US1711513A - Fire door - Google Patents

Description

J. Z. --WINDER May' 7, 1929.

FIRE DOOR Filed April 211j 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet WW' /Avj ATTHNEY.

J. Z. WINDER May 7, 1929.

1,711,513 FIRE DOOR Filed April 24, 1925 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 invffuron v Patented May 7, 1929.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOSEPH Z. WINDER, OF RICHMOND, INDIANA,VASSIGNOR TO RICHMOND FIREPROOF DOOR COMPANY, 0F RICHMOND, INDIANA, A CORPORATION OF INDIANA.

FIRE DOOR.

Application filed. April 24, 1925. Serial No. 25,633.

My invention relates to a fire door, and more particularly to a swinging door particularly adapted for use in closing the door openings in ware houses.

Doors of the general type to which my invention relates include a metal frame usually made of angle metal stock, the inturned flanges of this frame having firmly secured and fitted thereto a sheet metal plate forming the panel of the door. The. metals of different portions of the door vary in thickness, vthe frames being of heavier stock than the panels, so that when said doors are subjected to high temperatures as in the case of a fire, lthe door will buckle badly and become so deformed as to make a subsequent opening of the door ditlicult, and its subn sequent use impossible. This condition rcsults mainly from the fact that the panel of the door will expand more rapidly and to a greater extent, by reason of its relatively greater surface dimensions, than the heavier metal angle frame of the door. This is also due in part lto the fact that the bulk of material in the Apanel is relatively less than in the door frame.

lll/lith the above conditions in mind, I have provided a fire door which is so constructed :is to permit the free expansion of the metal of the panel in all directions without subjecting the frame of the door to any stresses tl'ererrom, while at the same time so reinforcing the door structure as to permit the use of fairly light metal stock in the frame and also in the panel without `likelihood of the racking or sagging of the door structure through use. The hinge construction is such that the entire weight of the door will be supported so as to distribute the load throughout the door structure in a lmanner which will effectively relieve the portion of the door frame adjacent the hinges from eX- cessive strains thereon either from the weight of the door or from its opening and closing movement, the hinge construction being incorporated in the reinforcing members.

In the construction of door as herein described, the panel is supported in relation to the door frame solely by means of friction, thus under normal conditions preventing looseness or rattling of the panel in the frame, yet permitting a free expansion of the panel in the event of the door being subjected to high temperatures as during a fire, with- The invention consists primarily in a fire door embodying therein a frame of angle metal having one flange of each bar thereof directed inwardly'of the frame and another flange thereof extending at substantially right angles thereto to form a rabbeted opening within the frame, a metal panel plate closing said opening, but of dimensions which will space the edges thereof away from said last named flanges, plates forming with said inwardly directed flanges a channel, means securing said plates to said frame in a relation to cause the frictional engagement of said panel plate between said inwardly directedv fianges and said plates, said means not engaging said panel plate, whereby rattling of said panel plateis prevented, and it is permitted to expandv in all directions when subjected to high temperatures, and hinge members carried by said frame; and .insuch other novel features of c0n struction and combination of parts as are hereinafter set forth and described, and more` particularly pointed out in the claims hereto appended. l

Referringto the drawings',

Fig. l is an elevation of a door embodying my invention, said door being broken `and condensed both laterally and vertically;`

Fig. 2 is a section on the line 2 2 of Fig. l through portions of said door only and upon an enlarged scale; y

Fig. 3 is a vertical section through the door on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

et is an enlarged detail view showing one of the side rails of the door in horiaontal section;

Fig. 5 is a similar view showing a modified construction of the door; and y Fig. 6 is another similar view showing a still furtherk modified construction of the frameand panel of the door. v Y 'Like letters refer to likevparts throughou the several views. Y V

In the embodiment of my invention shown inthe drawings a, indicates a wall of a building having a dooropening therein' at o. This door opening is closed by a fire door embodying my invention, which door' as stated is of the swinging type, fitted within the door opening in a manner which may cause likelihood of the jamming of the door,

in the event of its distortion from expansion in the event or' fire adjacent the door.

