# US 2013/0154283 A1 · Exit device assembly > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 2013/0154283 A1 - Document ID: US20130154283A1 - Status: Published application - Kind: A1 - Application number: 13/593,041 - Filed: 2012-08-23 - Published: 2013-06-20 - Earliest claimed: 2011-08-23 - Assignees: Schlage Lock Company LLC - Inventors: Paul R. Arlinghaus; David M. Schacht; Michael D. Coleman; Abdur Rahman Shareef; Matthew A. Phillips; Marlin Austin - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US20130154283A1 ## CPC - E05B 65/1006: {of the vertical rod type} - E05B 47/023: {the bolt moving pivotally or rotatively} - E05B 53/005: {Bowden} - E05B 63/143: {Arrangement of several locks, e.g. in parallel or series, on one or more wings} - E05B 65/1046: {Panic bars} - E05B 65/1053: {sliding towards and away form the door} - E05B 65/1093: {Dogging means for holding the actuation means, e.g. the actuating handle} - E05C 3/162: {the handle or member moving essentially towards or away of the plane of the wing or frame (E05C3/167 takes precedence)} - Y10T 292/1045: Operating means - E05B: LOCKS; ACCESSORIES THEREFOR; HANDCUFFS - E05C: BOLTS OR FASTENING DEVICES FOR WINGS, SPECIALLY FOR DOORS OR WINDOWS (latching means for sideboard or tailgate structures for vehicles B62D, {B62D33/02}; fastening devices for constructional or engineering elements E04, F16B; locks, fastening devices structurally or operatively combined or having significant cooperation with locks E05B; means for operating or controlling wing fasteners in conjunction with mechanisms for moving the wing E05F) - Y10T: TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION ## Abstract An exit device assembly for use in association with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface. The exit door assembly includes an exit device configured to be mounted on the surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member, a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and a non-rigid device for causing movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An exit device assembly for use with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface, the assembly comprising: an exit device configured to be mounted on the vertical surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member; a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position; and a non-rigid device interconnected with the latch mechanism and the exit device and configured to cause movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The exit device assembly of claim 1 wherein the non-rigid device is mechanical. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The exit device assembly of claim 1 wherein the non-rigid device is non-mechanical. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The exit device assembly of claim 3 wherein the non-rigid device includes a solenoid or stepper motor operably connected to the latch. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The exit device assembly of claim 1 wherein the non-rigid device includes a hydraulic device. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The exit device assembly of claim 1 wherein the non-rigid device includes a cable. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The exit device assembly of claim 6 wherein the cable is enclosed. ### Claim 8 (depends on 6) The exit device assembly of claim 6 wherein the cable is not enclosed. ### Claim 9 (depends on 6) The exit device assembly of claim 6 wherein the non-rigid device also includes a slide member movable in response to movement of the manually movable member, and wherein the cable extends between the slide member and the latch mechanism. ### Claim 10 (depends on 9) The exit device assembly of claim 9 wherein the latch mechanism also includes a blocking member movable between a blocking position in which the blocking member prevents movement of the latch from the locking position, and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member permits movement of the latch from the locking position, and wherein the cable extends between the slide member and the blocking member. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The exit device assembly of claim 10 wherein the latch mechanism also includes a rod connected between the cable and the blocking member. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The exit device assembly of claim 11 wherein the latch is pivotable between the locking and non-locking positions, wherein the blocking member is pivotable between the blocking and non-blocking positions, wherein the rod has an end connected to the blocking member, has an opposite end connected to the cable, and is biased by a spring in a blocking direction so as to bias the blocking member toward the blocking position, and wherein movement of the slide member in an opening direction causes the cable to pull the rod against the force of the spring and in a direction opposite the blocking direction, thereby pivoting the blocking member from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, thereby permitting the latch to pivot from the locking position to the non-locking position. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) The exit device assembly of claim 12 wherein the blocking member has therein a blocking member slot, and wherein the rod is connected to the blocking member by a pin movable in the slot. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The exit device assembly of claim 13 wherein the blocking member is pivotable about an axis, and wherein the slot extends radially from the axis. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The exit device assembly of claim 14 wherein the latch mechanism also includes a base member, wherein the blocking member is pivotally mounted on the base member, wherein the base member has therein a base member slot in which the pin travels, a first portion of the base member slot extending radially from the axis, and a second portion of the base member slot extending non-radially relative to the axis, wherein the pin is located in the first portion of the base member slot when the blocking member is in the blocking position, wherein movement of the pin is in the first portion of the base member slot during initial movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position, and wherein movement of the pin is in the second portion of the base member slot during subsequent movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position. ### Claim 16 (depends on 10) The exit device assembly of claim 10 and further comprising a second latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent the other of the top and the bottom of the door, the second latch mechanism including a second latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and a second cable connected between the blocking member and the second latch mechanism such that movement of the blocking member operates the second latch mechanism. