U.S. patent application number 16/042214 was filed with the patent office on 2019-11-21 for exit device coordination mechanisms.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlage Lock Company LLC. Invention is credited to Matthew S. Graham, Aaron P. McKibben, Gregory Musselman.
Application Number | 20190352937 16/042214 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 68534357 |
Filed Date | 2019-11-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190352937 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McKibben; Aaron P. ; et
al. |
November 21, 2019 |
EXIT DEVICE COORDINATION MECHANISMS
Abstract
An exemplary exit device includes a pushbar assembly, a remote
latching assembly, and a coordination mechanism. The pushbar
assembly includes a latch control assembly, and the coordination
mechanism biases the latch control assembly toward its actuated
state. The remote latching assembly includes first and second latch
mechanisms, and the latch control assembly is operable to actuate
the latch mechanisms. Each of the latch mechanisms at least
selectively urges the latch control assembly toward its deactuated
state such that the remote latching assembly exerts a variable
deactuating force on the latch control assembly. The coordination
mechanism selectively retains the latch control assembly in its
actuated state, thereby selectively retaining at least one of the
latch mechanisms in a corresponding actuated state. When the
deactuating force exceeds a threshold force value, the latch
control assembly and the latch mechanisms return to the deactuated
states thereof.
Inventors: |
McKibben; Aaron P.;
(Fishers, IN) ; Graham; Matthew S.; (Noblesville,
IN) ; Musselman; Gregory; (Indianapolis, IN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlage Lock Company LLC |
Carmel |
IN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
68534357 |
Appl. No.: |
16/042214 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62671518 |
May 15, 2018 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E05B 65/1013 20130101;
E05B 65/1053 20130101; E05B 53/003 20130101; E05B 65/1093
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E05B 65/10 20060101
E05B065/10 |
Claims
1. A system, comprising: an actuation assembly, comprising: a
mounting assembly configured for mounting to a face of a door; a
latch control assembly mounted to the mounting assembly for
movement between a deactuated position and an actuated position;
and a drive assembly movably mounted to the mounting assembly,
wherein the drive assembly is operable to move the latch control
assembly from the deactuated position to the actuated position; a
remote latching assembly operably connected with the latch control
assembly, the remote latching assembly comprising: a first latch
mechanism operably connected with the latch control assembly,
wherein the first latch mechanism is operable to move from a first
deactuated state toward a first actuated state in response to
actuation of the latch control assembly; a second latch mechanism
operably connected with the latch control assembly, wherein the
second latch mechanism is operable to move from a second deactuated
state toward a second actuated state in response to actuation of
the latch control assembly; and a first biasing member urging the
first latch mechanism toward the first deactuated state such that
the first latch mechanism exerts a first deactuating force on the
latch control assembly; a second biasing member urging the second
latch mechanism toward the second deactuated state such that the
second latch mechanism exerts a second deactuating force on the
latch control assembly; and a retaining member operable to
selectively retain the first latch mechanism in the first actuated
state by moving between a retaining position and a non-retaining
position; and a coordination mechanism mounted in the pushbar
assembly, wherein the coordination mechanism includes a
coordination mechanism biasing member urging the latch control
assembly toward the latch control assembly actuated state with a
first actuating force; wherein a total deactuating force urging the
latch control assembly toward the deactuated position includes the
first deactuating force and the second deactuating force; wherein a
total actuating force urging the latch control assembly toward the
actuated position includes the first actuating force; wherein the
exit device has a first condition in which: the latch control
assembly is in the actuated position; the retaining member is in
the retaining position and retains the first latch mechanism in the
first actuated state, thereby acting against the urging of the
first biasing member and limiting the first deactuating force to a
first force value; and the total actuating force exceeds the total
deactuating force and retains the latch control assembly in the
actuated position, thereby retaining the second latch mechanism in
the second actuated state; wherein the exit device is configured to
transition from the first condition to the second condition in
response to movement of the retaining member from the retaining
position to the non-retaining position; and wherein with the exit
device in the second condition: the retaining member in the
non-retaining position permits the first latch mechanism to move
toward the first deactuated state under the urging of the first
biasing member, thereby causing the first deactuating force to
increase to a second force value greater than the first force
value; and the total deactuating force exceeds the total actuating
force and drives the latch control assembly to the deactuated
position, thereby the permitting the second latch mechanism to move
toward the second deactuated state under the urging of the second
biasing member.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the actuation assembly further
comprises a lost motion connection operably connecting the drive
assembly and the latch control assembly; wherein the lost motion
connection is configured to move the latch control assembly from
the deactuated position to the actuated position in response to
actuation of the drive assembly; and wherein the lost motion
connection is further configured to permit the latch control
assembly to remain in the actuated position during deactuation of
the drive assembly.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the system has a longitudinal
axis, a lateral axis, and a transverse axis, and wherein the
longitudinal axis, the lateral axis, and the transverse axis are
mutually orthogonal; wherein the mounting assembly includes a
longitudinally-extending channel member; wherein the first latch
mechanism and the second latch mechanism are laterally offset from
the actuation assembly; wherein the drive assembly comprises a
transversely-movable pushbar having a projected position in the
drive assembly deactuated state and a depressed position in the
drive assembly actuated state; and wherein the drive assembly
further comprises a return spring biasing the drive assembly toward
the drive assembly deactuated state.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first latch mechanism is
positioned at a first location remote from the actuation assembly
and is operably connected with the latch control assembly via a
first connector, wherein the first latch mechanism comprises a
first housing and a first linkage movably mounted to the first
housing, the first linkage having a first linkage deactuated
position in the first latch mechanism deactuated state and a first
linkage actuated position in the first latch mechanism actuated
state; wherein the first biasing member is mounted to the first
housing and biases the first linkage toward the first linkage
deactuated position; wherein the first connector is connected with
the first linkage and is configured to drive the first linkage
toward the first linkage actuated position in response to actuation
of the latch control assembly; wherein the second latch mechanism
is positioned at a second location remote from the actuation
assembly and is operably connected with the latch control assembly
via a second connector; wherein the second latch mechanism
comprises a second housing and a second linkage movably mounted to
the second housing, the second linkage having a second linkage
deactuated position in the second latch mechanism deactuated state
and a second linkage actuated position in the second latch
mechanism actuated state; wherein the second biasing member is
mounted to the second housing and biases the second linkage toward
the second linkage deactuated position; wherein the second
connector is connected with the second linkage and is configured to
drive the second linkage toward the second linkage actuated
position in response to actuation of the latch control
assembly.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first latch mechanism further
comprises a latchbolt mounted to the first housing for movement
between a latching position and an unlatching position; wherein the
first latch mechanism further comprises a blocking member operably
connected with the first linkage, the blocking member having a
blocking position in response to the first linkage deactuated
position, and the blocking member having an unblocking position in
response to the first linkage actuated position; wherein, with the
blocking member in the blocking position, the blocking member
retains the latchbolt in the latching position; wherein, with the
blocking member in the unblocking position, the blocking member
does not block movement of the latchbolt between the latching
position and the unlatching position; and wherein the second latch
mechanism further comprises a deadbolt movably mounted to the
second housing and engaged with the second linkage, the deadbolt
having an extended position in response to the second linkage
deactuated position, and the deadbolt having a retracted position
in response to the second linkage actuated position.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the retaining member is
configured to permit movement of the blocking member between the
blocking position and the unblocking position when the latchbolt is
in the latching position, and to retain the blocking member in the
unblocking position when the latchbolt is in the unlatching
position.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the coordination mechanism
further comprises an anchor bracket having a fixed location
relative to the mounting assembly, wherein the coordination
mechanism biasing member is engaged between the anchor bracket and
the latch control assembly.
8. A pushbar assembly, comprising: a mounting assembly configured
for mounting to a door; a drive assembly having a first
actuated/deactuated state that selectively and alternatively
comprises a first actuated state and a first deactuated state,
wherein the drive assembly is mounted to the mounting assembly for
movement between the first actuated state and the first deactuated
state, and wherein the drive assembly includes a pushbar operable
to transition the drive assembly between the first actuated state
and the first deactuated state to alter the first
actuated/deactuated state; a latch control assembly having a second
actuated/deactuated state that selectively and alternatively
comprises a second actuated state and a second deactuated state,
wherein the latch control assembly is mounted to the mounting
assembly for movement between the second actuated state and the
second deactuated state; a lost motion connection operably
connecting the drive assembly and the latch control assembly,
wherein the lost motion connection is configured to move the latch
control assembly from the second deactuated state to the second
actuated state in response to movement of the drive assembly from
the first deactuated state to the first actuated state, and wherein
the lost motion connection is further configured to permit the
latch control assembly to remain in the second actuated state when
the drive assembly moves from the first actuated state to the
second deactuated state; and a coordination mechanism mounted to
the mounting assembly and engaged with the latch control assembly,
the coordination mechanism urging the latch control assembly toward
the second actuated state with an actuating input force, wherein
the actuating input force is independent of the first
actuated/deactuated state.
9. The pushbar assembly of claim 8, wherein the latch control
assembly includes a movable component mounted for movement relative
to the mounting assembly, the movable component having an actuated
position in the second actuated state, and the movable component
having a deactuated position in the second deactuated state;
wherein the coordination mechanism comprises an anchor bracket and
a biasing member; wherein the biasing member is engaged between the
anchor bracket and the movable component and exerts an actuating
force urging the movable component toward the actuated position,
thereby contributing to the actuating input force; and wherein the
anchor bracket is mounted to the mounting assembly and provides an
anchor point for the actuating force exerted by the biasing
member.
