GB2279689A

GB2279689A - Releasable bolt keep

Info

Publication number: GB2279689A
Application number: GB9313809A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brodie Fry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-07-03
Filing date: 1993-07-03
Publication date: 1995-01-11
Also published as: GB9313809D0

Abstract

A bolt keeper comprising two main elements hinged about a common point and held closed by a ridge and groove coupling. Refer to Figure 2, when unusual force is applied in the direction of arrow 8 the coupling breaks and the top plate 1 rotates about the hinge 3, releasing the bolt shoot and allowing the door to open. The coupling arrangement provides for easy closing of the arrangement but inhibits subsequent separation of the elements. The keeper will restrict entry under normal conditions but release the bolt shoot when subject to unusual force, thus preventing damage to the door or door frame. <IMAGE>

Description

RESETTABLE DOOR BOLT KEEPER This invention relates to a resettable keeper for door bolts.

A keeper is the receiver, fastened to the door frame, into which the shoot of a bolt slides in order to secure the door from opening.

The invention is intended for use whenever privacy, rather than security, is required from a door bolt. The keeper is designed to restrict entry under normal conditions but release the bolt shoot without damage to the door or door frame when subject to unusual force, thus obviating the need for costly repairs and providing the means of rapid entry in the event of an emergency.

According to the present invention there is provided a bolt keeper comprising two main elements hinged about a common point and held closed by a resettable coupling.

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which; Figure 1 shows. in end elevation. the keeper in the closed position.

Figure 1 b shows the keeper in side elevation and plan when in the closed position.

Figure 2 illustrates the keeper in the closed position with the bolt shoot in place.

Referring to Figurel the keeper comprises two 'U' shaped elements. The bottom plate 2 is secured to the door frame by screws passing through countersunk holes 6 The top plate 1 fits tightly over the bottom plate and is hinged about a common point 3. The two plates are coupled and the arrangement held closed by means of a ridge 4 and groove 5. This ridge and groove is so shaped in cross section as to facilitate the easy closing of the arrangement but inhibit it's opening.

Figure I b shows the point at which the ridge on the bottom plate 2 stops. The groove feature runs the entire length of the top plate 1.

When unusual force is applied in the direction of arrow 8 the coupling breaks and the top plate I rotates about the hinge 3, releasing the bolt shoot and allowing the door to open.

The bolt shoot penetration is shown in Figure 2. The shoot may be scored at increments along it's length 7 to indicate the degree of penetration into the keeper. The further the shoot penetrates, the more force is required to uncouple the keeper due to the proximity of the end of the bolt to the fulcrum.

Claims

1 A bolt keeper comprising two main elements hinged about a common point and held closed by a resettabie coupling.

2. A resettable bolt keeper as claimed in claim 1 wherein the coupling between the elements is achieved by means of a ridge and groove arrangement.

3. A resettable bolt keeper as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein access to the screw fixings is prevented by their enclosure within the arrangement when closed.

4. A resettable bolt keeper substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1, Ib and 2 of the accomnanying drawings