GB1582373A

GB1582373A - Rim shoot-bolt

Info

Publication number: GB1582373A
Application number: GB1465877A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Greater London Council
Current assignee: Greater London Council
Priority date: 1977-04-06
Filing date: 1977-04-06
Publication date: 1981-01-07

Description

(54) A RIM SHOOT-BOLT (71) We, THE GREATER LONDON COUNCIL, of County Hall, London, S.E. 1, a British Body Corporate, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The invention relates to surface-mounted rim shoot-bolts for casement type closures such as doors, intended to keep them in a closed state and to protect them against opening from the other side, or to retain them in an open-state as may be required.

Such shoot-bolts are normally located adjacent to the opening-edges of a door, usually at its top and bottom. They usually have a manually reciprocable slidable bolt-shoot held in a casing or housing (or on a base plate) screwed to the door; and in a closed state the operative end of the shoot engages into a keep-plate or a keep socket fixed to an adjacent door-frame or threshold.

However, previously proposed and commonly used shoot-bolts have a casing fixed with screws which have their heads exposed and readily accessible (or even if the screwheads are apparently concealed then the shoot or its knob can be easily removed to expose the screw-heads). Such construction invites and facilitates tampering with by unauthorised persons such as vandals which often results in the fittings being easily dismembered, unscrewed, damaged or stolen especially in public utility buildings such as schools. When such bolts are put out of action then the door cannot be readily and securely closed as designed, and in certain locations a door deprived of effective closing and opening devices also contravenes mandatory fire-precautions.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide shoot-bolts with concealed securing devices.

According to the invention there is provided a rim shoot-bolt comprising a reciprocable slidable shoot member with a handle substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the shoot member, a guide for guiding the shoot member, fixing means for fixing the shoot-bolt to a substrate, the fixing means being concealed by the shoot member, and a captive mechanism internally of the rim shoot-bolt for maintaining the shoot member in position for movement relative to the guide, the arrangement being such that the fixing means is concealed by the shoot-member in both open and closed states.

The new bolts, having been once fixed on a door would not normally require removal, and it is advisable not to remove them for such customary purposes as periodical repainting of the door (the painting can be cut to the bolt casing) particularly when they do not require any maintenance.

Nevertheless, there may be rare occasions when they need to be removed, e.g. to salvage them when the door need to be changed. Therefore, for such legitimate purposes removal facilities may be provided.

Rim shoot-bolts embodying the invention are hereinafter described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a side elevation of a first embodiment of rim shoot-bolt, in an "open" condition; Figure 2 shows a front elevation of the bolt of Figure 1; Figure 3 shows an end elevation of the bolt looking towards a knob of the bolt; Figure 4 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the bolt in situ; Figure 5 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the bolt in its casing part of which is cut away for clarity; Figure 6 shows a longitudinal section through the knob; Figure 7 shows a transverse cross-section through the bolt at its catch-slot; Figure 8 shows a transverse cross-section through the bolt at the end opposite the knob; Figure 9 shows side and front views of a catch release tool for use with the shootbolt of Figures 1 to 8;; Figure 10 shows a side elevation of a second embodiment of rim shoot-bolt; Figure 11 shows a front elevation of the shoot-bolt of Figure 10; Figure 12 shows an elevational view of the knob of the second embodiment of shoot-bolt; Figure 13 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the second embodiment of rim shoot-bolt; Figure 14 shows a view of the bolt of the second embodiment of shoot-bolt in its casing, part of which is omitted for clarity; Figure 15 shows a transverse cross-section of the second embodiment of bolt at the position of the catch slot; Figures 16 and 17 respectively plan and side elevational views of a catch-release tool for use with the second embodiment of rim shoot-bolt; Figures 18 to 24 show a third embodiment of rim shoot-bolt, in which:: Figure 18 is a side elevation of the bolt; Figure 19 is a front elevational view of the bolt; Figure 20 is an elevational view of the knob end of the bolt; Figure 21 is a longitudinal sectional view of the bolt; Figure 22 is a view of the bolt in its casing, which is cut-away for clarity; Figure 23 is a transverse cross-section of the bolt; Figure 24 is an elevational view of arelease tool for use with the third embodiment; Figures 25- to 34 show a fourth embodiment of rim shoot-bolt, in which:: - Figure 25 is a side elevation of that fourth embodiment; Figure 26 is a front elevational view; Figure 27 is an elevational view of the knob; Figure 28 is a longitudinal sectional view of the fourth embodiment of bolt; Figure 29 is a view of the shoot in its casing, part of which is cut away for clarity; Figure 30 is a section through the knob; Figure 31 is a transverse cross-section through the bolt at its catch; Figure 32 is a transverse cross-section at the operative end of the bolt, opposite the knob; Figure 33 is a side elevation of a catch release tool; Figure 34 is a plan view of the tool of Figure 33; A fifth embodiment is shown in Figures 35 to 43, in which:: Figure 35 shows the fifth embodiment in side elevation; Figure 36 shows the fifth embodiment in plan; Figure 37 shows an elevational view of the knob; Figure 38 shows a longitudinal sectional view of the fifth embodiment of bolt; Figure 39 shows the bolt in its casing, which is cut away for clarity; Figure 40 shows a transverse cross-sectibn at the knob; Figure 41 shows a transverse cross-section near the knob; Figure 42 shows a transverse cross-section at the end opposite the knob; and Figure 43 shows three views of a washer of the fifth embodiment of bolt.

