Emergency door lock illumination apparatus
10669740 ยท 2020-06-02
Inventors
Cpc classification
E05B65/1066
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
E05B17/10
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
International classification
E05B17/10
FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
G09F13/04
PHYSICS
Abstract
An emergency illumination apparatus is integrated into a door lock mechanism including a manual release member and a latch which is displaceable between an engaged position with the jamb of an associated exit door, and a disengaged position, enabling opening of the door. The apparatus includes an illumination device including a base member mounted to the door lock mechanism or a surface of the associated exit door and a spaced array of discrete illumination elements extending along at least one axis intersecting with or circumventing the manual release member. A sensor operates to detect an emergency condition such as the presence of excessive heat, smoke, carbon monoxide, noxious gas and the like, and generate an alarm signal in response thereto. An independent power supply is disposed within the emergency door lock illumination apparatus. A controller energized by the power supply activates the illumination device in response to the alarm signal.
Claims
1. A self-contained emergency door lock illumination apparatus adapted for retrofitting to an associated exit door lock mechanism of the type including an elongated tubular manual release member pivotally mounted to an exit door and a bolt, said manual release member operable to displace said bolt from an engaged position with a jamb of said associated exit door and a disengaged position with respect to said jamb enabling opening of said exit door, said emergency door lock illumination apparatus comprising; a base member adapted for selective mounting to a portion of said manual release member closest to said bolt for displacement therewith; a linear array of spaced apart discrete illumination elements, such as LEDs, extending along a line substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of said manual release member; a sensor disposed within said base member operative to detect an emergency condition such as the presence of excessive heat, smoke, carbon monoxide, noxious gas, particulates and the like, and to generate an alarm signal in response thereto; an independent power supply disposed within said base member; and a controller disposed within said base member energized by said power supply and operative to activate said illumination device in response to said alarm signal to illuminate sequentially from a first illumination element furthest from said bolt, to subsequent intermediate illumination elements to a final illumination element closest to said bolt.
2. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller is operative to sequentially activate said illumination elements commencing with the illumination element distal from said bolt and progressing to the illumination element proximate said latch in response to detecting an emergency condition.
3. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller is operative to vary the intensity of each illumination element as a function of distance from said bolt.
4. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller, said power supply and said sensor means are integrally disposed within said base member.
5. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least some of said illumination elements are configured as an arrow suggestive of the direction toward a portion of said manual release member nearest said latch.
6. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said illumination elements comprise an elongated electroluminescent wire.
7. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller is operative to vary the flash rate of at least one illumination element as a function of said alarm signal.
8. The emergency door lock illumination, apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller is operative to vary the color of at least one illumination element as a function of said alarm signal.
9. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sensor means is operative to detect a low voltage condition and to generate an alarm signal in response thereto.
10. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said illumination device further includes a tactile indicator integrally formed on an exposed outer surface of said base member.
11. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a radio frequency transceiver operable to receive remote control signals from a remote personal communication device.
12. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 11, wherein said remote control signals are operative to effect actuation of said emergency door lock illumination apparatus.
13. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 11, wherein said remote control signals are operative to effect resetting of predetermined operational features of said controller.
14. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of said illumination elements has a color or illumination intensity differing from other of said illumination elements as an indication of a power supply fault condition.
15. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said base member is formed of resilient electrically insulating material.
16. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said array of discrete illumination elements are insert molded within said base member.
17. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein the discrete illumination element closest to said bolt is illuminated with an operational dwell time exceeding operational dwell times of the remaining illumination elements.
18. The emergency door lock illumination apparatus of claim 1, wherein said controller comprises a radio frequency transceiver operable to transmit preprogrammed emergency notification signals to emergency response services such as 911, fire, police and the like.
