EP3710660A1

EP3710660A1 - Flush bolts

Info

Publication number: EP3710660A1
Application number: EP18799766.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Simon Klippel; Jason Williams; Maria Powell; Kerry Hicks
Original assignee: Lorient Polyproducts Ltd
Current assignee: Assa Abloy Ltd
Priority date: 2017-11-14
Filing date: 2018-11-07
Publication date: 2020-09-23
Also published as: AU2018366959A1; GB2568317A; AU2018366959B2; WO2019096656A1; GB201718821D0; GB2568317B

Abstract

There is provided a flush bolt comprising a first section and a second section, wherein one or both of the first section and second section comprise a substantially planar surface such that the substantially planar surface is arranged to extend around an edge of a seal in use. There is also provided a corresponding socket for receiving a flush bolt comprising a substantially planar surface.

Description

FLUSH BOLTS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a flush bolt.

BACKGROUND

Flush bolts can be installed at the edge of a door and manually deployed (or projected) or retracted using a lever mechanism so they slide downwards into or upwards out of the threshold. They may also be installed at the top of a door (instead of or as well as the bottom). In either case, such bolts enable the door to be secured. They are generally cylindrical or rectangular in cross section.

Seals may be used to stem the flow of sound, air and/or smoke through the gaps between a door and the door surround. Such seals can include threshold seals provided on the bottom of the door. The seals may comprise intumescent material.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect there is provided a flush bolt comprising a first section, and a second section, wherein one or both of the first section and second section comprise a substantially planar surface such that the substantially planar surface is arranged to overlap or extend around an edge of a seal in use. This allows for the flush bolt to act as a barrier to air flow.

The flush bolt may have a substantially C-. L- or U-shaped cross-section. The second section may be arranged parallel to the first section. The bolt may comprise an intermediate section arranged between, and perpendicular to, the first and second sections.

The flush bolt may have a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The first section may be arranged perpendicular to the second section.

The flush bolt may further comprise a lever mechanism to deploy or retract the bolt.

I The bolt may comprise a metal material.

The bolt can comprise a slot or channel, within or along which a fixing for a seal housing may freely pass. The bolt can further comprise a housing configured to fix to a door through the slot whereby to conceal the bolt. The seal may comprise a plastics material or brush region.

According to a second aspect there is provided a socket comprising a first section, and a second section, wherein one or both of the first section and second section comprise a slot for receiving a flush bolt comprising a substantially planar surface to allow the flush bolt and a seal to act as a barrier to air flow and/or noise.

The socket slot may comprise a substantially C-, L- or U-shaped cross-section. The second section may be arranged parallel to the first section. The socket may comprise an intermediate section arranged between, and perpendicular to, the first and second sections.

The socket slot may comprise a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The first section may be arranged perpendicular to the second section.

The socket may further comprise a plate section.

The socket may be arranged to receive the flush bolt according to the first aspect of the invention.

According to another aspect there is provided a security structure, comprising a flush bolt so profiled as to define a channel or cavity to receive a threshold seal, the flush bolt comprising an elongate longitudinal slot within or along which a fixing for a seal housing may freely pass, and a socket with an opening so profiled as to correspond to the profile of the flush bolt, whereby to enable receipt of a portion of the flush bolt therein. Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims. Each aspect can be carried out independently of the other aspects or in combination with one or more of the other aspects.

FIGURES

The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures I A-C are schematic representations each showing a flush bolt according to an example;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation showing a lever mechanism for a flush bolt according to an example;

Figures 3A-C are schematic representations each showing a seal used in combination with a flush bolt according to an example;

Figures 4A and 4B are schematic representations each showing a housing for a flush bolt according to an example;

Figure 5 is a schematic representation showing an expanded view of a housing for a flush bolt according to an example;

Figures 6A and 6B are schematic representations each showing end-on views of a housing for a flush bolt according to an example;

Figures 7A and 7B are schematic representations each showing a housing and flush bolt installed in a door according to an example; Figures 8A-C are schematic representations each showing operation of the lever mechanism of the flush bolt according to an example;

Figure 9A is a schematic representation showing a housing and a seal according to an example;

Figure 9B is a schematic representationshowing a housing and seal installed in a door according to an example; and

Figures I 0A and 10B are schematic representations each showing a socket for receiving a flush bolt according to an example.