10. The pushbar assembly of claim 9, wherein the biasing member has
a first end portion and an opposite second end portion, wherein the
anchor bracket is engaged with the first end portion and limits
movement of the first end portion in a first direction, and wherein
the movable component is engaged with the second end portion and
limits movement of the second end portion in a second direction
opposite the first direction.
11. The pushbar assembly of claim 10, wherein the anchor bracket
defines a channel and includes a flange projecting into the
channel, wherein the biasing member is received in the channel, and
wherein the flange is engaged with the first end portion.
12. The pushbar assembly of claim 11, wherein the biasing member
comprises a compression spring.
13. The pushbar assembly of claim 12, wherein the coordination
mechanism further comprises a sleeve defining a chamber and a slot
connected with the chamber, wherein the sleeve is received in the
channel, wherein the compression spring is received in the chamber,
and wherein the flange extends into the chamber via the slot.
14. The pushbar assembly of claim 13, wherein the sleeve further
comprises an end wall positioned between the movable component and
the second end portion, and wherein the movable component is
engaged with the second end portion via the end wall.
15. The pushbar assembly of claim 14, wherein the movable component
comprises a pair of arms and a shoulder positioned between the
arms; wherein the arms extend through the channel and are
positioned on opposite sides of the flange; and wherein the
shoulder abuts the end wall of the sleeve.
16. An exit device, comprising: a mounting assembly configured for
mounting to a door, the mounting assembly defining a case
configured for mounting to a face of the door; a latch control
assembly mounted to the mounting assembly for movement between an
actuated state and a deactuated state, wherein the latch control
assembly is urged toward the actuated state by a cumulative
actuating force, and wherein the latch control assembly is urged
toward the deactuated state by a cumulative deactuating force; a
first latch mechanism positioned remotely from the case, wherein
the first latch mechanism is operably connected with the latch
control assembly via a first connector such that actuation of the
latch control assembly causes a corresponding actuation of the
first latch mechanism, and wherein the first latch mechanism is
configured to selectively exert a first deactuating force
contributing to the cumulative deactuating force; and a second
latch mechanism positioned remotely from the case, wherein the
second latch mechanism is operably connected with the latch control
assembly via a second connector such that actuation of the latch
control assembly causes a corresponding actuation of the second
latch mechanism, and wherein the second latch mechanism is
configured to exert a second deactuating force contributing to the
cumulative deactuating force; a coordination mechanism mounted in
the case and engaged between the mounting assembly and the latch
control assembly, wherein the coordination mechanism is configured
to exert a first actuating force contributing to the cumulative
actuating force; wherein the exit device has a first condition in
which the first deactuating force contributes to the cumulative
deactuating force, the cumulative deactuating force exceeds the
cumulative actuating force, and the latch control assembly is
biased to the deactuated state; and wherein the exit device has a
second condition in which the first deactuating force does not
contribute to the cumulative deactuating force, the cumulative
actuating force exceeds the cumulative deactuating force, and the
latch control assembly is biased to the actuated state.
17. The exit device of claim 16, wherein the first latch mechanism
comprises a first bolt having a first extended position and a first
retracted position; wherein the second latch mechanism comprises a
second bolt having a second extended position and a second
retracted position; wherein the first latch mechanism is configured
to retain the first bolt in the first extended position when the
first latch mechanism is deactuated; and wherein the second latch
mechanism is configured to retain the second bolt in the second
extended position when the second latch mechanism is
deactuated.
18. The exit device of claim 17, further comprising a pushbar
assembly including the mounting assembly, the latch control
assembly, and the coordination mechanism; wherein the pushbar
assembly further comprises a drive assembly movably mounted to the
mounting assembly; wherein the drive assembly is operably connected
with the latch control assembly via a lost motion connection; and
wherein the lost motion connection is operable to move the latch
control assembly from the deactuated state to the actuated state in
response to actuation of the drive assembly, and to permit the
latch control assembly to move between the actuated state and the
deactuated state when the drive assembly is deactuated.
19. A system including the exit device of claim 18, the system
further comprising a door having a first face, a second face
opposite the first face, a top edge, a bottom edge opposite the top
edge, a hinge edge, and a swinging edge opposite the hinge edge,
wherein the pushbar assembly is mounted to the first face of the
door; wherein the first latch mechanism is mounted to the door
adjacent the top edge; wherein the second latch mechanism is
mounted to the door adjacent the bottom edge; and wherein each of
the first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism is nearer
to the swinging edge than to the hinge edge.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the door further comprises a
door preparation in which the remote latching assembly is
positioned; wherein the door preparation comprises: an upper cavity
extending downward from the top edge, wherein the first latch
mechanism is seated in the upper cavity; an upper channel extending
downward from the upper cavity, wherein the first connector extends
through the upper channel; a lower cavity extending upward from the
bottom edge, wherein the second latch mechanism is seated in the
lower cavity; and a lower channel extending upward from the lower
cavity, wherein the second connector extends through the lower
channel; and wherein the free edge of the door is substantially
unbroken by the door preparation.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The current application claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/671,518, filed 15 May 2018,
the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to exit devices,
and more particularly but not exclusively relates to exit devices
including one or more remote latching mechanisms.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Exit devices are commonly installed to doors to provide for
rapid egress, and typically include one or more latching mechanisms
and a pushbar assembly. Each latching mechanism is operable to
engage a door frame to retain the door in a closed position, and
the pushbar assembly is operable to retract or actuate the latching
mechanisms to permit opening of the door. Certain exit devices
include a remote latching assembly in which one or more of the
latching mechanisms is positioned remotely from the pushbar
assembly. Such remote latching assemblies typically include a top
latch mechanism mounted at the top of the door, and often further
include a bottom latch mechanism mounted at the bottom of the door.
The latch mechanisms are typically connected to the pushbar
assembly via a pair of connectors, such as rigid rods or flexible
cables. Certain remote latching assemblies are mounted to the
surface of the door, while others are concealed within a set of
cavities and channels that are formed in the door.
[0004] One difficulty associated with remote latching assemblies of
this type is that premature extension of the bottom bolt may cause
the bolt to drag along the floor during movement of the door. To
address this issue, certain existing exit devices include
mechanisms that retain the bottom bolt in its retracted position
until the door reaches its closed position. When the connectors are
provided in the form of rods, the rigidity of the rods enables the
top latch mechanism to exert a pushing force that can be used to
retain the lower rod in its raised position, such as via a lever or
rack and pinion assembly. Such rods are not without their
drawbacks, however. For example, when used in a concealed remote
latching assembly, rods typically require much larger cutouts than
would be required by cables. Larger cutouts can reduce the
structural integrity of the door, particularly in wood doors.
[0005] While flexible pull cables typically allow for smaller
cutouts, their inability to transmit pushing forces complicates the
selective retention of the bottom bolt in its retracted position.
While certain existing remote latching assemblies include retention
mechanisms that provide the desired functionality, these retention
mechanisms typically require that the door be provided with a
mortise cutout, which can also reduce the structural integrity of
the door. Furthermore, the incorporation of such retention
mechanisms in surface-mounted remote latching assemblies is
hindered by the fact that these retention mechanisms typically
cannot be mounted within the pushbar assembly itself. As such,
certain surface-mounted remote latching mechanisms are restricted
to the use of rods.
[0006] In light of the foregoing, it is evident that many existing
exit devices suffer from certain limitations, such as those
relating to selectively preventing extension of the bottom bolt
while maintaining structural integrity of the door. For these
reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements
in this technological field.
SUMMARY
[0007] An exemplary exit device includes a pushbar assembly, a
remote latching assembly, and a coordination mechanism. The pushbar
assembly includes a latch control assembly, and the coordination
mechanism biases the latch control assembly toward its actuated
state. The remote latching assembly includes first and second latch
mechanisms, and the latch control assembly is operable to actuate
the latch mechanisms. Each of the latch mechanisms at least
selectively urges the latch control assembly toward its deactuated
state such that the remote latching assembly exerts a variable
deactuating force on the latch control assembly. The coordination
mechanism selectively retains the latch control assembly in its
actuated state, thereby selectively retaining at least one of the
latch mechanisms in a corresponding actuated state. When the
deactuating force exceeds a threshold force value, the latch
control assembly and the latch mechanisms return to the deactuated
states thereof. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects
of the present application shall become apparent from the
description and figures provided herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a closure assembly
including a door and an exit device according to certain
embodiments.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional illustration of a pushbar
assembly according to certain embodiments.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a partially-exploded assembly view of a portion of
the closure assembly illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a perspective illustration of a top latch
mechanism that may be utilized in connection with certain
embodiments.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a bottom bolt
mechanism that may be utilized in connection with certain
embodiments.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective illustration of a coordination
mechanism according to certain embodiments.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional illustration of the coordination
mechanism illustrated in FIG. 6.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a plan view of a portion of the pushbar assembly
illustrated in FIG. 2.
[0016] FIGS. 9a through 9c respectively illustrate a portion of the
exit device illustrated in FIG. 1 with the closure assembly in a
secured condition, an unsecured condition, and an open
condition.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective illustration of a coordination
mechanism according to certain embodiments.