The construction shown, includes a metal frame c, formed of an angle metal bar or bars, one flange e of each bar of the door extending substantially parallel With the Wall ci and flooring Within the door opening;` Z), and the other angle thereof 02 being directed inwardly of the frame to form a. rabbeted opening for the reception of a metal plate ci forming the panel of the door.

expansion of the top, bottom and side bz In forming the frame of the door, the flanges c2 are 4Ir'nitred to permit the formation of the corners, it being possible to form this frame Vof one continuous angle bar With the ends Welded together, or of separate bars thus Welded.

rlhe door frame thus described is of a height and width slightly less than the door opening o, thus forming a gap about the door When in the closed position Whieh will compensate for variations in the dimensions of different door openings, {sul} posed to be of the ,same dimensions) While at the same time affording cle; rance to permit (With certain reinforcingrails to be hereinafter deseribed) Without likelihood oi Causing the jamming oi the 'door in they opening. rlhis gap about the door closed against the passage of smoke and i'ire by means of astragals e formed by angleV metal bars, the flanges e of which close sai d gaps and lap the door opening, and the othe. flanges e2 of vvhieh abut against, and are permanently secured to, the flange c2 of the door frame proper. Said angle bars e may be secured to the flange c2 by being Welded thereto, or by being riveted or bolted there to, as desired.

The rbottom bar of theldoor frame prop-- ler is spaced above the threshold, sill,

sufficiently to permit the use of an astragal formed as described at the bottoni of the door frame, although if desired, the door frame proper may be brought Close to the threshold.

The panel plate Z is of light metal with the two-fold object of lightening` the door structure as much as possible, and reducing the cost of production, rigidity in the door being secured by means independent of the panel. This panel has a very loose fit Within the rabbet formed by the inwardly directed flange ciY of the door frame, the dim mensions of this panel being such as to eom pletely close the opening in the door frame, but to space the perimeter or edges ofthe the panel avvay from the flange c2 sufiiciently to permit the maximum expansion of the metal of the panel when subjected to eX- cessively high temperatures Without placing the angle bar frame of the door under any stresses as a result of this expansion, and thus avoid distortion of the door frame from this cause. lt Will readily be appreciated that with a panel made of light plate metal having the surface dimensions Which a panel of this kind Will have, the panel, in the event of lire, will expand quickly and to a relatively greater extent than the heavier angle metal frame. By affording sufficient clearance about all edges of the panel, and between same and the flange 02 of the frame bars, however, such expansion may occur Without subjecting the frame to any stresses from the, panel, and that furthermore, this expansion, when it "occurs, will not result in `he buckling' of the panel itself, however great the expansion may be, providing of course, that the panel about the edges is not restrained in any Way either by the frame or by the means securing the panel within the frame.

lt is nevertheless essential that the panel d be supported with sufficient permaneney to avoid looseness thereof, resulting in ratfling, and yet, this securing means must be so constructed and arranged as to permit the free expansion of the panel in the manner above described.

'ifo secure the panel firmly in position in relation to the frame, l provide means secured to the frame of the door in a manner flo develop surface pressure upon the panel about and adjaeent its edges to hold the panel firmly solely by friction, said means and the rabbet forminr flange of the door e5 el thus frmly gripping and holding the panel under normal conditions, and yet, in the event of fire, offering insufficient resistance to expansion of the metal the panel to cause buckling of the panel or deformation of the frame. ln this manner the panel is supported in the doorv iframe solely by friction, which will place no restraint upon the 'free expansion of the panel, and yet will hold it with sufficient firmness to prevent rattling and the presence of gaps between the panel and the frame. ln fact the edge oit the panel is frictionally held Within a ehannel formed about the opening in the door frame,