DESCRIPTION

Examples are described below in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that examples can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while examples can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific examples thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the examples are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

The terminology used herein to describe examples is not intended to limit the scope. The articles“a,”“an,” and“the” are singular in that they have a single referent, however the use of the singular form in the present document should not preclude the presence of more than one referent. In other words, elements referred to in the singular can number one or more, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,” and/or“including,” when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, items, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, items, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

A flush bolt arranged to enable a door to be secured will generally be in the form of cylindrical or rectangular uniform, that is to say, solid, element that can be deployed using a lever at the side of the door. Once deployed, the bolt engages into a corresponding opening in the door threshold so as to secure the door in place in the desired position. A seal at the threshold of the door, such as an acoustic, and/or smoke and/or draught seal for example, ends shy of the bolt so that there is sufficient room to accommodate the mechanism of at least the bolt in the door. That is, to a large extent, the purpose of a seal can be obviated by the provision of a flush bolt as a result of the requirement for a gap to be present between the end of a seal and the bolt due to the mechanisms for both and the finite amount of space internal to the door that can be used to house these mechanisms.

According to an example, there is provided a flush bolt (a floor bolt, although it can also equally be applied to the upper part of a door) with a substantially C-, U-, or L-shaped cross-section. A surface of the flush bolt is arranged or configured to extend around or overlap with an edge of a door seal. Accordingly, when a static or deployable seal is installed along the bottom edge of a door or in the threshold, the C-, U-, or L-shaped cross-section of the flush bolt wraps around or hugs the edge of the seal. This allows the seal to sit flush within the floor bolt. The extending or overlapping edges of the flush bolt with the edge or end of the seal acts as a barrier to the flow of air, sound and smoke. That is, instead of a gap being provided between a door seal and a flush bolt, a flush bolt according to an example is so profiled as to enable an end portion of the door seal to sit within a channel or cavity defined by the shape of the flush bolt. Deployment or retrieval of the bolt to/from the threshold does not interfere with the sealing properties of the seal.

In an example, a flush bolt comprises a sheet of material or a plate section formed of a sheet of material. The sheet of the flush bolt is arranged to extend around the edge of a seal. When the flush bolt is deployed or projected from the door edge, the sheet slides upwards or downwards along or adjacent a side of the seal. When the flush bolt is deployed, the seal may be encompassed within a concave side of the flush bolt.

Figures I A-C each show a flush bolt according to an example.

In the example of Figure I A the flush bolt 100 is provided with a substantially C-, or U- shaped cross-section I 10. The flush bolt has a first section or arm 120 and a second section or arm 1 30, each of which depend from the face 140 of the bolt and, in the example of figure I A, are parallel to one another. The flush bolt is substantially elongate. The face, or intermediate section, 140 between the first and second sections is generally perpendicular to the first and second sections. The flush bolt may have a chamfered or curved region 150 connecting the first section and/or the second section to the face 140, which may be provided on an outer surface of the bolt 100 as shown in figure I A. A slot 170 and a screw hole/attachment point 160 can be provided in the face 140 of the bolt 100.

In the example of Figure I B, a flush bolt 180 is provided with a substantially C-shaped cross-section. The flush bolt of Figure I B acts in the same manner as the flush bolt described with reference to Figure I A. The flush bolt is substantially elongate.