[0018] FIG. 11 is an exploded assembly illustration of a coupling
assembly according to certain embodiments.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective illustration of a portion of an
exit device having the coupling assembly installed thereto.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a schematic flow diagram of a process according
to certain embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a portion of an exit device during one
stage of the process illustrated in FIG. 13.
[0022] FIG. 15 is an exploded assembly view of a coordination
mechanism according to certain embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of an exit device having the
coordination mechanism of FIG. 15 installed thereto.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0024] Although the concepts of the present disclosure are
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described herein 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.
[0025] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily
include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although
reference to a "preferred" component or feature may indicate the
desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to
an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to
other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature.
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 implement such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described.
[0026] Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included
in a list in the form of "at least one of A, B, and C" can mean
(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C).
Similarly, items listed in the form of "at least one of A, B, or C"
can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B,
and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and
phrases such as "a," "an," "at least one," and/or "at least one
portion" should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one
such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the
use of phrases such as "at least a portion" and/or "a portion"
should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including
only a portion of such element and embodiments including the
entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the
contrary.
[0027] In the drawings appended hereto, some structural or method
features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings.
However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements
and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments,
such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order
than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the
contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method
feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such
feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments,
may not be included or may be combined with other features.
[0028] As used herein, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," and
"transverse" are used to denote motion or spacing along three
mutually perpendicular axes, wherein each axis defines two opposite
directions. In the coordinate system illustrated in FIG. 1, the
X-axis defines first and second longitudinal directions, the Y-axis
defines first and second lateral directions, and the Z-axis defines
first and second transverse directions. Additionally, the
descriptions that follow may refer to the directions defined by the
axes with specific reference to the orientations illustrated in the
Figures. More specifically, the longitudinal (X) directions may be
referred to as "proximal" (X.sup.+) and "distal" (X.sup.-), the
lateral (Y) directions may be referred to as "upward" (Y.sup.+) and
"downward" (Y.sup.-), and the transverse (Z) directions may be
referred to as "forward" (Z.sup.+) and "rearward" (Z.sup.-). These
terms are used for ease and convenience of description, and are
without regard to the orientation of the system with respect to the
environment. For example, descriptions that reference a
longitudinal direction may be equally applicable to a vertical
direction, a horizontal direction, or an off-axis orientation with
respect to the environment.
[0029] Furthermore, motion or spacing along a direction defined by
one of the axes need not preclude motion or spacing along a
direction defined by another of the axes. For example, elements
which are described as being "laterally offset" from one another
may also be offset in the longitudinal and/or transverse
directions, or may be aligned in the longitudinal and/or transverse
directions. The terms are therefore not to be construed as limiting
the scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0030] With reference to FIG. 1, illustrated therein is a closure
assembly 60 including a swinging door 70 and an exit device 90
mounted to the door 70. The door 70 is mounted to a doorframe for
swinging movement between an open position and a closed position,
and the exit device 90 is configured to selectively retain the door
70 in the closed position. In certain embodiments, the closure
assembly 60 may be considered to further include the doorframe. As
described herein, the closure assembly 60 has a plurality of states
or conditions, including a secured condition, an unsecured
condition, and an open condition. In the secured condition, the
door 70 is in its closed position, the exit device 90 is in a
deactuated state, and the exit device 90 engages the doorframe and
retains the door 70 in its closed position. Actuation of the exit
device 90 causes the closure assembly 60 to transition to the
unsecured condition, in which the door 70 is capable of being moved
from its closed position to its open position. Such movement of the
door 70 to its open position causes the closure assembly 60 to
transition to the open condition.
[0031] The door 70 has an interior side surface 71, an exterior
side surface opposite the interior side surface 71, a top edge 72,
a bottom edge 73, a hinge edge 74 at which the door 70 is pivotally
mounted to the doorframe, and a free edge 75 opposite the hinge
edge. The door 70 also has a door preparation 80 that facilitates
the mounting of the exit device 90. In the illustrated form, the
door preparation 80 is formed near the free edge 75, and includes a
channel preparation 81 formed between the interior side surface 71
and the exterior side surface, an upper cavity 82 extending
downward from the top edge 72, and a lower cavity 83 extending
upward from the bottom edge 73. The channel preparation 81 includes
an upper channel 84 extending downward from the upper cavity 83,
and a lower channel 85 extending upward from the lower cavity 83.
In certain forms, the upper channel 84 and lower channel 85 may be
discrete channels that do not connect to one another. In other
forms, the upper channel 84 and lower channel 85 may be provided as
upper and lower portions of a contiguous channel preparation
81.
[0032] The door preparation 80 also includes an access arrangement
88 (FIG. 3) that is formed in the interior side surface 71, and
which includes at least one aperture through which the channel
preparation 81 is accessible. As a result, each of the cavities 82,
83 is in communication with the access arrangement 88 via the
channel preparation 81. In the illustrated form, the access
arrangement 88 includes an upper aperture 86 and a lower aperture
87, each of which is in communication with a corresponding one of
the cavities 82, 83 via the channel preparation 81. More
specifically, the upper aperture 86 is in communication with the
upper cavity 82 via the upper channel 84, and the lower aperture 87
is in communication with the lower cavity 83 via the lower channel
85. In other embodiments, the access arrangement 88 may be provided
in the form of a single aperture through which both the upper and
lower portions of the channel preparation 81 are accessible.
[0033] With additional reference to FIG. 2, the exit device 90
generally includes a pushbar assembly 100, a remote latching
assembly 200 operably connected with the pushbar assembly 100, and
a coordination mechanism 300 that aids in controlling the operation
of the remote latching assembly 200. The pushbar assembly 100
generally includes a mounting assembly 110 configured for mounting
to the door 70, a drive assembly 120 mounted to the mounting
assembly 110 for movement between an actuated state and a
deactuated state, and a latch control assembly 140 operably
connected with the drive assembly 120 via a lost motion connection
108. As described herein, the drive assembly 120 is biased toward
the deactuated state, and is operable to be driven to the actuated
state when manually actuated by a user. The latch control assembly
140 also has an actuated state and a deactuated state, and is
operably connected with the drive assembly 120 such that actuation
of the drive assembly 120 causes a corresponding actuation of the
latch control assembly 140. The pushbar assembly 100 may further
include a dogging mechanism 130 operable to selectively retain the
drive assembly 120 and the latch control assembly 140 in the
actuated states thereof, thereby dogging the exit device 90.
[0034] The remote latching assembly 200 generally includes a
connection assembly 210 mounted in the channel preparation 81, an
upper latch mechanism 220 mounted in the upper cavity 82, and a
lower latch mechanism 230 mounted in the lower cavity 83. As
described herein, each of the upper latch mechanism 220 and the
lower latch mechanism 230 is operably connected with the pushbar
assembly 100 via the connection assembly 210 such that the pushbar
assembly 100 is capable of actuating the remote latching assembly
200.
[0035] As described in further detail below, the coordination
mechanism 300 aids in coordinating the movement of the latch
mechanisms 220, 230 during operation of the closure assembly 60. In
the illustrated embodiment, the coordination mechanism 300 is
positioned in the pushbar assembly 100, and includes an anchor
bracket 310 securely mounted to the mounting assembly 110, a cup
320 engaged with the latch control assembly 140, and a spring 330
that is seated in the cup 320 and engaged with the bracket 310.
[0036] The mounting assembly 110 generally includes an elongated
channel member 111, a base plate 112 mounted in the channel member
111, and a pair of bell crank mounting brackets 114 coupled to the
base plate 112. The channel member 111 extends along the
longitudinal (X) axis 102, has a width in the lateral (Y)
directions, and has a depth in the transverse (Z) directions. Each
of the mounting brackets 114 includes a pair of laterally-spaced
walls 115 that extend away from the base plate 112 in the forward
(Z.sup.+) direction. The illustrated mounting assembly 110 also
includes a face plate 113 that encloses a distal end portion of the
channel member 111, a header plate 116 positioned adjacent a
proximal end of the channel member 111, and a header casing 117
mounted to the header plate 116.
[0037] The drive assembly 120 includes a drive rod 122 extending
along the longitudinal axis 102, a pushbar 124 having a pair of
pushbar brackets 125 mounted to the rear side thereof, and a pair
of bell cranks 126 operably connecting the drive rod 122 with the
pushbar 124. As described herein, the drive rod 122 is mounted for
movement in the longitudinal (X) directions, the pushbar 124 is
mounted for movement in the transverse (Z) directions, and the bell
cranks 126 couple the drive rod 122 and the pushbar 124 for joint
movement during actuation and deactuation of the drive assembly
120. Each bell crank 126 is pivotably mounted to a corresponding
one of the bell crank mounting brackets 114, and includes a first
arm that is pivotably connected to the drive rod 122, and a second
arm that is pivotably connected to a corresponding one of the
pushbar brackets 125. The pivotal connections may, for example, be
provided by pivot pins 121. The drive assembly 120 further includes
a return spring 127 that is engaged with the mounting assembly 110
and which biases the drive assembly 120 toward its deactuated
state.