In the drawings, like parts are indicated by like reference numerals.

Referring now to Figures 1 to 9 of the drawings, the bolt shown has a hollow metal casing 1 open both ends, with front cut-out (top surface as considered in use) 2 (which can be shaped in various ways) for a knob 3 and to give access for passing of screws 4, and two holes- 5 for passing of screws 6, and (in the base of casing) with two holes 7 for inserting screws 6, one hole 8 for inserting screw 4, and catch-slot 9 which has raised lips 10 and 11. There is a reciprocable slidable shoot member in the form of a bolt-shoot 12 which is a simple metal casting incorporating a protruding knob 3 and a long aperture 13 in which there is a catch-clog 14 or detent pivoted on an axle-pin 15 inserted in axle-holes 16, and a double-blade spring 17 fastened as by a screw or rivet 18 to the shoot body.

The spring 17 presses the clog 14 into the catch-slot 9 when in an open state, and acts to press the clog 14 onto the casing base when the bolt is in a closed state and so creates friction between the reciprocable movable parts, in order to prevent the shoot 12 from unwanted movement under its own weight and incidental or induced vibration or shaking when in a vertical position on a door.

A metal keep-plate 19 which is an angle in section, of which one flange has a hole 20 (to receive the operative end of the shoot) and two screw-holes 21 for two screws 22. This keep-plate is fixed in customary manner to the door-stop. There is a catch-release tool as shown in Figures 9 and 10 which is made of a thin metal, suitably steel, with a blade suitably bent at one end which is intended to cover the catchslot and facilitate removal of the shoot 12 from its casing. A plain blade without the bend would be ineffective because of the intentionally raised lip 11.

In operation to fix the shoot bolt on site, first the empty casing 1 is screwed to the door face with screws 4 and 6 (one of which can be substituted with a bolt and nut for extra-strong fixing where so required, as shown). The shoot 12 is then inserted fully into the casing, where it conceals the screwheads, and instantly becomes ready for normal movement When the shoot is moved back to open state, the catch-clog 14 pivots into and engages a boundary of the catch-slot 9 where it stops against the lip 1.1 and prevents withdrawal of the shoot 12 from the casing. When the shoot is moved into the closed state (at top of door), the end of the clog stops just above lip 10 from where it cannot be shaken down against the resistance created by the raised lip, and requires a stronger manual pull to move to open state.Where the bolt is fixed at the bottom of the door, in the open state the raised lip 10 engages into a groove on the clog 14 where it creates extra resistance which prevents the shoot 12 from dropping down under any vibration onto the floor and requires a relatively strong manual push to move to the closed state when over the keep-socket. The bolts thus fitted can-not be removed by anybody without special knowledge and the special catch-release tool. Subsequently, the keep-plate 19 is fitted on the door-frame as described, and then the bolt is ready for normal and secure use.