In the example of Figure 1 C, the flush bolt 190 is provided with a substantially L-shaped cross-section. The flush bolt has a first section 185 and a second section 195 in the form of an arm that depends from the first section 185. In the example of figure 1 C, the first section and second section are perpendicular to one another. The flush bolt is substantially elongate. The flush bolt may have a chamfered-effect region connecting the first section and the second section (not shown in figure 1 C). In the examples of figures I B and 1 C, as with the example of figure I A, a slot 170 and a screw hole/attachment point 160 can be provided (described in more detail below).

A flush bolt according to an example does not impact on the operation or function of a door/threshold seal. The shape of the flush bolt is such that it does not impede operation of the seal, thereby providing a complete sealing across a full width of a door by virtue of the extend-around or wrap-around flush bolt design. When the flush bolt is deployed into the floor, the seal is able to sit flush within the bolt. The bolt may extend around both sides of the seal (such as for a C-, or U-shaped bolt for example) or may extend around one side of the seal (such as for an L-shaped bolt for example). That is, when the flush bolt is deployed, one or both of the legs of the flush bolt may encompass the seal or seal edge. As such, the bolt does not pass directly through the seal itself and does not disrupt the core function of the seal.

Figure 2 shows part of a flush bolt according to an example. More particularly, in Figure 2 there is shown the flush bolt 100 connected to a lever mechanism 200. The lever mechanism comprises an attachment portion 210. The attachment portion is attached to an end portion of the flush bolt at the screw hole 220 ( 160) using a suitable fixing, such as a screw or rivet for example. At a distal end of the attachment portion 210 is a pivotal region to which a lever 240 is connected. The lever 240 may be rotated about pivot point/axis 235. A pivotal pin 230 is provided about which the lever 240 pivots. In an example, the connection 220 between the attachment portion 210 and the bolt 100 can have a degree of play that enables movement of the bolt to be confined to direction A. For example, the connection between the attachment portion 210 and the bolt 100 may be flexible or loose so as to enable the two to move relative to one another such that, as the bolt moves up and down, the connection can accommodate any forward/backward and/or lateral movement of the attachment portion 210.

The lever 240 is attached to the attachment portion at a fixing region 250 using a suitable connector such as a pin for example about which the lever portion 250 and the end 260 of the attachment portion 210, which can be in the form of a channel, can rotate relative to one another. That is, in use, the lever 240 can be rotated (R) about pivot point 235 so as to cause the attachment portion 210, and therefore the flush bolt which is attached to the attachment portion, to deploy or retract in direction A. Typically, this will be along the vertical axis, but the bolt may in fact be oriented in any desired direction.

Figure 3A shows a flush bolt according to an example, and a seal. A seal housing 300 is attached within a cavity in a door (not shown), and the seal is fixed to the housing via a fixing, such as dowel or screw 320, for example. In use, when the lever mechanism 240 is operated, the flush bolt 100 moves in the vertical direction and dowel 320 passes unimpeded along channel 170. Accordingly, flush bolt 100, when deployed, can surround the seal 3 10 which may be protruding from the bottom of the door or, in an alternative, extending up from a threshold of the door. Thus, the flush bolt 100, having a substantially C-, or U-shaped cross section, can‘wrap around’ the seal 3 10, thereby minimising any gaps between the edge of the door and the seal through which sound, air or smoke and so on may pass.

Figure 3B is a rear view of flush bolt 100 according to an example. When the lever mechanism is operated the flush bolt moves along the vertical axis to surround the end of the seal as shown in Figure 3C, which also shows the seal housing 300.

Figures 4A and 4B show examples of the flush bolt in a housing according to an example. A housing 400 is provided to enclose the flush bolt and attachment portion. In an example, the attachment portion passes between the back of the housing 400 and a pin 270, whereby to constrain movement of the attachment portion in substantially one direction (e.g. up or down).