[0038] Each of the drive rod 122 and the pushbar 124 has an
actuated position in the actuated state of the drive assembly 120,
and a deactuated position in the deactuated state of the drive
assembly 120. During actuation and deactuation of the drive
assembly 120, the drive rod 122 moves in the longitudinal (X)
directions between a proximal deactuated position and a distal
actuated position, and the pushbar 124 moves in the transverse (Z)
directions between a projected or forward deactuated position and a
depressed or rearward actuated position. Thus, during actuation of
the drive assembly 120, the drive rod 122 moves in the distal
(X.sup.-) direction, and the pushbar 124 moves in the rearward
(Z.sup.-) direction. Conversely, during deactuation of the drive
assembly 120, the drive rod 122 moves in the proximal (X.sup.+)
direction, and the pushbar 124 moves in the forward (Z.sup.+)
direction. The bell cranks 126 translate longitudinal movement of
the drive rod 122 to transverse movement of the pushbar 124, and
translate transverse movement of the pushbar 124 to longitudinal
movement of the drive rod 122. Thus, the longitudinal movement of
the drive rod 122 and the transverse movement of the pushbar 124
are bijectively correlated with one another by the bell cranks
126.
[0039] With the drive assembly 120 in its deactuated state, a user
may depress the pushbar 124 to transition the drive assembly 120 to
its actuated state. As the pushbar 124 is driven toward its
depressed position, the bell cranks 126 translate the rearward
movement of the pushbar 124 to distal movement of the drive rod
122, thereby compressing the return spring 127. When the actuating
force is subsequently removed from the pushbar 124, the spring 127
returns the drive rod 122 to its proximal position, and the bell
cranks 126 translate the proximal movement of the drive rod 122 to
forward movement of the pushbar 124, thereby returning the drive
assembly 120 to its deactuated state.
[0040] The dogging mechanism 130 generally includes a post 132
mounted to the mounting plate 112 and a dogging hook 134 pivotably
mounted to the post 132. When the drive assembly 120 is in its
actuated state, an opening formed in the distal end portion of the
drive rod 122 is aligned with the dogging hook 134. In this state,
the dogging hook 134 can be pivoted between a dogging position and
a releasing position. In the dogging position, the hook 134 extends
into the opening such that the dogging mechanism 130 retains the
drive rod 122 in its distal position against the biasing force of
the return spring 127, thereby retaining the drive assembly 120 in
its actuated state and dogging the exit device 100. As the hook 134
is returned to its release position, the hook 134 exits the
opening, and the drive rod 122 becomes free to return to its
deactuated position under the biasing force of the return spring
127.
[0041] With additional reference to FIG. 3, the latch control
assembly 140 generally includes a control link 142 and a yoke 144,
which are coupled for joint movement with one another along the
longitudinal (X) axis 102. The latch control assembly 140 further
includes a pair of pivot cranks 146 pivotally mounted to the header
plate 116, and a pair of drivers 150 mounted to the header plate
116 for movement in the lateral (Y) directions. The pair of drivers
150 includes an upper driver 152 and a lower driver 153, each of
which is operably connected with the yoke 144 via a corresponding
one of the pivot cranks 146. Each pivot crank 146 includes a first
portion that is pivotably connected to the yoke 144, and a second
portion that is pivotably connected to a corresponding one of the
drivers 150.
[0042] The control link 142 is operably connected with the drive
assembly 120 via the lost motion connection 108 such that actuation
of the drive assembly 120 causes a corresponding actuation of the
latch control assembly 140. Each of the control link 142, the yoke
144, the upper driver 152, and the lower driver 153 has a
deactuated position in the deactuated state of the latch control
assembly 140, and an actuated position in the actuated state of the
latch control assembly 140. Each of the control link 142 and the
yoke 144 has a proximal deactuated position and a distal actuated
position, and moves in the longitudinal (X) directions during
actuation and deactuation of the latch control assembly 140. Each
of the drivers 150 has a laterally-outward deactuated position and
a laterally-inward actuated position, and moves in the lateral (Y)
directions during actuation and deactuation of the latch control
assembly 140.
[0043] As used herein, the terms "laterally inward" and "laterally
outward" may be used to describe the lateral (Y) directions with
reference to the longitudinal (X) axis 102 along which the drive
rod 122 and the yoke 144 extend. More specifically, the term
"laterally inward" may be used to describe a lateral (Y) direction
extending toward the longitudinal (X) axis 102, and the term
"laterally outward" may be used to describe a lateral (Y) direction
extending away from the longitudinal (X) axis 102. Thus, for the
upper driver 152, the laterally inward direction is the downward
(Y.sup.-) direction, and the laterally outward direction is the
upward (Y.sup.+) direction. For the lower driver 153, by contrast,
the laterally inward direction is the upward (Y.sup.+) direction,
and the laterally outward direction is the downward (Y.sup.-)
direction.
[0044] During actuation and deactuation of the latch control
assembly 140, the pivot cranks 146 convert longitudinal movement of
the yoke 144 to lateral movement of the drivers 150 and vice versa.
With the latch control assembly 140 in its deactuated state,
actuation of the drive assembly 120 causes the control link 142 and
the yoke 144 to move in the distal (X.sup.-) direction toward the
actuated positions thereof. As the yoke 144 is driven toward its
actuated position, the pivot cranks 146 translate the distal
movement of the yoke 144 to laterally-inward movement of the
drivers 150, thereby moving the drivers 150 to the actuated
positions thereof. With the latch control assembly 140 in its
actuated state, the lost motion connection 108 may allow the drive
assembly 120 to return to its deactuated state without causing a
corresponding deactuation of the latch control assembly 140. When
an appropriate deactuating force is exerted on the latch control
assembly 140, for example by the remote latching assembly 200, the
latch control assembly 140 returns to its deactuated state. During
deactuation of the latch control assembly 140, the yoke 144 and the
drivers 150 return to the deactuated positions thereof, and the
pivot cranks 146 correlate the laterally-outward movement of the
drivers 150 with the proximal movement of the yoke 144 and control
link 142.
[0045] Each of the illustrated drivers 150 includes a body portion
154 slidably mounted to the header plate 116 for movement in the
lateral (Y) directions, and a lift finger 156 coupled with the body
portion 154 via a fastener, such as a screw 158. The lift finger
156 extends through into the channel preparation 81 via the access
arrangement 88 and an opening 155 in the body portion 154. In the
illustrated form, the lift finger 156 of the upper driver 152
extends into the upper channel 84 via the upper aperture 86, and
the lift finger 156 of the lower driver 153 extends into the lower
channel 85 via the lower aperture 87. As described herein, the lift
fingers 156 are engaged with the connection assembly 210 such that
the latch control assembly 140 and the remote latching assembly 200
are operably connected with one another.
[0046] In the illustrated form, the remote latching assembly 200 is
of the type often referred to as a "concealed" remote latching
assembly. More specifically, the illustrated remote latching
assembly 200 is mounted within the door preparation 80 such that
the connection assembly 210 and the latching mechanisms 220, 230
are primarily concealed from view. It is also contemplated that the
remote latching assembly 200 may be of the type often referred to
as a "surface" remote latching assembly, which is configured for
mounting to the interior side surface 71 of the door 70. In such
forms, the door preparation 80 may omit one or more features
configured for use with the concealed remote latching assembly 200,
such as the cavities 82, 83 and/or the channels 84, 85.
[0047] The connection assembly 210 includes an upper connector 212
and a lower connector 213, each of which is operably connected with
the latch control assembly 140. Each of the connectors 212, 213 has
a laterally inward portion that is coupled with the lift finger 156
of a corresponding one of the drivers 152, 153. More specifically,
the upper connector 212 has a lower end 214 coupled with the lift
finger 156 of the upper driver 152, and the lower connector 213 has
an upper end 215 coupled with the lift finger 156 of the lower
driver 153. Each of the connectors 212, 213 also has a laterally
outward portion that is coupled with a movable link member of a
corresponding one of the latch mechanisms 220, 230. More
specifically, the upper connector 212 has an upper end 216 coupled
to a linkage 226 of the upper latch mechanism 220 (FIG. 4), and the
lower connector 213 has a lower end 217 coupled to a linkage 236 of
the lower latch mechanism 230 (FIG. 5).
[0048] In the illustrated embodiment, the connectors 212, 213 are
provided in the form of flexible cables. More specifically, each of
the connectors 212, 213 is provided as a pull cable that is
operable to transmit pulling forces, but which cannot transmit
pushing forces. In other embodiments, one or both of the connectors
212, 213 may be provided in a form that is capable of transmitting
pushing forces in addition to pulling forces. Such push/pull forms
of connectors may be provided in a form that is flexible, such as a
sheathed or Bowden cable, or may alternatively be provided in a
form that is rigid, such as a rigid rod.
[0049] With additional reference to FIG. 4, the upper latch
mechanism 220 generally includes a housing 222, a latchbolt 224
mounted to the housing 222 for pivotal movement between a latching
position and an unlatching position, the linkage 226 to which the
upper end 216 of the upper connector 212 is coupled, and a blocking
member 227 mounted to the housing 222 for pivotal movement between
a blocking position and an unblocking position. The linkage 226 is
pivotably connected to the blocking member 227 such that lateral
movement of the linkage 226 is correlated with the pivotal movement
of the blocking member 227. More specifically, downward or
laterally inward movement of the linkage 226 is correlated with
movement of the blocking member 227 toward its unblocking position,
and upward or laterally outward movement of the linkage 226 is
correlated with movement of the blocking member 227 toward its
blocking position. The upper latch mechanism 220 also includes a
spring 228 urging the linkage 226 in the upward or laterally
outward direction, thereby biasing the blocking member 227 toward
its blocking position.