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) The exit device assembly of claim 16 wherein the first-mentioned latch mechanism is configured to be mounted adjacent the top of the door and the second latch mechanism is configured to be mounted adjacent the bottom of the door. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The exit device assembly of claim 17 wherein the second latch is biased toward the non-locking position, wherein the second latch mechanism also includes a second blocking member movable between a blocking position in which the second blocking member prevents movement of the second latch from the locking position, and a non-blocking position in which the second blocking member permits movement of the second latch from the locking position, and wherein the second cable is connected to the second blocking member. ### Claim 19 (depends on 18) The exit device assembly of claim 18 wherein the second latch mechanism includes a rod connected between the second cable and the second blocking member. ### Claim 20 (depends on 19) The exit device assembly of claim 19 wherein the second latch is pivotable between the locking and non-locking positions, wherein the second blocking member is pivotable between the blocking and non-blocking positions, wherein the rod has an end connected to the second blocking member, has an opposite end connected to the second cable, and is biased by a second spring in a blocking direction so as to bias the second blocking member toward the blocking position, and wherein movement of the blocking member of the first-mentioned latch mechanism to the non-blocking position pulls on the second cable and causes the second cable to pull the rod against the force of the second spring and in a direction opposite the blocking direction, thereby pivoting the second blocking member from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, thereby permitting the second latch to pivot from the locking position to the non-locking position. ### Claim 21 (depends on 12) The exit device assembly of claim 12 wherein, during closing of the door, engagement with a strike moves the latch to the locking position, thereby allowing the blocking member to move to the blocking position. ### Claim 22 (depends on 12) The exit device assembly of claim 12 wherein, when the latch is in the non-locking position and the blocking member is in the non-blocking position, the latch prevents movement of the blocking member to the blocking position. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) The exit device assembly of claim 22 wherein, during closing of the door, engagement with a strike moves the latch to the locking position, thereby allowing the blocking member to move to the blocking position. ### Claim 24 (depends on 12) The exit device assembly of claim 12 wherein, during opening of the door after movement of the blocking member to the non-blocking position, engagement with a strike moves the latch to the non-locking position. ### Claim 25 (depends on 12) The exit device assembly of claim 12 wherein the latch is biased toward the non-locking position such that the latch moves to the non-locking position when the blocking member moves to the non-blocking position. ### Claim 26 (depends on 10) The exit device assembly of claim 10 wherein the latch and the blocking member have respective surfaces that engage when the blocking member is in the blocking position such that a force on the latch in the direction toward the non-locking position will act through the surfaces to exert on the blocking member a force directed away from the non-blocking position. ### Claim 27 (depends on 1) The exit device assembly of claim 1 and further comprising a second latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent the other of the top and the bottom of the door, the second latch mechanism including a second latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and a second non-rigid device for causing movement of the second latch in response to movement of the first-mentioned latch. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) The exit device assembly of claim 27 wherein the first-mentioned and second non-rigid devices both include a cable. ### Claim 29 (depends on 28) The exit device assembly of claim 28 wherein the first-mentioned non-rigid device includes a slide member movable in response to movement of the manually movable member, and wherein the cable extends between the slide member and the first-mentioned latch mechanism. ### Claim 30 An exit device assembly for use with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface, the assembly comprising: an exit device configured to be mounted on the vertical surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member; a first latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the first latch mechanism including a first latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position; a mechanism for causing movement of the first latch in response to movement of the manually movable member; a second latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent the other of the top and the bottom of the door, the second latch mechanism including a second latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position; and a non-rigid device interconnected between the first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism for actuating the second latch mechanism. ### Claim 31 (depends on 30) The exit device assembly of claim 30 wherein the non-rigid device includes a cable extending from the first latch mechanism to the second latch mechanism. ### Claim 32 A latch mechanism, comprising: a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position; and an anti-bounce arrangement. ### Claim 33 (depends on 32) The latch mechanism of claim 32 and further comprising a blocking member movable between a blocking position in which the blocking member prevents movement of the latch from the locking position, and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member permits movement of the latch from the locking position, wherein the latch is pivotable between the locking and non-locking positions, wherein the blocking member is pivotable about an axis between the blocking and non-blocking positions, wherein the blocking member is biased