The housing is attached to the door via a screw 330, which pass through channel 170 so as not to impede the bolt as it moves. An attachment point, such as a screw thread 410, may be provided in the housing to allow installation of the flush bolt and housing into a door. A region 236 of the housing 400 is so profiled as to allow movement of portion 250/260 as the lever is actuated. That is, as the lever pivots about 235/230, portions 250/260 move up and down within the protruding region 236. A further securing screw, or the like, 410 may be provided at the top of the housing 400 to further secure it to a door. Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the flush bolt housing, lever mechanism and attachment portion according to an example. In a slightly alternative form, an elongate washer can be used with screw 410 in the position shown near the top region 503 of the housing 400. Such as washer can also be used when the screw is in the position shown in figure 4B, and another similar arrangement (320a, 320b) can be provided at the bottom region of the housing 400. As shown in figure 5, at least, the lever is wedge shaped, gradually tapering in a direction away from the pivot point.

Figures 6A and 6B depict an end view of the housing of the flush bolt according to an example. Seal 600 is shown protruding from behind the flush bolt. In use, the flush bolt (when deployed) moves downwards (in the orientation shown in figures 6A and 6B) to cover the end of the seal 600.

Figures 7A and 7B show the flush bolt housing installed within a door 700 according to an example.

Figures 8A-C show the flush bolt in operation according to an example. That is, figures 8A-8C show the position of the lever and the position of the flush bolt in varying degrees of deployment. The lever 240 is lifted about pivot point 235 to cause the flush bolt within the housing to deploy. In an example, when the lever is in a fully activated position the flush bolt is in a fully deployed position. In this fully deployed position, the flush bolt 100 covers the end of the seal 600 to a degree dictated by the size of the arms 120, 1 30. That is, with reference to figure I A for example, the substantially C-, or U-shaped section of the flush bolt wraps around the end of the seal to effectively act as an extension of the seal (i.e. there is no interruption or gap between the seal and the flush bolt).

As shown in Figures 8B and 8C, when fully deployed, the lever may sit flush within the housing 400 in the recessed portion 801 that lies above the recessed portion 803 in which the lever sits flush when not deployed. A socket 850 is provided for receiving the bolt. The socket is fixed to the floor such that when it receives the bolt, the door is secured in position. Figure 9A depicts the system of the present invention in isolation, and Figure 9B shows it in place in an edge of a door. In an example, the bolt protrudes further from the bottom of the seal as shown in figures 9A and 9B, thereby enabling it to protrude into the threshold of the door.

Figure I 0A shows a socket 1000 having a substantially C-, or U-shaped cross section I 100 according to an example. The socket has a first section I 100 and a second section 1200. In an example, the first section and second section are parallel so as to match the profile of the sections (arms) 120, 130 of the flush bolt 100. There is an intermediate section 1250 between the first I 100 and second 1200 sections. The intermediate section is generally perpendicular to the first and second sections. The socket may have a chamfered region connecting the first section and/or the second section. The socket may comprise a plate 1200. The plate may be installed within a depression in the threshold of a door (in the floor for example). The plate may comprise one or more attachment points 1300 for fixing the socket to the floor. The plate thus comprises an opening that is so profiled as to match the profile of the flush bolt so that the bolt may pass through the opening and into the threshold when deployed, thereby providing an extra degree of security and a pleasing aesthetic character. The shape of the channel may be so profiled as to match any shape of flush bolt (such as those shown in Figures I B and I C for example).

Figure 10B shows a socket 1400 according to an example. The socket has a substantially C-shaped cross section, similar to the socket described above with reference to Figure I0A, however the socket 1400 may be provided as a block 1500 which is in installed into a larger hole in the floor compared with that of the plate of figure I 0A. The substantially C-shaped cross section of the socket 1400, according to the example shown in Figure 10B, is provided as an elongate C-section through the block. In operation, the flush bolt 100, when deployed may mate or match with the corresponding C-shaped slot of the socket. As above, any channel shape or profile may be used.