Use of the bolt catch-release tool will now be described, which is as follows: (a) push the shoot 12 to closed state; (b) insert the release tool under the knob-end of shoot, so the bent end of the blade is directed towards the casing base, and push it into the clearance gap so a mark, such as a painted mark on the blade; coincides with the end of the casing 1. The blade now covers the catch-slot 9; (c) pull out the shoot 12 fully outwards, this being possible because the catch-clog 14 cannot engage into the catch-slot 9 because this latter is masked by the blade. The shoot slides over the slot 9 on the blade, and can be withdrawn easily; the release tool can then be withdrawn; (d) undo the screws thus exposed in the casing after withdrawal of the shoot; (e) return the release tool to tht property manager for safe-keeping with the instructions.

The embodiment of Figures 1 to 9 is shown with the casing made of standard hollow steel section and the shoot made of malleable iron, and this is to comply with the British Regulations for fire-precautions when the locking fittings on a fire-resistant or smokecheck door must be made of materials of melting point above 800"C. The constantly protruding knobs and the length of the bolt are designed to satisfy the same Regulations. For purposes other than mentioned above the bolt can be constructed of different materials, considerably different dimensions and proportions.

The embodiment of Figures 1 to 9 thus has the following features: (a) the openings in the front of the casing which provide access to the fixing screws when the shoot is removed, and which become blocked by the shoot when it is fully inserted and thus.

conceals the fixing-screw heads, making them safely inaccessible to intruders; (b) the concealed catch-clog arrangement which prevents withdrawal of the- shoot from its casing unless manipulated by a special release tool; (c) the arrangement of the spring which affects the clog and creates friction in the casing preventing the shoot moving inadvertently; (d) the raised lips 10 and- 11 and the groove in the clog, which further assist in this function and prevents effective insertion of unsuitable blades intended as unauthorised release tools; (e) the simple release tool.

Referring now to the embodiment of bolt illustrated in Figures 10 to 17 of the drawings, the bolt is shown in the closed state.

The bolt consists of components and features which are in principle the same as for the first embodiment, except that the knob 3 is- made separately and riveted or otherwise attached permanently to the shoot 1 which may be drilled for- that purpose as shown or as otherwise required.

The keep-plate 18 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment.

Fixing on site and operation of the bolt shown in Figures 10 to 17 is exactly the same as for the first embodiment.

The removal of the bolt in the second embodiment is exactly the same as for bolt of the first embodiment.

The second embodiment is shown with the casing made of standard hollow aluminium section and the shoot 12 made of aluminium flat section. These may be made of any suitable material and in any convenient proportions maintaining the same basic features.

Referring to Figures 18 to 24, the third embodiment of bolt shown comprises the following: a hollow metal section casing 1 open both ends, with front cut-out 2 to accommodate the knob 40 and to give access for screws 4 and the front holes 5 for screws 6 and in the base of the casing there are two holes 7 for inserting screws 6 and two holes 8 for screws 4 and a catch-slot 9.

A reciprocatable slidable bolt shoot 12 is a straight metal flat bar with a hole 41 for the shank of the knob 40. The knob 40 has a countersunk threaded hole 42 with a blocking screw 43, and a hole 44 containing helical spring 45 and a stopper-piston 46 with a threaded hole 47 and a stopper pin 48. The shank of the knob 40 is shaped and riveted in the hole 41 of the shoot 12.

Under the- shank around the stopp-er-pin there is a separate washer 49. The blocking screw 43 (with for example an Allen key recess head) provides a semi-confidential cover to the access to the piston 46 (so that unauthorised removal of this screw alone will not facilitate removal of the shoot without the release-tool). The spring 45 pushes the piston (via the washer 49) against the casing base and creates friction which prevents the shoot 12 from moving freely under its own weight and vibration in a vertical position and also keeps the pin 48 engaged in the catch-slot which limits the movement of the shoot.

The keeper-plate 19 is basically the same as that of the first embodiment.