19. A self-contained emergency door lock illumination apparatus adapted for retrofitting to an existing door lock mechanism type including an elongated tubular manual release member pivotally mounted on an exit door and a bolt, said manual release member operable to displace said bolt from an engaged position with a jamb of said associate exit door and a disengaged position with respect to said jamb enabling opening of said exit door, said emergency door lock illumination apparatus comprising; a base member formed of resilient, electrically insulating material adapted for selective mounting to said manual release member for displacement therewith, said base member forming a first through passage receiving a portion of said manual release member closest to said bolt, and a second through passage; a spaced apart linear array of discrete illumination elements carried on an outer surface of said base member and extending along a line substantially parallel to an axis of elongation of said manual release member; a sensor operative to detect an emergency condition such as the presence of excessive heat, smoke, carbon monoxide, noxious gas, particulates and the like, and to generate an alarm signal in response thereto, said sensor disposed within a said second through passage of said base member; an independent power supply disposed within the second through passage of said base member; and a controller energized by said power supply disposed within the second through passage of said base member and operative to activate said illumination device in response to said alarm signal, whereby the controller sequentially activates said illumination elements commencing with the illumination element most distal from said bolt and progressing one at a time to the illumination element proximate said bolt in response to detecting an emergency condition to form an active visual target tending to draw a user's focus toward the bolt, wherein said array of discrete illumination elements are insert molded within said base member, and wherein said illumination device further includes a tactile indicator integrally formed on an exposed outer surface of said base member.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
(1) The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
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(12) Although the drawings represent embodiments of the present invention, the drawings are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be exaggerated in order to illustrate and explain the present invention. The exemplification set forth herein illustrates an embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
(13) Referring to
(14) The panic door exit mechanism 10 includes an elongated release bar or member 28 arranged in horizontally spaced relation substantially midway in height of the door 12 adjacent the free edge 30 and hinged edge (not illustrated) between which the release member 28 extends. Each end of the release member 28 is carried by an actuating arm 32 and 34. Actuating arm 32 is pivotally carried by an actuating unit 36 which is affixed to the inwardly facing surface 14 of the door 12 adjacent the free edge 30 by screws or other suitable fastening hardware 38. Actuating arm 34 is pivotally carried by an outboard unit 40 which is affixed to the inwardly facing surface 14 of the door 12 adjacent the hinged edge (not shown) by screws or other suitable fastening hardware 42. The actuating arm 32 is affixed to the actuating unit 36 by a pivot pin (not illustrated) and the actuating arm 34 is affixed to the outboard unit 40 by a pivot pin 46, thereby enabling limited rotation of the release bar 28, and the actuating arms 32 and 34 as a unified unit about an axis X-X defined by the pivot pins 46. The actuating unit 36 also includes a bolt 48 interconnected with actuating arm 32 by linkage (not illustrated) within the actuating unit 36. The bolt 48 extends within a bolt strike 50 formed in the side jam 22 when the release member 28 is in a released position.
(15) As designed, the panic exit mechanism 10 operates to release the door 12 for outward opening when the release member 28 is pressed in an outward direction by a building occupant anywhere along the horizontal extent thereof as indicated by an arrow 44 which, in turn, momentarily releases the bolt 48 from its associated strike 50 as illustrated in phantom in
(16) A shortcoming of such panic door exit mechanisms 10 stems from wear or loosening of interconnecting joints between the release bar 28 and the actuating arms 32 and 34 over time, resulting in off-center or rotational displacement of the release member 28 as illustrated in phantom in
(17) This condition is exacerbated in emergency conditions wherein vision is impaired such as by the presence of smoke or failure of building illumination. In such conditions, an operator may not be able to effect release of the mechanism 10, even after pushing the release bar 28.
(18) Referring to
(19) As best illustrated in
(20) An elongated recess 66 is formed in the outer surface of the base member 54 extending parallel to the release bar 28. A printed circuit board (PCB) or substrate 68 is disposed within the recess 66. A plurality of discrete illumination elements 70 such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent, or fluorescent lights are affixed to the PCB 68 with associated circuit traces (not illustrated). The plurality of discrete illumination elements 70 form a spaced array and are preferably equally spaced. The leading edge of the base member 54 has a raised surface 72 formed thereon visual and tactile indicia 74 for confirming orientation and functionality in sight impaired situation.
(21) Referring to
(22) The controller 76 includes a radio frequency transceiver, a programmable logic circuit and a memory circuit (not illustrated) rendering the illumination apparatus 52 externally (re) programmable.
(23) The controller 76 is programmed to detect an emergency condition such as the presence of excessive heat, smoke, carbon monoxide, noxious gas, particulates and the like, and to generate an alarm signal activating the illumination device wherein LED 70m is first briefly illuminated and then extinguished, followed by LED 70l is next briefly illuminated and then extinguished, followed by LED 70k is next briefly illuminated and so on until LED 70a is illuminated. The duration between the extinguishing of each LED (70n-70a) and illuminating the next adjacent LED is defined as the dwell time. The longer the dwell time, the more slowly the point of light appears to propagate along the release bar toward the release member or actuating arm 32.
(24) LEDs 70a-70m are preferably red in color. LED 70a should be of a higher power and remain illuminated for an extended period (exceeding the dwell time) indicating the home or target position. The LED 70a can remain illuminated or continue flashing for a period exceeding the dwell time to indicate the final destination. LED 70n can be an alternative color such as yellow or green to indicate a low battery charge condition. The controller can be reprogrammed to change the dwell time, or alternatively, to keep all LEDs illuminated until LED 70a in illuminated and then repeat the cycle. Furthermore, the controller can be programmed to vary the intensity of illumination of each LED as a function of its distance from the latch.
(25) Referring to
(26) In addition to being battery powered system, the illumination system 102 can be powered by the host building power source 110 and be remotely activated by the buildings own fire alarm system 112, carbon monoxide alarm system 114 power failure alarm system and exit warning sign illumination. Furthermore, the person 104 can be pre-equipped with a mobile electronic device 120 with a special application (app) for warning of particularly dangerous or hot spot locations within the building and suggest a preferred exit point, or reprogramming the controller to accommodate changing emergency conditions.