toward the blocking position, wherein movement of a manually movable member in an opening direction causes movement of the blocking member from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, thereby permitting the latch to pivot from the locking position to the non-locking position, wherein the blocking member has therein a blocking member slot, wherein the manually movable member is connected to the blocking member by a pin movable in the slot, wherein the slot extends radially from the axis, wherein the latch mechanism also includes a base member, wherein the blocking member is pivotally mounted on the base member, wherein the base member has therein a base member slot in which the pin travels, a first portion of the base member slot extending radially from the axis, and a second portion of the base member slot extending non-radially relative to the axis, wherein the pin is located in the first portion of the base member slot when the blocking member is in the blocking position, wherein movement of the pin is in the first portion of the base member slot during initial movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position, and wherein movement of the pin is in the second portion of the base member slot during subsequent movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) The exit device assembly of claim 33 wherein the latch and the blocking member have respective surfaces that engage when the blocking member is in the blocking position such that a force on the latch in the direction toward the non-locking position will act through the surfaces to exert on the blocking member a force directed away from the non-blocking position. ### Claim 35 An exit device assembly for use with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface, the assembly comprising: an exit device configured to be mounted on the vertical surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member; a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position, and the latch mechanism including an anti-bounce arrangement; and an actuating device for causing movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member. ### Claim 36 (depends on 35) The exit device assembly of claim 35 wherein the actuating device is non-rigid. ### Claim 37 (depends on 36) The exit device assembly of claim 36 wherein the latch mechanism also includes a blocking member movable between a blocking position in which the blocking member prevents movement of the latch from the locking position, and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member permits movement of the latch from the locking position, wherein the actuating mechanism also includes a slide member movable in response to movement of the manually movable member, and a cable that extends between the slide member and the blocking member, wherein the latch is pivotable between the locking and non-locking positions, wherein the blocking member is pivotable about an axis between the blocking and non-blocking positions, wherein the blocking member is biased toward the blocking position, wherein movement of the slide member in an opening direction causes the cable to pull the blocking member from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, thereby permitting the latch to pivot from the locking position to the non-locking position, wherein the blocking member has therein a blocking member slot, wherein the cable is connected to the blocking member by a pin movable in the slot, wherein the slot extends radially from the axis, wherein the latch mechanism also includes a base member, wherein the blocking member is pivotally mounted on the base member, wherein the base member has therein a base member slot in which the pin travels, a first portion of the base member slot extending radially from the axis, and a second portion of the base member slot extending non-radially relative to the axis, wherein the pin is located in the first portion of the base member slot when the blocking member is in the blocking position, wherein movement of the pin is in the first portion of the base member slot during initial movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position, and wherein movement of the pin is in the second portion of the base member slot during subsequent movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position. ### Claim 38 (depends on 35) The exit device assembly of claim 35 wherein the latch mechanism also includes a blocking member movable between a blocking position in which the blocking member prevents movement of the latch from the locking position, and a non-blocking position in which the blocking member permits movement of the latch from the locking position, wherein the latch is pivotable between the locking and non-locking positions, wherein the blocking member is pivotable about an axis between the blocking and non-blocking positions, wherein the blocking member is biased toward the blocking position, wherein movement of the manually movable member in an opening direction causes movement of the blocking member from the blocking position to the non-blocking position, thereby permitting the latch to pivot from the locking position to the non-locking position, wherein the blocking member has therein a blocking member slot, wherein the manually movable member is connected to the blocking member by a pin movable in the slot, wherein the slot extends radially from the axis, wherein the latch mechanism also includes a base member, wherein the blocking member is pivotally mounted on the base member, wherein the base member has therein a base member slot in which the pin travels, a first portion of the base member slot extending radially from the axis, and a second portion of the base member slot extending non-radially relative to the axis, wherein the pin is located in the first portion of the base member slot when the blocking member is in the blocking position, wherein movement of the pin is in the first portion of the base member slot during initial movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position, and wherein movement of the pin is in the second portion of the base member slot during subsequent movement of the blocking member away from the blocking position. ### Claim 39 (depends on 38) The exit device assembly of claim 38 wherein the latch and the blocking member have respective surfaces that engage when the blocking member is in the blocking position such that a force on the latch in the direction toward the non-locking position will act through the surfaces to exert on the blocking member a force directed away from the non-blocking position. ### Claim 40 An exit