[0050] When in its blocking position, the blocking member 227
retains the latchbolt 224 in its latching position. As the upper
connector 212 pulls the linkage 226 in the downward or laterally
inward direction against the force of the spring 228, the blocking
member 227 moves toward its unblocking position, and the latchbolt
224 becomes free to move to its unlatching position. When in its
unlatching position, the latchbolt 224 retains the blocking member
227 in its blocking position against the biasing force of the
spring 228. More specifically, a retaining member 229 formed on the
latchbolt 224 projects into the path along which the blocking
member 227 travels when moving from its unblocking position to its
blocking position, thereby preventing such travel of the blocking
member 227. When the latchbolt 224 returns to its latching
position, the biasing member 228 returns the blocking member 227 to
its blocking position, and the latchbolt 224 is once again retained
in its latching position.
[0051] Also illustrated in FIG. 4 is an upper strike 202 configured
to be mounted to the upper jamb of the doorframe in which the door
70 is installed. In certain embodiments, the upper strike 202 may
be considered to constitute a portion of the frame. The upper
strike 202 includes a projection 203 which, when the door 70 is in
its closed position, extends into a channel 225 formed in the
latchbolt 224. When the door 70 is pushed in its opening direction,
the projection 203 urges the latchbolt 224 toward its unlatching
position. When the blocking member 227 is in its blocking position,
such unlatching movement of the latchbolt 224 is prevented, and
engagement between the latchbolt 224 and the upper strike 202
prevents opening movement of the door 70. When the blocking member
227 is in its unblocking position, opening movement of the door 70
drives the latchbolt 224 toward its unlatching position.
[0052] With the door 70 in its open position, the latchbolt 224 is
maintained in its unlatching position, for example due to a biasing
member or gravity urging the latchbolt 224 toward its unlatching
position. Thus, the latchbolt 224 retains the blocking member 227
in its unblocking position while the door 70 is open. When the door
70 is returned to its closed position, the projection 203 enters
the channel 225 and returns the latchbolt 224 to its latching
position. As the latchbolt 224 returns to its latching position,
the retaining member 229 pivots therewith, thereby freeing the
blocking member 227 to travel toward its blocking position. The
spring 228 thus returns the blocking member 227 to its blocking
position, thereby driving the upper end 216 of the upper connector
212 in the upward or laterally-outward direction.
[0053] With additional reference to FIG. 5, the lower latch
mechanism 230 generally includes a housing 232, a deadbolt 234
mounted to the housing 232 for movement between an extended
position and a retracted position, a linkage or traveler 236
movably mounted to the housing 232, and a biasing member 238 urging
the traveler 236 in the downward or laterally-outward direction.
Also illustrated in FIG. 5 is a lower strike 204 configured to be
mounted to the lower jamb or floor of the doorframe in which the
door 70 is installed. In certain embodiments, the lower strike 204
may be considered to constitute a portion of the frame. The strike
204 includes a pocket 205 which, when the door 70 is in its closed
position, is operable to receive the lower end of the deadbolt 234
when the deadbolt 234 is in its extended position.
[0054] The traveler 236 is engaged with the deadbolt 234 such that
an externally-applied pushing force exerted on the bottom of the
deadbolt 234 actuates a deadlocking mechanism 239 of the lower
latch mechanism 230. More specifically, such a pushing force on the
deadbolt 234 drives the traveler 236 into engagement with the
housing 232, thereby preventing further laterally-inward movement
of the deadbolt 234. The traveler 236 is coupled to the lower end
217 of the lower connector 213 such that the traveler 236 retracts
the deadbolt 234 in response to movement of the lower connector 213
in the upward or laterally-inward direction. Thus, retraction or
laterally-inward movement of the lower connector 213 causes the
deadbolt 234 to exit the pocket 205, thereby permitting opening of
the door 70. As described herein, the lower connector 213 is
retained in this retracted position until the door 70 returns to
its closed position. When the lower connector 213 subsequently
becomes free to move in the laterally-outward direction, the
biasing member 238 drives the traveler 236 downward, thereby
causing a corresponding downward or laterally-outward movement of
the lower end 217 of the lower connector 213. Such downward
movement of the traveler 236 also drives the deadbolt 234 to its
extended position, thereby causing the end portion of the deadbolt
234 to enter the pocket 205.
[0055] With additional reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the coordination
mechanism 300 is configured to selectively retain the latch control
assembly 140 in its actuated state, and generally includes an
anchor bracket 310, a cup 320, and a spring 330. In the illustrated
embodiment, the coordination mechanism 300 is mounted in the
pushbar assembly 100 in the vicinity of the lost motion connection
108, and exerts a proximal biasing force on the control link 142.
Additionally, the illustrated control link 142 is provided in the
form of a split link or a fork link, and includes two
longitudinally-extending arms 143 that are offset from one another
in the lateral (Y) directions, a base plate 147 connecting the arms
143 to one another, and a shoulder 148 extending from the base
plate 147. The arms 143, base plate 147, and shoulder 148 cooperate
to define a receiving space 149 that is sized and shaped to receive
the cup 320.
[0056] The anchor bracket 310 is securely mounted to the mounting
assembly 110, and in certain embodiments, may be considered to be
included in the mounting assembly 110. The illustrated bracket 310
includes a base wall 312 and a pair of sidewalls 314 extending from
opposite ends of the base wall 312 such that a receiving space 319
is defined therebetween. The proximal end portion of the bracket
310 also includes a flange 316 that extends from the base wall 312
such that a pair of channels 315 are formed between the flange 316
and the sidewalls 314. Thus, the proximal end portion of the
bracket 310 has a generally E-shaped cross-section in which the
receiving space 319 is divided into two channels 315, and the
distal end portion of the bracket 310 has a generally C-shaped
cross-section in which the receiving space 319 defines a single
channel 313.
[0057] The cup 320 is sized and shaped to be received in the
receiving spaces 149, 319, and defines a chamber 321 sized and
shaped to receive the spring 330. The cup 320 includes an end wall
322 and a sleeve 324, which cooperate to at least partially define
the chamber 321. The sleeve 324 defines at least one slot 326,
through which the flange 316 extends into the chamber 321. In the
illustrated form, a pair of diametrically opposite slots 326 extend
distally from the proximal end of the sleeve 324, and the flange
316 is partially received in each of the slots 326.
[0058] With the coordination mechanism 300 installed to the pushbar
assembly 100, the bracket 310 is secured to the mounting plate 112
such that the control link 142 extends therethrough. By way of
example, the mounting plate 112 may include a series of apertures
107, and spring clips or snap-fit posts 317 may extend from the
ends of the sidewalls 314 and matingly engage two or more of the
apertures 107. Each of the arms 143 extends through a corresponding
one of the channels 315 such that the flange 316 extends into the
gap between the arms 143, thereby supporting and guiding the cup
320 as the cup 320 moves longitudinally.
[0059] At least a portion of the base plate 147 is positioned
between the sidewalls 314 such that the receiving spaces 149, 319
intersect one another, and the cup 320 is seated in the receiving
spaces 149, 319 and captured between the control link 142 and the
bracket 310. More specifically, the cup 320 is transversely
captured between the base plate 147 and the base wall 312, and is
laterally captured between the arms 143. Additionally, the end wall
322 is longitudinally captured between the shoulder 148 and the
flange 316, which extends into the chamber 321 via one of the slots
326. The spring 330 is seated in the chamber 321 and captured
between the flange 316 and the end wall 322, thereby distally
urging the end wall 322 into contact with the shoulder 148 and
resisting movement of the control link 142 in the proximal
(X.sup.+) direction. Thus, the coordination mechanism 300 is
operable urge the latch control assembly 140 toward its actuated
state, and to resist movement of the latch control assembly 140
toward its deactuated state.
[0060] With additional reference to FIG. 8, illustrated therein are
certain forces that may be exerted on the latch control assembly
140 during operation of the exit device 90. More specifically, FIG.
8 illustrates a set of actuating forces 180 urging the latch
control assembly 140 toward its actuated state, and a set of
deactuating forces 190 urging the latch control assembly 140 toward
its deactuated state. As will be appreciated, when the actuating
forces 180 are overcome by the deactuating forces 190, the latch
control assembly 140 will be driven toward its deactuated state.
Conversely, when the actuating forces 180 overcome the deactuating
forces 190, the latch control assembly 140 will be driven toward
its actuated state.
[0061] The actuating forces 180 include an upper driver actuating
force 182 acting on the upper driver 152, a lower driver actuating
force 183 acting on the lower driver 153, and a control link
actuating force 186 acting on the control link 142. Each of the
driver actuating forces 182, 183 urges the corresponding driver
152/153 in its laterally inward actuating direction. More
specifically, the upper driver actuating force 182 urges the upper
driver 152 in the downward (Y-) direction, and the lower driver
actuating force 183 urges the lower driver 153 in the upward (Y+)
direction. The control link actuating force 186 urges the control
link 142 in its distal (X-) actuating direction. By way of
non-limiting example, factors that may contribute to the control
link actuating force 186 include actuation of the drive assembly
120, and the biasing force of the spring 330.