(27) Referring to
(28) As best viewed in
(29) LEDs 182a-182s are preferably red in color. The LED 70a can remain illuminated or continue flashing for a period exceeding the dwell time to indicate the final destination. The controller can be reprogrammed to change the dwell time, or alternatively, to keep all LEDs illuminated until LED 70a is illuminated and then repeat the cycle. Furthermore, the controller can be programmed to vary the intensity of illumination of each LED 182. In an emergency situation, a first LED (e.g.: 182a) is briefly illuminated and then extinguished. The next adjacent LED (e.g.: 182b) is then briefly illuminated and then extinguished. This process is continued until the final LED (e.g.: 182s) is briefly illuminated and then extinguished. This process is repeated again and again, creating an illusion of a target circle being formed around the interior knob 130 and its lock release tab 132. The dwell time between illumination of successive LEDs 182 as well as the intensity of the illumination can be varied (i.e. increased and decreased) to enhance the user's focus during a limited vision emergency situation. The successive rotation of light illumination can be clockwise, counter-clockwise, of alternating between the two.
(30) A second set of discrete illumination elements 186a-186s can be circumferentially distributed about the outer peripheral wall 178 and operate as described hereinabove.
(31) The lock illumination system 122 can be installed with a preexisting double door knob lock set 128 by removing screws 158, the inner knob 130 and escutcheon 136. Next, the lock illumination system 122 is placed against the inner surface 140 of the door 124 concentric with the circular cutout 126. Finally, the knob 130 and escutcheon 136 are replaced in their illustrated position with the outer portion of the escutcheon 136 clamping against the annular flange 164 as the screws 158 are replaced.
(32) As an additional feature, a second outer exit door lock illumination system 188 similar in some regards to the inner exit door lock illumination system 122 can be mounted to the outer surface 142 of the boor 124 by clamping engagement with the outer escutcheon 146. The second outer exit door lock illumination system 188 includes an annular frame 190 and housing assembly 192 containing a redundant power supply (not illustrated). Rather than using discrete illumination elements, the outer exit door lock illumination system 188 has an electroluminescent (EL) wire extending about the periphery of the annular frame 190 which becomes illuminated then ever the inner exit door lock illumination system 122 is activated to draw attention of first responders located outside of the building.
(33) Referring to
(34) The following documents are deemed to provide a fuller back ground disclosure of the inventions described herein and the manner of making and using same. Accordingly, each the below-listed documents are hereby incorporated into the specification hereof by reference. U.S. Pat. No. 2,778,326 to Guzik entitled Panic Latch for Refrigerator Doors and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 2,824,440 to Jewett et al. entitled Panic Exit Lock. U.S. Pat. No. 3,345,099 to Paul et al. entitled Panic Exit Device. U.S. Pat. No. 3,801,140 to Keller entitled Pre-Insulated Pipe Conduit with Test Passage. U.S. Pat. No. 4,598,939 to Krupicka et al. entitled Exit Device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,745,527 to Belverio et al. entitled Illuminated Door Lock Scratch Guard. U.S. Pat. No. 4,763,937 to Sittnick Jr. et al. entitled Electromagnetic Door Lock System. U.S. Pat. No. 4,839,988 to Betts et al. entitled Panic Exit Device. U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,330 to Evans entitled High Security Panic Exit System. U.S. Pat. No. 5,018,290 to Kozek et al. entitled Exit Sign. U.S. Pat. No. 5,088,786 to Linder entitled Panic Exit Door Mechanism. U.S. Pat. No. 5,499,171 to Simpson et al. entitled Door Lock Illumination Apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,597,227 to Bergen et al. entitled Illuminated Door Lock. U.S. Pat. No. 5,790,034 to Khoury entitled Retrofittable Remote Controlled Door Lock System. U.S. Pat. No. 5,947,534 to Zarzycki Jr. entitled Panic Exit Device Suitable for use with Standard Doors. U.S. Pat. No. 6,553,815 B1 to Rastinger entitled Method and Apparatus for Permitting Stable Operation of a Vehicle at Extremely Low Vehicle Speed. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2005/0144822 A1 to Molokotos et al. entitled Exit Device with Lighted Touchpad. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0096630 A1 to Belanger entitled Laser Lighted Guidance Exit Indicator. U.S. Pat. No. 8,021,012 B2 to Dunbar entitled Assembly for Doorway Illumination. U.S. Pat. No. 8,083,367 B2 to Anderson et al. entitled Emergency Exit Route Illumination System and Methods. U.S. Pat. No. 8,362,898 B2 to Berstis et al. entitled Key Fob and System for Indicating the Lock Status of a Door Lock. U.S. Pat. No. 9,163,428 B1 to Fare entitled Door Lock Illumination Apparatus. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2016/0027266 A1 to Mc Donagh et al. entitled Emergency Exit Sign.
(35) It is to be understood that the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and variations to provide the features and advantages previously described and that the embodiments are susceptible of modification as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
(36) Furthermore, it is contemplated that many alternative, common inexpensive materials can be employed to construct the basis constituent components. Accordingly, the forgoing is not to be construed in a limiting sense.
(37) The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology, which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation.
(38) Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, wherein reference numerals are merely for illustrative purposes and convenience and are not in any way limiting, the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents, may be practiced otherwise than is specifically described.