device assembly for use with a door having a top, a bottom and a generally vertical surface, the assembly comprising: an exit device configured to be mounted on the vertical surface of the door, the exit device including a manually movable member; a latch mechanism configured to be mounted adjacent one of the top and the bottom of the door, the latch mechanism including a latch movable between a locking position and a non-locking position; a cable for causing movement of the latch in response to movement of the manually movable member; and a slack removal mechanism connected to the cable. ### Claim 41 (depends on 40) The exit device assembly of claim 40 wherein the slack removal mechanism includes a spool around which an end portion of the cable is wound. ### Claim 42 (depends on 41) The exit device assembly of claim 41 wherein the spool is operably connected to the latch and is connected to an end of the cable proximate the latch. ### Claim 43 (depends on 41) The exit device assembly of claim 41 wherein the spool is movable in response to movement of the manually movable member and is connected to an end of the cable remote from the latch. ### Claim 44 (depends on 41) The exit device assembly of claim 41 wherein the slack removal mechanism includes a ratchet device allowing rotation of the spool in a direction taking up slack in the cable and preventing rotation of the spool in the opposite direction. ### Claim 45 (depends on 41) The exit device assembly of claim 41 wherein the slack removal mechanism includes a gear arrangement. ### Claim 46 (depends on 45) The exit device assembly of claim 45 wherein gear arrangement allows rotation of the spool in opposite directions. ### Claim 47 An exit device assembly suitable for use with a door disposed within a frame and an exit device, the exit device assembly comprising: a first latch mechanism having a movable portion and a fixed portion attachable to the door, the movable portion including a latch that selectively engages the frame to maintain the door in a closed position and disengages from the frame to allow movement of the door with respect to the frame; a slide member having a movable portion and a fixed portion attachable to the door such that a distance between the slide member and the first latch mechanism is substantially fixed; and an enclosed cable including an outer sheath and an inner cable, a first end of the outer sheath attached to the fixed portion of the first latch mechanism and a second end of the sheath attached to the fixed portion of the slide member, a first end of the inner cable attached to the movable portion of the first latch mechanism and a second end of the inner cable attached to the movable portion of the slide member, wherein movement of the movable portion of the slide member produces a corresponding movement of the latch. ### Claim 48 (depends on 47) The exit device of claim 47 wherein the movable portion of the slide member is arranged to engage the exit device such that movement of the exit device produces movement of the movable portion of the slide. ### Claim 49 (depends on 47) The exit device of claim 47 wherein the outer sheath has a length that is greater than the distance between the slide member and the first latch mechanism such that the enclosed cable is not tight. ### Claim 50 (depends on 47) The exit device of claim 47 further comprising a second latch mechanism having a second movable portion and a second fixed portion attachable to the door, the second movable portion including a second latch that selectively engages the frame to maintain the door in a closed position and disengages from the frame to allow movement of the door with respect to the frame. ### Claim 51 (depends on 50) The exit device of claim 50 further comprising a second enclosed cable including a second outer sheath and a second inner cable, a first end of the second outer sheath attached to the fixed portion of the first latch mechanism and a second end of the second sheath attached to the second fixed portion of the second latch mechanism, a first end of the second inner cable attached to the movable portion of the first latch mechanism and a second end of the second inner cable attached to the second movable portion of the second latch mechanism, wherein movement of the movable portion of the first latch mechanism produces a corresponding movement of the second latch. ### Claim 52 (depends on 51) The exit device of claim 51 wherein the second outer sheath defines a cable length that is greater than the distance between the first latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism. ### Claim 53 A method of latching a door to a frame, the method comprising: providing a latch mechanism having a fixed portion that is attachable to the door and a movable portion having a latch that selectively engages the frame; providing a slide mechanism having a fixed portion that is attachable to the door and a movable portion displaceable between a first position and a second position; connecting a first end of a cable to the latch mechanism and a second end of the cable to the slide mechanism, the cable including an outer sheath that attaches to the fixed portion of the latch mechanism and the slide mechanism and an inner cable that attaches to the movable portion of the latch mechanism and the slide mechanism; moving the movable portion of the slide mechanism to the second position to move the movable portion of the latch mechanism to disengage the latch from the frame; and biasing the latch into engagement with the frame when the movable portion of the slide mechanism returns to the first position. ### Claim 54 (depends on 53) The method of claim 53 further comprising providing a second latch mechanism having a second fixed portion that is attachable to the door and a second movable portion having a second latch that selectively engages the frame. ### Claim 55 (depends on 54) The method of claim 54 further comprising connecting a first end of a second cable to the latch mechanism and a second end of the second cable to the second latch mechanism such that movement of the latch mechanism produces a corresponding movement of the second latch mechanism. ### Claim 56 (depends on 55) The method of claim 55 further comprising arranging the second cable such that the second outer sheath has a length that is greater than the distance between the latch mechanism and the second latch mechanism. ### Claim 57 (depends on 53) The method of claim 53 further comprising arranging the cable such that the outer sheath has a length that is greater than the distance between the latch mechanism and the slide mechanism.