[0062] As noted above, the moving components of the latch control
assembly 140 are operably connected with one another substantially
without lost motion such that the movements and positions of the
components are correlated with one another. As a result, an
externally-applied input actuating force 188 exerted on one
component of the latch control assembly 140 causes a corresponding
resultant actuating force 189 to be exerted on each of the other
components. In the illustrated form, the input actuating force 188
is typically provided as the control link actuating force 186, and
may be exerted by one or more components external to the latch
control assembly 140, such as the drive assembly 120 and/or the
coordination mechanism 300. Such an input actuating force 186, 188
is transmitted to the drivers 150 by the yoke 144 and pivot cranks
146, thereby providing resultant forces 189 in the form of the
driver actuating forces 182, 183.
[0063] The deactuating forces 190 include an upper driver
deactuating force 192 acting on the upper driver 152, a lower
driver deactuating force 193 acting on the lower driver 153, and a
control link deactuating force 196 urging the control link 142 in
its proximal (X+) deactuating direction. Each of the driver
deactuating forces 192, 193 urges the corresponding driver 152/153
in its laterally outward deactuating direction. More specifically,
the upper driver deactuating force 192 urges the upper driver 152
in the upward (Y+) direction, and the lower driver deactuating
force 193 urges the lower driver 153 in the downward (Y-)
direction. By way of non-limiting example, factors that may
contribute to the driver deactuating forces 192, 193 include the
biasing forces of the springs 228, 238 of the latch mechanisms 220,
230.
[0064] As with the actuating forces 180, an externally-applied
input deactuating force 198 exerted on one component of the latch
control assembly 140 causes a corresponding resultant deactuating
force 199 to be exerted on each of the other components. In the
illustrated form, the input deactuating force 198 is typically
provided as the upper driver deactuating force 192 and/or the lower
driver deactuating force 193, each of which may be exerted by the
corresponding spring 228/238 via the corresponding connector
112/113. For example, providing the input deactuating force 198 as
the lower driver deactuating force 193 causes a resultant
deactuating force 199 in the form of the control link deactuating
force 196. When both the upper driver 152 and lower driver 153 are
being pulled laterally outward by the remote latching assembly 200,
both of the driver deactuating forces 192, 193 contribute to input
deactuating force 198, thereby exerting an increased resultant
force 196, 199 on the control link 142.
[0065] With additional reference to FIG. 9, illustrated therein are
the coordination mechanism 300 and a portion of the pushbar
assembly 100 in various states corresponding to the above-described
conditions of the closure assembly 60. FIG. 9a corresponds to the
secured condition, in which the drive assembly 120 and the latch
control assembly 140 are in the deactuated states thereof, and the
coordination mechanism 300 is in a compressed state. FIG. 9b
corresponds to the unsecured condition, in which the drive assembly
120 and the latch control assembly 140 are in the actuated states
thereof, and the coordination mechanism 300 is in an expanded
state. FIG. 9c corresponds to the open condition, in which the
drive assembly 120 is in its deactuated state, the latch control
assembly 140 is in its actuated state, and the coordination
mechanism is 300 in its expanded state.
[0066] FIG. 9a illustrates the coordination mechanism 300 with the
closure assembly 60 in the secured condition, in which the exit
device 90 is deactuated, and the remote latching assembly 200
engages the frame and retains the door 70 in its closed position.
In this state, each of the latch mechanisms 220, 230 is in its
deactuated state and is engaged with the corresponding one of the
strikes 202, 204. With the upper latch mechanism 220 in its
deactuated state, the blocking member 227 retains the latchbolt 224
in its latching position, thereby maintaining engagement between
the latchbolt 224 and the projection 203. Additionally, the
deadlocking features of the lower latch mechanism 230 prevent
external pushing forces from driving the deadbolt 234 to its
retracted position, thereby preventing the tip of the deadbolt 234
from exiting the pocket 205.
[0067] With the closure assembly 60 in its secured condition, the
latch control assembly 140 is in its deactuated state. With the
control link 142 in its proximal deactuated position, the spring
330 is compressed between the shoulder 148 and the flange 316. As a
result, the coordination mechanism 300 exerts an actuating force
186 on the control link 142, thereby urging the latch control
assembly 140 toward its actuated state. Additionally, the springs
228, 238 of the latch mechanisms 220, 230 place the connectors 212,
213 in tension and exert driver deactuating forces 192, 193 that
pull the drivers 150 laterally outward. Thus, both the upper latch
mechanism spring 228 and the lower latch mechanism spring 238
contribute to the deactuating input force 198, which results in a
resultant control link deactuating force 196, 199 that exceeds the
actuating control link force 186 exerted by the coordination
mechanism 300. As a result, the control link 142 is retained in its
proximal position, and the latch control assembly 140 remains in
its deactuated state.
[0068] From the secured condition, the closure assembly 60 can be
transitioned to the unsecured condition by driving the pushbar 124
to its depressed position, thereby actuating the drive assembly 120
and causing a corresponding actuation of the latch control assembly
140. As the latch control assembly 140 moves toward its actuated
state, the control link 142 moves toward its distal actuated
position, thereby permitting expansion of the spring 330.
Additionally, the drivers 150 pull the connectors 212, 213 in the
laterally inward actuating direction, and the connectors 212, 213
pull the link members 226, 236 laterally inward against the
laterally outward biasing forces of the springs 228, 238, thereby
actuating the latch mechanisms 220, 230. With the latch mechanisms
220, 230 in the actuated states thereof, the blocking member 227 is
in its unblocking position, and the deadbolt 234 is in its
retracted position. As a result, the remote latching assembly 200
does not prevent opening movement of the door 70, and the closure
assembly 60 is in the unsecured condition.
[0069] With the closure assembly 60 in the unsecured condition, the
door 70 is in its closed position, the exit device 90 is actuated,
and the coordination mechanism 300 is in the state illustrated in
FIG. 9b. From the unsecured condition, the door 70 is free to move
toward its open position, and the closure assembly 60 can be
transitioned to either of the secured condition and the open
condition. In order to transition the closure assembly 60 to the
secured condition, the user may release the pushbar 124, thereby
causing the return spring 127 to return the drive assembly 120 to
its deactuated state. Due to the fact that the drive assembly 120
is connected to the latch control assembly 140 via the lost motion
connection 108, such deactuation of the drive assembly 120 does not
necessarily cause a corresponding deactuation of the latch control
assembly 140.
[0070] As indicated above, the lost motion connection 108 prevents
the drive rod 122 from pushing the control link 142. Accordingly,
deactuation of the drive assembly 120 does not exert the
deactuating input force 198 required to return the latch control
assembly 140 to its deactuated state against the actuating input
force 188 exerted by the coordination mechanism 300. With the door
70 in the closed position, however, the deactuating input force 198
is provided in the form of driver deactuating forces 192, 193
exerted by the remote latching assembly 200. More specifically, the
upper driver deactuating force 192 is exerted by the upper
connector 112 as the spring 228 drives the linkage 226 to return
the blocking member 227 to its blocking position, and the lower
driver deactuating force 193 is exerted by the lower connector 113
as the spring 238 drives the traveler 236 to return the deadbolt
234 to its extended position. The resultant control link
deactuating force 196, 199 is sufficient to overcome the control
link actuating force 186 exerted by the coordination mechanism 300.
As a result, the latch control assembly 140 returns to its
deactuated state.
[0071] The closure assembly 60 can also be transitioned from the
unsecured condition to the open condition. In order to effect such
a transition, the user may urge the door 70 toward its open
position, for example by exerting a pushing force on the depressed
pushbar 124. As the door 70 moves toward its open position, the
projection 203 of the upper strike 202 drives the latchbolt 224
toward its unlatching position. With the door 70 in its open
position and the latchbolt 224 in its unlatching position, the user
may release the pushbar 124, thereby causing the drive assembly 120
to return to its deactuated state under the force of the return
spring 127. As the drive rod 122 moves from its distal actuated
position (FIG. 9b) to its proximal deactuated position (FIG. 9c),
the lost motion connection 108 permits the control link 142 to
remain in its distal actuated position.
[0072] With the closure assembly 60 in the open condition, the
spring 238 of the lower latch mechanism 230 urges the traveler 236
in its laterally outward or downward direction. As a result, the
lower connector 213 exerts a deactuating input force 193, 198 on
the lower driver 153, which causes a resultant deactuating force
192, 199 urging the upper driver 152 in its laterally outward or
upward direction. Additionally, the latchbolt 224 is in its
unlatching position and retains the blocking member 227 in its
blocking position, thereby preventing the spring 228 from driving
the linkage 226 in its laterally outward or upward direction. As a
result, the input deactuating force 192, 198 exerted on the upper
driver 152 is reduced or eliminated.
[0073] As will be appreciated, should the lower driver 153 be
permitted to move to its deactuated position, the spring 238 will
drive the deadbolt 234 to its extended position. If the door 70 is
open when this occurs, the deadbolt 234 may strike the floor, and
may drag along the floor as the door 70 moves. Both striking and
dragging are typically considered undesirable, and can result in
objectionable noise and damage to the latch mechanism 230 and/or
the floor. However, these results may be obviated by the
coordination mechanism 300, which retains the latch control
assembly 140 in its deactuated state while the closure assembly 60
is in the open condition.