ln the embodiment of the invention shown, means forming the Channel above referred to, and for frietionally holding the panel d, consists of aplurality of angle plates or bars anyvdesired number of such plates or of any desired length being used, so long as sufficient friction is developed to hold the panel in the manner above described. @ne flange of said angle plates frietionally engages the panel Z While the other flange fis seouredto the flange 02 of the frame of the door by being riveted orbolted thereto, as particularly illustrated in Figs. 3, et and 6, or being Welded thereto as shown in Fig. 5. These angle plates or bars do not add materially to the Weight of the door, nor do they have any material stiftening action, their purpose being solely t frictionally support the panel with its edges spaced away from the flange c2 of the door frame. i

In referring yto the light structure of the doors, this is merely a relative term, since of necessity doors embodying the invention Will have considerable Weight particularly as they are designed to close fairly large door openings in `warehouses and are of all metal construction. ThereV is in such doors a Weight so distributed thatunless braces are provided, there is a great tendency of the door to sag at the point-s thereof more re motel from the hinge supports, thus tending to rack it not only from this-sagging action but as a result of the frequent ars resulting from the opening Vand, closing of the door. To impart the desired rigidity to the door and avoid the sagging and racking above referred to, While the same time per- ,initting the friction'al support of the door.

panel for the purposes above described, I provide suitable braces Which reinforce the frame of the door against sagging and at the sametime afford rigid carrying meinbers for the hinge socket connected with the door and co-operating withY a hinge plateA upon the door jamb. The constructionand arrangement of suoli braces is such that they will neither support nor be supported by the door panel d.

In the form of the invention shown these braces consist of a channel. bar g upon one side of the door extending between opposite vertical flanges c', the number of these channels preferably corresponding with the nume ber of hinges. Upon the other side of the door are hinge straps 7L of substantially the same length as the bars g, such bars and such straps being firmly riveted or bolted together and to the flanges c of the side bars of the door frame. The rivets securing said parts together are indicated at i and Where they pass through the panel al, openings are formed in said panel as indicated at CZ in Figs. l and 2, of suliicient size to permit the expansion of the panel cl Without placing any stresses upon said rivets, upon the door frame or upon the panel through the bars and straps g and 7i.

The st 1aps ,7L at the opposite ends thereof rest upon the outer face of the flanges c upon the side bars of the door and are thus spaced away from the panel Z at this' face of the door. If desired, this space between the panel and the bar may be closed'by a spacer bar y', the thickness of which Will be such that the panel will also be frictionally supported at each of these braces in addition to the edge thereof.

' Each strap 71, has formed at one end thereof a hinge socket as it', the bar being eX- tended Vbeyond the adjacent side astragal e sufficiently to accommodate the hinge socket t secured to the Walladj acent the door openinfr. Y l

It Will be seen that by the use of braces as described, sagging of the door Will be prevented, and that if desired additional frictional supports for the panel may bepro-y vided.` Particular attention is directed to the fact that aside from the possible frictional engagement above referred to, said braces are unconnected with the panel d'.-

By reason of the freedom with which the panel may expand in case of fire, the channels gand the straps h are not relied upon to checlrbuckling of the panel.

To hold the door in the closed position, I provide it with a plurality of pivoted latch members m connected by a'link mso as to cause simultaneous movement of all of said latch members.

At lea-st one of the latch members m is provided With a guide strap m2, and said latches are simultaneously actuated by a cam n having a handle n.

It is to be noted that the latch members m are all pivotally mounted upon the panel l but are unconnected yin any Way With the door frame although guided in their movements adjacent the edge of the door, by straps o. Each latch member m co-operates with a suitable keeper p mounted on the buck or portion of the Wall adjacentthe door opening. Y

In the form of the invention shown in Figs. l to Band 5, the astragals e and the friction platesvf" are shown as being secured in relation to the frame of the door by Ine-ans of Welding.. In Fig. the construction and arrangement of parts is the same as in Figs. l` to l, except that the astragals, friction plate andframe are shown being riveted together. n In the inodioation shown in Fig. 6, the general construction is the same as that in the other forms of the inventioin shown, excepting that instead of using angle bars in the frame of the door a T-bar is used, thus combining the frame of the door and the astragals in a single integral part.

