Thomas Industries, Inc.

John E Betts

George F Toledo

A door latch opener having a reversible mounting plate, a handle reversibly mounted on the mounting plate, an actuator reversibly mounted on the mounting plate and a spring reversibly mounted between the mounting plate and the handle permitting reconfiguration of the door latch opener allowing its operation in a wide variety of orientations. The door latch opener can be used with the handle in an upward or downward position and by pulling or pushing on the handle. Two such door openers can be used on a door in a cooperating non-interfering arrangement in various combinations of configurations.

Reversible door latch opener

The invention disclosed herein provides a panic exit device for doors having in their active side vertically operating bolts extending from the top and bottom of the door and a mechanism for retracting the bolts. Usually, the retracting mechanism may be activated by using a key in an exterior door lock or by depressing a panic bar on the interior of the door. The improved panic exit device of this invention provide a device for actuating the bolt retraction mechanism which is mounted inside a semi-hollow enclosure which is integral with the door. The mounting is accomplished with screws hidden from view by the glass pane securing mouldings. The panic exit device of the invention also provides an improved dogging mechanism to lock the actuator device in the actuated position, while simultaneously preventing excessive play in the panic bar.

Growing community of inventors

Garden Grove, CA, United States of America

John E Betts