For fixing this embodiment, first, the empty casing 1 is screwed to the door-face with screws 4 and 6 (for stronger fixing, the outer of screws 6 can be substituted with a bolt and a nut recessed and stopped flush on the other side of door). The shoot 12 is then inserted into the casing up to the point where the knob meets the end of the casing 1. Then the pin 48 is fitted with the washer 49 and using a screw-driver, is pushed into the knob 40 so it is flush with the washer and at that moment the shoot 12 is pushed fully into the casing 1. Whereupon the pin 48 automatically engages into the catch-slot 9 and securely limits the movement of the shoot 12 which then covers the heads of the fixing screws 4 and 6 in the casing 1. The bolt 12 thus fitted cannot be removed without confidential knowledge and a release-tool.Subsequently, the keep-plate 19 is fitted on the door-frame, as described in relation to the other embodiments, and then the bolt is ready for normal and secure use.

Removal of the bolt 12 requires a special release tool 50 as shown in Figure 24, which is used as follows: (a) using a suitable Allen key, the blocking screw 43 is removed and in its place the release-tool 50 is inserted and is screwed into the threaded hole of the piston 46; (b) the release-tool 50 is pulled a min. 3 mm outwards to move the stop-nut 46 to rest against the top of the knob 40; (c) pull the shoot 12 out of the casing, the catch-pin 48 now being pulled out of the catch-slot, and withdraw the shoot fully; then the fixing screws become exposed and accessible for normal unscrewing of the casing. It will be understood that the release-tool 50 set in the knob as above would also make easier full insertion of the shoot into its casing, after which it can be removed from the knob and the blocking screw should be replaced.

After use, or when the shoot need not be replaced straight away, the release-tool can be removed from the knob, the cover screw replaced and return the release-tool returned to safe keeping place together with an instruction sheet.

The third embodiment is shown with its casing made of standard hollow aluminium alloy and the shoot made of malleable cast iron or M.S. flat and the knob of M.S.

round bar. These can, however, be made of any suitable material as required for particular range of use of convenient manufacture, but maintaining the main features.

A case shoot may have the knob integral providing it has the holes 42 and 44.

The third embodiment of the invention as shown and described thus has l(a) the openings in the front of casing, which provide access to the fixing screws when the shoot is removed and which become blocked by the shoot when it is fully inserted and thus conceals the screw-heads; (b) the concealed catch-pin arrangement in the knob and base of casing which limits the movement of the shoot and prevents it from unauthorised withdrawal unless manipulated by a special release-tool; (c) arrangement of the spring which simultaneously affects the catch-pin and creates friction in the casing; and (d) the release-tool.

Referring now to Figures 25 to 34, which show a fourth embodiment the bolt comprises a hollow metal casing 1 acting also as a shoot with an integral knob 51 welded to it and with a reinforcing fillet 52 riveted (or welded) to the casing and with a hole 53 threaded for screw 54; a base 55 has two guide plates 56 and 57 riveted-(or welded) to it and the composite component has four fixing screw holes 58; the base rests on nylon sheet lining 59; in the casing there is a double pressure spring blade 60 and a spring blade catch 61 with soldered catchfillet 62 and bolt blades are attached with screw 54 to the casing.The spring blades 60 and 61 together provide pressure against the base and thus create friction between the base and the reciprocating slidable casing-shoot, in order to prevent the shoot from unwanted movement under its own weight and vibration when in a vertical position and the pressure of the two blades also press down the fillet 62 so as to engage against the guide-plate 56 and thus to prevent unauthorised removal of the bolt.

The lining 59 protects the door-face from scratching by the shoot.

The keep-plate 19 is basically the same as that for the other embodiments.

Fixing the fourth embodiment on site will now be described: fine sheet lining 59 is positioned and pinned on the door-face and the composite base 55 (with plates 56 and 57) is placed over the lining 59 and screwed to the door face. Then the casing shoot 1 is placed at the knob end of the base and slid onto it to its full extent while simultaneously the catch fillet 62 engages over the end of the guide plate 56 and thus the shoot can slide over about 20 mm to and fro on its base, and the heads of the fixing screws 63 become concealed under the shoot. The bolt thus fitted cannot be removed without confidential knowledge and a special release-tool. Subsequently, the keepplate 19 is fitted on the door-frame and the bolt is then ready for normal and secure use.