In Fig. `6, the foot of the T-bar is indicated at c3, this foot corresponding Withthe two flanges c2 and e2 of the'other forms of the invention. One portion'of the head of this flange is indicated at c4, Which portion corresponds with the flange e of the other forms of the invention. The. other part of this head represented atc5 corresponds With the flange c. In fact, this lforma-tion of the frame of the'door merely amounts to the substitution of a unitary` for a two-part structure as compared with the other forms of the invention.

' From the foregoing` description it Will be apparent that the entire load of the door Will be supported from the hinges through the straps It, channel bars g and the angle bars e voftheframe propel' of the door, all

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bers carried by said frame, a plurality of latches pivotally supported by said panel plate, a link connecting all of said latches, means operative upon one of said latches for simultaneously `actuating all of said latches, and keepers upon the wall of the building adjacent the door opening and cooperating with said latches respectively.-

5. A lire door embodying therein a frame of angle metal havingone flange of each bar thereof directed inwardly of the frame and another flange thereof extending at substantially right angles thereto to form a rabbeted opening` within the frame, the dimensions of said frame being less than the opening to be closed by the door whereby a gap is formed between said frame and the building about the door opening, a metall panel plate closing theopening in said frame but of dimensions which will space the edges thereof away from said last named flanges, plates forming with said inwardly directed flanges a channel, means securing said plates to said frame in a relation to cause the frictional engagement of said panel plate between saidl flanges and said plates, said means not engaging said panel plate, whereby rattling of said panel plate is prevented and it is permitted to expand in all directions when subjected to high temperatures, a flange carried by, and extending outwardly of said frame, sufficiently to span the gap about same and lap the building structure about the door opening, and hinge members carried by said frame.

6. A fire door embodying therein a frame of angle metal .having one flange of each bar thereof directed inwardly of the frame and another flange thereof extending at substantially right angles thereto to form a rabbeted opening within the frame, a metal panel plate closing said opening, but of dimensions which will space lthe edges thereof away from said last named flanges, plates forming with said inwardly directed flanges a channel, means securing said plates to said frame in a relation to cause the frictional engagement of said panel plate between said inwardly directed flanges and said plates,

said means not enga-gine said panel plate, whereby rattling of said panelplate is prevented, and it is` permitted to expand in Aall directions when subjected to high temperatures, ehannelled braces in frictional engagement with said panel plate and engaging the opposite side bars of said frame,

hinge straps upon the opposite side of the of angle metal having one flange of eachv bar thereof directed inwardy of the frame and another flange thereof extending at substantially right angles thereto to form a rabbeted opening within the frame, a metal panel plate closing said opening, but of di mensions which will space the edges thereof away from said last named flanges, plates forming with said inwardly directed flanges a channel, means securing said plates to said frame in a relation to cause the frietional engagement of said panel plate between said inwardly directed flanges and said plates, said'means not engaging said panel plate, whereby rrattling of said panel plate is prevented, and it is permitted to expandin all direct-ions when subjected to high temperatures, channelled braces in frictional en" gagement with said panel plateand engaging the opposite side bars of said frame, hinge straps uponthe opposite side of the door, a filler plate frictionally engaging said panel plate and between same and` each of said hinge straps, means rigidly securing each of said channelled braces and each of said hinge straps together, and to the side bars of said frame, said means passing through enlarged openings in said panel plate, and hinge members carried by said hinge straps respectively.

In witness whereof I h ave hereunto aliixed my signature, this 20th day of April, 1925.

JOSEPH Z. l/VINDER.

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