Jamb pocket latch bolt assembly release apparatus
AssigneeGeorgia Tech Research Corporation
InventorsJ. Riley Hawkins, Larry Tew, Nicole E. Hawkins, Michael Perdue, Mark Tew
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An electro-mechanical jamb pocket latch bolt assembly release which is adapted to be installed in a conventional door jamb behind the strike plate. When activated, a ram element of the apparatus will eject the latch bolt assembly from the door jamb allowing the door to swing freely upon contact with the door. The present invention allows for easy installation without a carpenter or electrician, and without specialized tools and is particularly suited for use by handicapped individuals.
Claims14
An apparatus for ejecting a latch bolt assembly of a door from a jamb pocket in a door jamb adjacent the door, wherein the jamb pocket is designed for receiving the latch bolt assembly when the door is closed, said apparatus comprising:
- (a) a motor having a rotationally-driven motor shaft;
- (b) a screw comprising generally helical threads, said screw being coupled to said motor shaft for rotational movement about its longitudinal axis;
- and
- (c) a ram fixedly attached to the end of the screw opposite said motor, whereby rotation of said screw by said motor in a first direction imparts translational movement upon said ram to an extended position away from said motor, and whereby rotation of said screw by said motor in a second direction opposite said first direction imparts translational movement upon said ram to a retracted position toward said motor, said apparatus being designed for installation in the door jamb adjacent the jamb pocket opposite the door, so that movement of said ram to said extended position causes said ram to eject the latch bolt assembly from the jamb pocket.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.