In an example, the flush bolt, as described herein, combined with the socket described herein, form a security structure, which can also be considered a kit of parts. In effect, the flush bolt and the socket form a plug/socket type arrangement. There is provided a device that allows complete sealing across a full width of a door by virtue of the overlapping or wrap-around flush bolt design. The shape of the cross- section of the flush bolt is thus configured to extend or wrap around the end of a seal such that the flush bolt provides an additional physical barrier to prevent flow of air, smoke or sound and so on (there is no gap between the seal and flush bolt).

In an example, the flush bolt comprises a flat surface or comprises a plate section. The flat surface or plate section is arranged in use for extending around or overlapping the edges of a seal such that the flat surface or plate sections acts as a barrier to an air flow etc. between the flush bolt and the seal. The substantially flat surface may be formed from a sheet of material, for example a metal, and/or may form a planar surface.

In an example, there is provided a flush bolt having a substantially V-shaped cross-section comprising a first section and a second section, the first section arranged at an angle to the second section. The flush bolt is configured to wrap around the edges of a seal to provide a barrier to air flow etc. A corresponding V-shaped socket may be provided wherein the socket is arranged to receive the flush bolt having the substantially V-shaped cross-section.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. The skilled person will appreciate that other cross-sections may be provided that are possible within the scope of the invention to provide a surface of the flush bolt that is arranged to extend around or overlap an edge of a seal such that the flush bolt acts as a barrier. For example, instead of a flush bolt having a substantially C-shaped cross-section, the flush bolt may be provided with a substantially L-shaped cross-section (or substantially U-shaped cross- section or a substantially l-shaped cross-section provided a leg overlaps with the seal).

I I

Claims

1. A flush bolt comprising:

a first section; and

a second section,

wherein at least one of the first section and second sections comprise a substantially planar surface arranged to extend around an edge of a seal in use.

2. A flush bolt according to claim I , having a substantially C-, or U-shaped cross- section.

3. A flush bolt according to claim 2, wherein the second section is arranged

parallel to the first section.

4. A flush bolt according to claim 3, wherein the bolt comprises an intermediate section arranged between, and perpendicular to, the first and second sections.

5. A flush bolt according to claim I , having a substantially L-shaped cross-section.

6. A flush bolt according to claim 5, wherein the first section is arranged

perpendicular to the second section.

7. A flush bolt according to any preceding claim, further comprising a lever mechanism to deploy or retract the bolt.

8. A flush bolt according to any preceding claim, wherein the bolt comprises a metal material.

9. A flush bolt according to any preceding claim, wherein the bolt comprises a slot or channel, within or along which a fixing for a seal housing may freely pass.

10. A flush bolt according to claim 10, further comprising a housing configured to fix to a door through the slot whereby to conceal the bolt.

I I . A flush bolt according to claim 10, wherein the seal comprises a plastics material or brush region.

12. A socket comprising:

a first section; and

a second section,

wherein one or both of the first section and second section comprise a slot for receiving a flush bolt comprising a substantially planar surface to allow the flush bolt and a seal to act as a barrier.

13. A socket according to claim 12, wherein the socket slot comprises a

substantially C-, or U-shaped cross-section.

14. A socket according to claim 1 3, wherein the second section is arranged parallel to the first section.

15. A socket according to claim 14, wherein the socket comprises an intermediate section arranged between, and perpendicular to, the first and second sections.

16. A socket according to claim 12, wherein the socket slot comprises a

substantially L-shaped cross-section.

17. A socket according to claim 16, wherein the first section is arranged

perpendicular to the second section.

18. A socket according to any of claims 12 to 17, further comprising a plate

section.

19. A socket according to any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the socket is arranged to receive the flush bolt according to claim I .

20. A security structure, comprising: a flush bolt so profiled as to define a channel or cavity to receive a threshold seal, the flush bolt comprising an elongate longitudinal slot within or along which a fixing for a seal housing may freely pass; and

a socket with an opening so profiled as to correspond to the profile of the flush bolt, whereby to enable receipt of a portion of the flush bolt therein.