Self-closing residential fire hinge apparatus
US12338668B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 2023 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE05Y2900/132
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A self-closing residential fire hinge apparatus for closing a door during a fire includes a door hinge with a spring-actuated release mechanism. The spring-actuated release mechanism includes a spring that is pre-tensioned in an open position and a coating covering the spring. The coating is a solid material that retains the spring in the open position. The coating has a melting point less than a melting point of the spring. For example, the coating may be formed of bismuth. When the coating is heated and becomes malleable, the spring is released to a closed position. When the coating is solid and not malleable, the door hinge allows regular opening and closing of the door. The apparatus may also include a spring assembly cap, improving the aesthetics of the assembly. The spring assembly cap may be composed of copper, improving conduction of the ambient heat to melt the coating even faster.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.