Replies

1. 
   Elcoholic | Apr 15, 2002 10:58pm | #1

   Colonel Mustard did it in the billard room with a candle stick.  Sounds pretty cool Watson.

    A gravity latch for a gate would work, but wouldn't hold it all that securely.  I'd do it electrically as long as I could include an access panel for backup.  Look into electric latches under security hardware or entry systems for commercial buildings.  Personnally I'd go for electric latches over electric strikes.

   John O'Connell - JKO Handcrafted Woodworking

   Life is tough.  It's tougher if you're stupid - John Wayne

2. 
   sschefer | Apr 15, 2002 11:45pm | #2

   Tim, would the door swing open automatically too? Either way, you'll need a micro-switch to hide beneath the object that will be tilted. The switch will need to be wired to open the circuit when depressed and closed when the pressure is off. Next, you'll need a power supply and a 12 volt DC solenoid actuated door lock. They come in both 110 VAC and 12 volt DC but I find the 12 volt is easier to deal with.  Between the lock and the switch you also want to put in a timer relay that will open the circuit after a short period of time.This will prevent you from holding the latch open for extended periods of time and burning out the solenoid prematurely.

   If you need to swing the door open automatically, the easiest way to do this is to reverse an automatic door closer. These are the ones that you see that mount at the top of doors. The ones I used for this in the Navy loaded in either direction. If the engineering of the door is decent they can be used to pop a door open as well as close one. They are quiet and you don't have to deal with an elaborate set of pulleys or more electrical work.

   One other thing, you will need to have some way to release the door from the inside. For this I would recommend a crash bar type opener like those required on exits of commercial businesses. This will not require any electrical power for someone on the inside to open the door. You may also want to consider an emergency lighting system in that room and a lighted exit sign over the door. Might look kinda funky but may save a life.

   Another thing to consider is letting the police and fire departments know about the room so that they would know how to get access if there is a fire or some other emergency.

   As you can see from the edits... I've had a lot of afterthoughts. Finally, I think if you choose and electrical means of opening the door, you need to back it up with a manual means. You could probably hide something behind a hidden panel that would us a key or some other method to open the door.

   Steve - in Northern California

   
   

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   Edited 4/15/2002 4:46:34 PM ET by Steve Schefer
   

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   Edited 4/15/2002 4:47:14 PM ET by Steve Schefer
   

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   Edited 4/15/2002 4:47:47 PM ET by Steve Schefer
   

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   Edited 4/15/2002 5:01:12 PM ET by Steve Schefer

   
   

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   Edited 4/15/2002 5:15:20 PM ET by Steve Schefer

1. 
   GeraldLM | Apr 16, 2002 02:54am | #3

   Being an electronic tech.  I would agree with Steve. I would also equip it with a 12 V battery whitch would require the power supply that has a 12v charging circuit for power outages. This sounds like a VERY interesting project. Good luck and THINK SAFETY!!!

   Edited 4/15/2002 8:02:09 PM ET by OHMETER

1. 
   Rarebreed | Apr 16, 2002 01:01pm | #4

   Thank you all for your responses. I had not thought about using an electric latch. That sounds like a great idea. Steve, no it won't have to open by itself but now that you mention it, that might add a little extra wow factor to it.

   A friend of mine had mentioned a manual system that he thought was made by K-Latch, however I have not been able to find any info on them. It is supposed to actuate the latch by tipping the top of a book towards you at about a 30* angle yet has a regular door knob on the inside.

   This whole job has been quite interesting. I have pictures of it posted here- http://communities.msn.com/ThompsonsCustomWoodworking/oakgroveislandremodel.msnw

   if you care to take a look at them.

   Once again, thank you for the replies.

   TCW Specialists in Custom Remodeling.

   Edited 4/16/2002 6:10:43 AM ET by Tim Thompson