Removal of the casing bolt 1 requires a special double-blade release-tool 64 as shown in Figures 33 and 34, which is used as follows: when the bolt 1 is in open state, the double-blade release-tool 64 with its turnedup end 65 is held pointing away from the bolt base and it is inserted under the knob and pushed in under the casing 1 up to the catch-fillet 62 so that this is raised and will disengage from the guide-plate 56 and then the bolt can be slid freely away from its base. Then the fixing-screw heads 63 become exposed and accessible for normal unscrewing of the base.

The fourth embodiment is shown with its casing shoot made of standard aluminium "G" section while the knob is welded and the reinforcing fillet 4 riveted to the casing; in other methods of manufacture, this whole casing can be made of cast aluminium alloy (or other metal) and then the hollows can be milled out to the required shape.

The base here is shown as made of mild steel flat strips fixed together; alternatively, the base can be made of one casting of suitable metal alloy.

The fourth embodiment of the invention as shown thus has the following features: (a) when fixed in position, the bolt looks as if it was made of one piece of material gliding on the door face and this creates a superior and neat appearance; (b) the arrangement of the appropriately shaped outer slidable casing-shoot embracing over a fixed and concealed base; (c) the arrangement of the screw catch-fillet; and (d) its release-tool.

Referring now to Figures 35 to 43 of the drawings, the bolt shown consists of a hollow metal casing-shoot 1, with knob 66 welded to it. There are shaped apertures 67, 68 and 69 (the first two of which are of keyhole shape) in the base of the casing.

An insert or box 70 contains a nut 71 and is fitted tight in the casing and spot welded; fixing screws 72 and 73 have spring-washers 74 and a thread-bolt 75 has spring-washer 76. Two raised washers are 77, and a (nylon) sheet lining 78 has tiny holes indicating screw positions and it is fixed with two pins 79. The spring washers 74 provide pressure between the head of the fixing screws 72, 73 and, through the raisedwashers 77, the base of the slidable casingshoot 1 and thus create friction in order to prevent the shoot from unwanted movement under its own weight and vibration when in the vertical position. The nut-box 70 holds the nut 72 in appropriate position in which it can be engaged with its bolt during fixing.

The keep-plate 19 is basically the same as that of the other embodiments.

The washers 77 have flanges which have bent up free end parts (Figure 43).

In order to attach the fifth embodiment on site, the lining 78 is secured to the door face and pilot-holes for screws 72 and 73 and clearances holes with countersinking for the bolt 75 are drilled in the door in correct locations; then the screws 72 and 73 each with spring washer 74 and raising washer 77 are driven into the prepared pilot-holes. Next the casing-shoot 1 is positioned so the larger parts of the apertures 67 and 68 fit over respective washers and the casing-shoot is pushed in the direction of the "closed" state. When this is done the raised pieces of the washers 77 enter the elongated slots of the apertures 67, 68 and thus the casing becomes engaged with the fixing screws and held on the door. Then the bolt 75 is inserted and turned into the nut, with correct tightness from the opposite side of the door into which the bolt is secured.Subsequently, the countersinking for the bolt head 80 is stopped flush with the door surface 81, and the keep-plate 19 (or keep-socket) is set in and fixed correspondingly in customary manner to the door-frame or threshold and the bolt is ready for normal use.

Removal of the bolt requires the confidential knowledge of the method of fixing (and particularly of the bolt and nut) and then the reverse sequence of the fixing operation.

The fifth embodiment shown with its casing-shoot made of standard rectangular hollow steel section and the knob welded on; in other method of manufacture, this whole casing-shoot can be made of one metal casing and the inside surface of the base of the casing can be milled out.

The fifth embodiment of the invention thus provides, as shown, that (a) when in the fixed position, the bolt looks as if it was made of one piece of material which can glide on the door-face without apparent means of fixing and this creates superior and neat appearance; (b) that the arrangement of appropriately shaped slidable casing-shoot engaging on concealed fixing raising-washers and screws; (c) the concealed nut and bolt for final fixing.