[0074] As noted above, when the closure assembly 60 is in the open
condition, the lower connector 213 pulls the lower driver 153 in
its laterally outward (downward) direction under the force of the
lower latch mechanism spring 238, but the upper connector 212 does
not pull the upper driver 152 in its laterally outward (upward)
direction. The deactuating input force 198 therefore includes the
lower driver deactuating force 193, but does not include the upper
driver deactuating force 192. As such, the resultant control link
deactuating force 196, 199 is lower in the open condition than in
the unsecured condition, in which both the upper latch mechanism
spring 228 and the lower latch mechanism spring 238 contribute to
the deactuating input force 198. Additionally, the characteristics
(e.g., size, shape, and stiffness) of the lower latch mechanism
spring 238 and the coordination mechanism spring 330 are selected
such that when the coordination mechanism 300 is in the expanded
state illustrated in FIG. 9c, the actuating input force 188 exerted
by the spring 330 exceeds the deactuating control link force 196
imparted by the lower latch mechanism spring 238. The coordination
mechanism 300 thus retains the latch control assembly 140 in its
actuated state, thereby retaining the lower driver 153 in its
actuated state and preventing deactuation of the lower latch
mechanism 230.
[0075] From the open condition (FIG. 9c), the closure assembly 60
can be returned to the secured condition (FIG. 9a) by closing the
door 70. As the door 70 approaches its closed position, the
projection 203 of the upper strike 202 returns the latchbolt 224 to
its latching position, thereby freeing the blocking member 226 to
return to its blocking position. As the spring 228 drives the
linkage 226 laterally outward toward its deactuated position, the
upper connector 212 is placed in tension and pulls the upper driver
152 upward, thereby exerting an upper driver deactuating force 192.
Thus, both the upper latch mechanism spring 228 and the lower latch
mechanism spring 238 contribute to the deactuating input force 198,
thereby increasing the resultant deactuating force 196, 199 on the
control link 142.
[0076] The characteristics (e.g., size, shape, and stiffness) of
the latch mechanism springs 228, 238 and the coordination mechanism
spring 330 are selected such that when both the upper latch
mechanism spring 228 and the lower latch mechanism spring 238
contribute to the deactuating input force 198, the resultant
control link deactuating force 196, 199 is sufficient to drive the
coordination mechanism 300 from its expanded state (FIG. 9c) to its
compressed state (FIG. 9a). With the deactuating forces 190
imparted by the remote latching assembly 200 exceeding the
actuating forces 180 imparted by the coordination mechanism 300,
the latch control assembly 140 and the remote latching assembly 200
return to the deactuated states thereof, and the closure assembly
60 transitions to the secured condition.
[0077] Due to the fact that the bracket 310 is secured to the
mounting assembly 110, the proximal end of the spring 330 is
provided with an anchor point having a fixed location within the
exit device 90. The compression displacement of the spring 330 (and
thus the force exerted on the control link 142) is therefore
correlated with the position of the control link 142, and is
independent of the actuated/deactuated state of the drive assembly
120. As a result, the coordination mechanism 300 maintains a
consistent functionality regardless of whether or not the pushbar
124 is in its depressed position.
[0078] In the illustrated embodiment, the coordination mechanism
300 biases the latch control assembly 140 toward its actuated state
by exerting an input actuating force 186, 188 on the control link
142. In other embodiments, the coordination mechanism 300 may exert
the input actuating force 188 another component of the latch
control assembly 140. By way of illustration, the exit device 90
may include one or more header-mounted coordination mechanisms in
addition or as an alternative to the illustrated coordination
mechanism 300. In such a header-mounted version of the coordination
mechanism 300, the anchor bracket may be secured to the header
plate 117, and the spring 330 may be engaged with one of the upper
driver 152 or the lower driver 153. Additionally or alternatively,
the compression spring 330 may be replaced with a torsion spring,
which may be engaged between the header plate 117 and a pivot crank
146. Where multiple coordination mechanisms 300 are used, lighter
springs may need to be selected to ensure that the total input
actuating force 188 remains within the range required to
selectively prevent deactuation of the latch control assembly 140
in the manner described above.
[0079] As is evident from the foregoing, the coordination mechanism
300 aids in coordinating the movement of the latch mechanisms 220,
230 according to a desired sequence of events. More specifically,
the coordination mechanism 300 aids in preventing the lower latch
mechanism 230 from moving to its deactuated state while the upper
latch mechanism 220 is in its deactuated state, and in causing the
lower latch mechanism 230 to move to its deactuated state in
response to deactuation of the upper latch mechanism 220. As noted
above, the upper latch mechanism 220 will typically return to its
deactuated state only when the door 70 returns to its closed
position, in which the lower latch mechanism 230 is aligned with
the pocket 205. Thus, the coordination mechanism 300 aids in
preventing premature extension of the deadbolt 234 and the
undesirable consequences thereof, such as dragging along and/or
striking the floor.
[0080] Additionally, the illustrated coordination mechanism 300 is
capable of providing the above-described coordination of bolt
movement without requiring the transmission of pushing forces
between the pushbar assembly 100 and the remote latch mechanisms
220, 230, and of doing so while installed within the pushbar
assembly 100. These capabilities may provide for certain
advantages, such as facilitating customization of the exit device
90. For example, while the exit device 90 is illustrated as
including a concealed remote latching assembly 200 in which the
connectors 212, 213 are provided as pull cables, a pushbar assembly
100 including the coordination mechanism 300 may alternatively be
used in combination with a remote latching assembly 200 that is
surface-mounted and/or includes push/pull connectors, such as
Bowden cables or rigid rods. Thus, a single pushbar assembly 100
may be suitable for use with several different configurations of
remote latching assemblies without requiring significant
modification, which may reduce the costs associated with the
manufacture, inventory, and/or installation of exit devices of
varying formats.
[0081] The above-mentioned features may also aid in providing the
door 70 with increased structural integrity. For example, certain
existing exit devices including concealed remote latching
assemblies involve the use of rigid rods, which require relatively
large channels within the door. In obviating the need for the
transmission of pushing forces, however, the coordination mechanism
300 may facilitate the use of flexible pull cables that can be used
with a smaller channel preparation, thereby increasing the amount
of material that can be provided on either side of the channels.
While other existing exit devices include concealed remote latching
assemblies having flexible pull cables, some such exit devices
coordinate the movement of the latch mechanisms using a device that
is installed within a mortise-like cutout in the door. The need for
such a mortise-like cutout may be obviated by the coordination
mechanism 300, for example when the coordination mechanism 300 is
provided within the pushbar assembly 100. With the need for such a
cutout obviated, the free edge 75 may be substantially unbroken by
the door preparation, which may further increase the structural
integrity of the door 70.
[0082] With reference to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is a
header-mounted coordination mechanism 400 according to certain
embodiments, along with a coupling assembly 500 according to
certain embodiments. As described herein, the coordination
mechanism 400 functions in a manner similar to that described above
with reference to the coordination mechanism 300, and the coupling
assembly 400 facilitates the coupling of the latch control assembly
140 and the remote latching assembly 200.
[0083] In certain embodiments, the header-mounted coordination
mechanism 400 maybe used in combination with the above-described
coordination mechanism 300, while in other embodiments the
coordination mechanism 400 may be used independently of the
coordination mechanism 300. The coordination mechanism 400
generally includes an anchor bracket 410 secured to the mounting
assembly 110, a cup bracket 420 secured to the yoke 144, and one or
more springs 430 engaged between the anchor bracket 410 and the cup
bracket 420. While the illustrated embodiment includes three
springs 430, it is to be appreciated that more or fewer springs may
be utilized in other embodiments.
[0084] The anchor bracket 410 includes a plurality of bosses 412,
and the cup bracket 420 includes a plurality of cups 422 aligned
with the bosses 412. Additionally, a proximal end portion of each
spring 430 is engaged with a boss 412, and a distal end portion of
each spring 430 is seated in a cup 422. The springs 430 are thus
captured between the anchor bracket 410 and the cup bracket 420,
and are operable to exert a distal biasing force on the yoke 144.
In this manner, the coordination mechanism 400 is operable to bias
the latch control assembly 140 toward its actuated state and to
resist movement of the latch control assembly 140 toward its
deactuated state. The coordination mechanism 400 thereby operates
in a manner analogous to that described above with reference to the
coordination mechanism 300 such that the coordination mechanism 400
is operable to selectively retain the lower latch mechanism 230 in
its actuated state, and to allow the lower latch mechanism 230 to
return to its deactuated state in response to deactuation of the
upper latch mechanism 220.
[0085] With additional reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the coupling
assembly 500 is configured to be used in place of the
above-described lift finger 156, and may provide for increased ease
of installation relative to the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3.
Also illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 is a cable 502 that can be
connected to one of the latch mechanisms 220, 230 to serve the
functions of the corresponding connector cable 212, 213. The
coupling assembly 500 generally includes a guide member 510
configured for mounting to the driver 150, a retaining member 520
that aids in retaining the guide member 510 relative to the driver
150, and a compression fitting 530 seated in the guide member
510.
[0086] The guide member 510 generally includes a body portion 512
having a cavity 513 and an opening 514, and a cable guide 516
having a through-passage 517 connected with the cavity 513. The
retaining member 520 includes a body portion 522 having a flat 523
formed thereon, a post 524 formed on one end of the body portion
522, and an arm 526 formed on the opposite end of the body portion
522. The guide member 510 is seated in the opening 155 of the
driver 150 such that the cable guide 516 extends beyond the rear
surface of the header plate 116. The body portion 522 of the
retaining member 520 extends through another opening in the driver
150 such that a portion of the driver 150 is captured between the
arm 526 and the guide member body portion 512. Additionally, the
post 524 is received in the opening 514 such that the retaining
member 520 restrains the guide member 510 from moving transversely.
