch bolt is in its fully retracted position as shown in FIG. 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 FIGS. 3f and 3g. The deadlock link 142 serves the important purpose of blocking the retraction of the latch bolt 116 in certain situations. For example, FIG. 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 142d 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 FIG. 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 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 FIG. 3j. A pin 144b holds the roller 144 in place.

FIG. 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 movement 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 patterns 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.

FIGS. 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 worn 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 FIGS. 6b and 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 FIG. 5 which is coupled to tail piece 112b as shown in FIGS. 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, FIG. 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. FIG. 6c illustrates the dogging mechanism seizing the action rod in position.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a strike locator 190 for locating a strike 118 for the panic exit device 100. The strike locator 190 includes two tabs 192 which, in use, engage the slots 172 of the mounting plate 174. The strike locator 190 also includes two sets of holes 194, 196. The first set of holes 194 are used to locate the holes for mounting an interlocking hook (not shown) on a mullion. The second set of holes 196 are used to locate the holes for mounting strike 118 on a door frame 2. In use, the strike locator 190 is positioned so that the tabs 192 are inserted into the slots 172 of the mounting plate 174. The door 4 on which the mounting plate 174 is to be installed is closed. The strike locator 190 and mounting plate 174 combination are positioned on the door 4 with the door frame holes 196 of the strike locator 190 properly positioned on the door frame 2. The door 4 and door frame 2 are then marked to indicate where holes are to be drilled, and the strike locator 190 and mounting plate 174 combination is removed. The holes are then drilled and the strike 118 and mounting plate 174 are secured to the doorjamb 2 and door 4, respectively. The strike locator 190 provides a simple, convenient, and accurate means for mounting a strike and mounting plate 174.

FIGS. 9 and 10 disclose the hardware used to mount the panic exit device 100 to a door 4 so that it can engage the strike 118 which is mounted on a door frame 2. A mounting plate 174 is located on the door by means of a strike locator 190, shown in FIG. 9. The plate 174 is then secured to the door with screws through holes 178. Fixture 190 is then removed. Tabs 176 on the vertical housing 122 engage slots 172 in the plate 174. The panic exit device 100 is then rotated into place against the door. In one embodiment, the device 100 secured with a trim cam 180. The cam 180 has a rotatable element 182 which can engage a slot in the vertical housing 122. 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 the mounting plate 174 of the present invention greatly eases the process of mounting the panic exit device 100. Only the mounting plate 174 must be held in position on the door while drilling the necessary holes. Another advantage of the mounting plate 174 is that its holes 178 can be configured to match the holes in a door from a previously mounted panic exit assembly. Thus, by providing separate mounting plates 174 with a variety of hole patterns, the panic exit device 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 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 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 FIG. 3.

FIGS. 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 FIG. 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 first linkage moves, so do the lifting mechanisms, until, as shown in FIG. 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.

FIGS. 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 FIGS. 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 FIG. 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.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have 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.

Claims

1. A panic exit device, comprising:

a modular latch assembly, said modular latch assembly comprises a latch bolt, an auxiliary bolt, a deadlock link, and a retractable main link carriage, said latch bolt, said auxiliary bolt, said deadlock link, and said 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 said main link carriage, said auxiliary bolt moves independently of said main link carriage to actuate said deadlock link; and

a modular push bar/action bar assembly, said modular push bar/action bar assembly comprises an action bar, a push bar, and a first hook element, said push bar couples to said action bar by a rocking mechanism, said rocking mechanism translates a forward motion of said push bar into a lateral motion of said action bar, said first hook element is coupled said action bar and further couples to said modular latch assembly and transfers lateral motion of said action bar to said main link carriage.

2. The panic exit device of claim 1, wherein said modular push bar/action bar assembly further comprises a second hook element coupled to said action bar and a rotatably operable dogging mechanism, said dogging mechanism further comprises a rotatable latching element that includes a cam surface that rotatably engages said second hook element and holds said retractable main link carriage, said latch bolt, said auxiliary bolt, and said deadlock link in said second, unlatched position.

3. The panic exit device of claim 2, wherein said dogging mechanism further comprises an electrical contact and said rotatable latching element further comprises a plurality of detents that allow said dogging mechanism to be positioned in a plurality of positions, wherein at least one or more of said detents is capable of contacting said electrical contact to complete an electrical circuit.

4. The panic exit device of claim 3, wherein one of said one or more detents of said dogging mechanism positively positions said dogging mechanism in a position wherein said cam surface of said rotatable latching element is not engaged with said second hook element, and said detent contacts said electrical contact to complete an electrical circuit that actuates a motor that moves said action bar laterally to retract said retractable main link carriage.

5. The panic exit device of claim 1, wherein said latch assembly further comprises a gravity-operated fire lock element, said fire lock element further comprises a meltable spacer, when said meltable spacer melts, said fire lock element operatively couples with said deadlock link to prohibit said deadlock link, said latch bolt, said auxiliary bolt, and said main carriage link from moving to said second, unlatched position.

6. The panic exit device of claim 5, wherein said meltable spacer is manufactured from nylon material.