All the bolts shown and described are shown as fixed at the top of a door opening outwards, with appropriate keep-plate at the door-stop. When these bolts are fixed at the top of a door opening inwards, a keep-staple (instead of keepplate) is required on the face of the door-frame; but these are not shown as they are simple devices (similar to those in common use) and do not require special design except that they should fit the operative end of a shoot in each embodiment of bolt. All these bolts can be fitted also at the bottom of any door which opens either outwards or inwards, using the same keep-plate, keepstaple or a keep-socket as appropriate for the shape of the bottom member of a doorframe, threshold or floor.The bolts at the bottom of a door can act also as doorholders to hold the door in open position as required, for which a suitable keepsocket should be provided in corresponding location on the floor. Otherwise, the bolts operate the same in each application.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A rim shoot-bolt comprising a reciprocable slidable shoot member with a handle substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the shoot member, a guide for guiding the shoot member, fixing means for fixing the rim shoot-bolt to a substrate, and a captive mechanism internally of the rim shoot-bolt for maintaining shoot member in position for movement relative to the guide, the arrangement being such that the fixing means is concealed by the shoot member in both open and closed states.

2. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 1, the fixing means comprising holes for receiving removable fixing devices such as screws.

3. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 2, the mechanism comprising a catch device pivotably mounted in the shoot member and a further hole in the guide in which the catch member engages.

4. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 3, in which the catch device is urged to engage a boundary of the hole.

5. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 4, the biasing means comprising a leaf spring secured to the shoot member.

6. A rim shoot-bolt according to any of Claims 3 to 5, the boundary edge of the further hole being inclined to form a lip.

7. A rim shoot-bolt according to any of Claims 3 to 6, a surface of the catch device having a notch for receiving a boundary edge of the further hole.

8. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 3, the catch device comprising a concealed spigot of the shoot member which is slidable in a hole of the guide and is retractable from engagement in the hole.

9. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 8, the spigot being mounted in a hand grip device of the shoot-bolt.

10. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 11, comprising a recess in the hand-grip in which the spigot is seated, a biasing means in the recess urging the spigot into engagement with the hole.

11. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 10, the spigot having a screw threaded bore for receiving a screw-threaded member so that the spigot can be retracted away from the hole against the action of the biasing means.

12. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 3, the mechanism comprising a hole defined by the guide and a resilient catch of the shoot member engaging in the hole.

13. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 2, the mechanism comprising a keyway on the shoot member and means on the guide which engages the keyway.

14. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 13, comprising a plurality of keyways and an identical number of engagement means.

15. A rim shoot-bolt according to Claim 13 or 16, the or each engagement means comprising a flange on a boss which provides the guide.

16. A rim shoot-bolt according to any of Claims 13 to 15, including means for seating additional securing of the shootbolt.

17. A shoot-bolt according to Claim 16, the seating means comprising a housing in the shoot member for receiving a nut.

18. A shoot-bolt, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in Figures 1 to 9, Figures 10 to 17, Figures 18 to 24, Figures 25 to 34, or Figures 35 to 43 of the accompanying drawings.

19. A closure member on which is mounted a rim shoot-bolt according to any of the preceding claims.

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. in each embodiment of bolt. All these bolts can be fitted also at the bottom of any door which opens either outwards or inwards, using the same keep-plate, keepstaple or a keep-socket as appropriate for the shape of the bottom member of a doorframe, threshold or floor. The bolts at the bottom of a door can act also as doorholders to hold the door in open position as required, for which a suitable keepsocket should be provided in corresponding location on the floor. Otherwise, the bolts operate the same in each application. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A rim shoot-bolt comprising a reciprocable slidable shoot member with a handle substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the shoot member, a guide for guiding the shoot member, fixing means for fixing the rim shoot-bolt to a substrate, and a captive mechanism internally of the rim shoot-bolt for maintaining shoot member in position for movement relative to the guide, the arrangement being such that the fixing means is concealed by the shoot member in both open and closed states.