This arrangement is maintained by a screw 504, which is threaded
through the captured portion of the driver 150 and is engaged with
the flat 523.
[0087] The compression fitting 530 includes a first member 532 that
is seated in the cavity 513, a second member 534 rotatably mounted
to the first member 532, a manually-graspable turn piece 535 formed
on the second member 534, and a clamp 536 mounted in the first
member 532 and engaged with the second member 534. The cable 502
passes through the compression fitting 530 such that a portion of
the cable 502 is received in the clamp 536, and such that the cable
502 exits the compression fitting 530 via an opening in the
turnpiece 535. The internal surfaces of the clamp 536 include
ridges that grip the cable 502 when the clamp 536 is compressed,
and which release the cable 502 when the clamp 536 is expanded. The
clamp 536 is engaged with the second member 534 such that rotation
of the second member 534 in opposite directions compresses and
expands the clamp 536.
[0088] With the exit device 100 mounted to the door 70, the cable
guide 516 extends through the door preparation 80 and directs the
cable 502 toward the appropriate one of the latch mechanisms 220,
230. Thus, like the lift finger 156, the coupling assembly 500
facilitates the coupling of the remote latching assembly 200 with
the latch control assembly 140. Unlike the arrangement illustrated
in FIG. 3, however, the coupling assembly 500 also directs the
cable 502 to extend through the door preparation 80 and the latch
control assembly 140 to a location at which the end of the cable
502 is more readily accessible, thereby facilitating the
installation process. As described herein, the installation process
is further facilitated by other features of the coupling assembly
500, such as the compression fitting 530.
[0089] With additional reference to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is
an example process 600 for installing the exit device 100 to the
door 70 using the coupling assembly 500. Operations illustrated for
the processes in the present application are understood to be
examples only, and operations may be combined or divided, and added
or removed, as well as re-ordered in whole or in part, unless
explicitly stated to the contrary.
[0090] The process 600 may begin with an operation 602 that
generally involves partially installing the remote latching
assembly 200 to the door 70. More particularly, the operation 602
involves installing the upper latch mechanism 220 to the upper
cavity 82 and running the upper connector 212 through the upper
channel 84 and out the upper aperture 86. Similarly, the operation
also involves installing the lower latch mechanism 230 to the lower
cavity 83 and running the lower connector 213 through the lower
channel 85 and out the lower aperture 87.
[0091] The process 600 also includes an operation 604 that
generally involves installing two instances of the coupling
assembly 500 to the latch control assembly 140. One of the coupling
assemblies 500 is mounted to one of the drivers by inserting the
guide member 510 through the opening 155 in the driver 150 such
that the cable guide 516 extends beyond the rear surface of the
header plate 116. The compression fitting 530 is coupled to the
guide member 510 such that the turnpiece 535 is accessible from the
exposed front side of the latch control assembly 140. The retaining
member 520 is then inserted and the screw 504 is installed to affix
the coupling assembly 500 to the driver 150 in the manner described
above. These steps are then repeated to install and affix the other
coupling assembly 500 to the other driver 150.
[0092] After installing the remote latching assembly 200 to the
door 80 and installing the coupling assemblies 500 to the latch
control assembly 140, the process 600 includes an operation 606,
which generally involves passing the cables 212, 213 through the
coupling assemblies 600, as illustrated in FIG. 14. This operation
606 may begin with positioning the device close to the door 70, and
inserting an end portion 503 of each cable 502 into the opening 517
of the appropriate cable guide 516. As the user urges the cables
502 through the coupling mechanisms 500, the end portions 503
emerge from the exposed ends of the compression fittings 530, which
are in a loosened state so as to permit the cables 502 to pass
through the clamps 536. The device is then placed against the door
70 such that the cable guides 516 extend through the apertures 86,
87, and the end portions 503 are pulled to remove slack from the
cables 502.
[0093] Following the operation 606, the process 600 proceeds to an
operation 608, which generally involves mounting the pushbar
assembly 100 to the door 70. The process 600 also includes an
operation 610, which generally involves dogging the exit device
100. More particularly, the operation 610 involves depressing the
pushbar 124 to actuate the drive assembly 120, and manipulating the
dogging mechanism 130 to retain the drive assembly 120 in its
actuated state. With the pushbar assembly 100 mounted to the door
70 and in the dogged state, the process 600 may proceed to
operations 612, 614, which generally involve securing the cables
502 to the drivers 150 when the latch mechanisms 220, 230 are in
predetermined states.
[0094] The operation 612 begins with the upper latch mechanism 220
in its deactuated state, in which the latchbolt 224 is in its
latching position, and the blocking member 227 is in its blocking
position. In this state, the user urges the latchbolt 224 toward
its unlatching position while slowly pulling the exposed portion of
the upper cable 212. The blocking member 227 retains the latchbolt
224 in its latching position until the blocking member 227 reaches
its unblocking position, at which point the latchbolt 224 moves to
its unlatching position under the force applied by the user. This
movement of the latchbolt indicates to the user that the upper
latching mechanism 220 has reached the actuated state corresponding
to the actuated state of the drive assembly 120, and that the cable
212 is of the appropriate effective length. The user then operates
the compression fitting 530 to secure the cable 212 to the driver
152 while the cable 212 is of the appropriate effective length.
More specifically, the user rotates the second member 534 using the
turnpiece 535 to compress the clamp 536 such that the clamp 536 is
secured to the cable 212. In this state, the upper coupling
assembly 500 secures the cable 212 to the upper driver 152 and
retains the appropriate effective length of the cable 212.
[0095] The operation 614 is similar to the operation 612, and
begins with the lower latch mechanism 230 in the deactuated state,
in which the deadbolt 234 is in its extended position. The user
slowly pulls the exposed portion of the lower cable 213 until the
deadbolt 234 is capable of clearing the pocket 205 and will not
drag on the floor. This position indicates to the user that the
lower latching mechanism 230 has reached the actuated state
corresponding to the actuated state of the drive assembly 120, and
that the cable 213 is of the appropriate effective length. The user
then operates the compression fitting 530 to secure the cable 213
to the driver 153 in a manner similar to that described above with
reference to the operation 612. With the operation 614 completed,
the lower coupling assembly 500 secures the cable 213 to the lower
driver 153 and retains the appropriate effective length of the
cable 213.
[0096] After completing the operations 612, 614, the process 600
proceeds to an operation 616, which generally involves trimming off
the exposed end portions 503 of the cables 212, 213. The operation
616 may involve leaving a certain excess length to facilitate later
adjustment of the effective lengths of the cables 212, 213. Such
adjustment may also be facilitated by the compression fittings 530,
which can be loosened to release the corresponding cable 502 and
subsequently tightened when the appropriate effective length has
been obtained.
[0097] With reference to FIG. 15, illustrated therein is a
coordination mechanism 700 according to certain embodiments. The
coordination mechanism 700 includes a first bracket 710, a second
bracket 720 slidably engaged with the first bracket 710, and a
spring 730 engaged between the first and second brackets 710, 720.
The first bracket 710 defines a chamber 712 that is delimited by an
end wall 713, and which has a slot 714 formed in one side thereof.
The second bracket 720 includes an arm 722 that projects into the
chamber 712 via the slot 722, and which has a post 723 projecting
therefrom. The spring 730 is seated in the chamber 720 and is
engaged between the brackets 710, 720. More particularly, the lower
end 731 of the spring 730 is engaged with the end wall 713, and the
upper end portion 732 of the spring 730 is mounted to the post
723.
[0098] With additional reference to FIG. 16, illustrated therein is
the coordination mechanism 700 installed to the pushbar assembly
100, portions of which have been omitted for clarity. The first
bracket 710 is secured to the mounting assembly 110 and the second
bracket 720 is secured to the lower driver 152 such that the spring
730 biases the second bracket 720 in the upward direction. As a
result, the coordination mechanism 700 urges the lower driver 152
in its upward actuating direction and resists movement of the lower
driver 152 in its downward deactuating direction. The coordination
mechanism 700 is therefore operable to function in a manner
substantially similar to the above-described coordination
mechanisms 300, 400, with the difference that the component on
which the coordination mechanism 700 acts is the lower driver 152.
This arrangement may be capable of taking up a greater degree of
slack or play between the upper latch mechanism and the driver 152,
which may be advantageous in certain circumstances.
[0099] Also illustrated in FIG. 16 is a connection assembly 750
according to certain embodiments. The connection assembly 750
includes a lift finger 752 that is coupled to the driver 152, and
which extends through the header plate 116 and terminates in a pair
of jaws 753. The jaws 753 are clamped onto a carriage 754 to which
the upper end 215 of the lower cable 213 is coupled. An adjustment
mechanism 756 facilitates adjustment of the vertical position of
the lift finger 752 and carriage 754. More particularly, a screw
757 can be loosened to allow for adjustment of the vertical
position of the lift finger 752, for example to remove slack from
the cable 213, and can be tightened to secure the lift finger 752
in a selected location.
[0100] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
shown and described and that all changes and modifications that
come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be
protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such
as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in
the description above indicate that the feature so described may be
more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments
lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the
invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In
reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a,"
"an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is
no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless
specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language
"at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can
include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated
to the contrary.
* * * * *