Patent Publication Number: US-7722097-B2

Title: Surface mounted electric rim strikes

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/652,849 of Oxley et al., filed Feb. 15, 2005, titled Electric rim strikes, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The field of the invention relates generally to electric rim strikes. In particular, the present invention relates to electric rim strikes that include a keeper, a first blocking element configured to move substantially in a first plane and to selectively prevent and allow a rotation of the keeper, and a second blocking element, at least an end portion of which is configured to move substantially in a second plane that intersects the first plane and to selectively prevent and allow the movement of the first blocking element in the first plane. 
   The present invention also relates to electric rim strikes that include a keeper having a first axial shaft about which to rotate; a locking bar having a second axial shaft about which to rotate; and an actuating mechanism having at least one solenoid and an anchor for the at least one solenoid. The actuating mechanism is operationally connected to the locking bar and drives the locking bar and the keeper from a first state to a second state. The rear blocking face of the locking bar opposes the front blocking face of the keeper across a gap defined therebetween, the gap being sized and the blocking faces of the locking bar and keeper being configured to prevent the locking bar and keeper from freely rotating relative to each other. 
   2. Description of Related Art 
   Electric rim strikes for securing hinged or swinging doors are known in the field of door security systems. A known electric rim strike generally is employed with a door having an extendable latch bolt that engages the electric rim strike, and the electric rim strike may be configured to secure the door alone or may be used in combination with other known security systems to secure the door. The known electric rim strike generally is mounted to the doorframe and defines an opening in the jam face of the doorframe for receiving the latch bolt from the lockset mounted to the door. 
   The known electric rim strike also defines an opening in the frame face contiguous with the opening in the jam face of the doorframe. The known electric rim strike includes a pivotable keeper that selectively closes the opening in the frame face, and a bolt projecting from the edge of the door engages the electric rim strike through the opening in the jam face. The known electric rim strike also includes a blocking element that selectively prevents the keeper from rotating and allows the keeper to rotate, and a solenoid that selectively moves the blocking element from a first position, in which the blocking element prevents the rotation of the keeper, to a second position, in which the blocking element allows the rotation of the keeper, and vice versa. 
   Specifically, when the keeper rotates, the keeper uncovers or opens the frame face opening, which allows the bolt to freely move through the opening, and thereby allows the door to be opened. 
   Nevertheless, in such known electric rim strikes, portions of the electric rim strike may protrude into the door frame, and the door frame may have to be cut during installation of the electric rim strike to accommodate those portions of the electric rim strike that protrude or extend into the door frame, which increases the difficulty of installing the electric rim strike. Moreover, a size of known electric rim strikes that do not include such protruding portions may increase the cost of manufacturing the electric rim strike. 
   It should be noted that such electric rim strikes are a commonly required safety feature in such establishments as hospitals, move theaters, and the like wherein doors incorporating such a feature must be readily and easily opened, while at the same time maintained in a securely closed state when there is no need to be open. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Therefore, a need had arisen for electric rim strikes which overcome these and other shortcomings of the related art. Technical advantages of the present invention include that the electric rim strike may not include portions that protrude into the door frame, and the electric rim strike is compact and cost efficient to manufacture. 
   In a first embodiment of the present invention, an electric rim strike comprises a keeper, a first blocking element, e.g., a locking plate, configured to move substantially within a first plane and to selectively prevent and allow a rotation of the keeper, and a second blocking element, e.g., an anchor, at least an end portion of which is configured to move within a second plane and to selectively prevent and allow a movement of the first blocking element. Specifically, the first plane intersects the second plane, e.g., the first plane may be substantially perpendicular to the second plane. 
   For example, when at least the end portion of the second blocking element is substantially aligned with at least an end portion of the first blocking element at the intersection of the first plane and the second plane, the second blocking element may prevent the movement of the first blocking element within the first plane and the first blocking element may prevent the rotation of the keeper. However, when the second blocking element is substantially unaligned with the first blocking element, the second blocking element may allow the movement of the first blocking element within the first plane and the first blocking element may allow the rotation of the keeper. 
   In a second embodiment of the present invention, an electric rim strike comprises a first blocking element e.g., a locking plate, configured to selectively prevent and allow a rotation of a keeper, and a second blocking element, e.g., an anchor, configured selectively to prevent and allow a movement of the first blocking element. The electric rim strike also comprises a feature or features for moving at least an end portion of the second blocking element, e.g., at least one solenoid. Specifically, a direction of the movement of the first blocking element is different than a direction of a force generated by the feature or features for moving at least the end portion of the second blocking element. For example, the direction of the movement of the first blocking element may be substantially perpendicular to the direction of the force generated by the feature or features for moving at least the end portion of the second blocking element. 
   In a third embodiment of the present invention, an electric rim strike comprises a housing, a keeper arranged in the housing, and a first blocking element, e.g., a locking plate, arranged in the housing, which is configured to selectively prevent and allow a rotation of the keeper. The electric rim strike also comprises a second blocking element, e.g., an anchor, arranged in the housing, which is configured to selectively prevent and allow a movement of the first blocking element, and a feature or features for moving at least an end portion of the second blocking element, e.g., at least one solenoid, from a first position to a second position. Specifically, when at least the end portion of the second blocking element is in the first position, the second blocking element prevents the movement of the first blocking element and the first blocking element prevents the rotation of the keeper, and when at least the end portion of the second blocking element is in the second position, the second blocking element allows the movement of the first blocking element and the first blocking element allows the rotation of the keeper. For example, the first blocking element may be configured to move substantially in a first plane, and at least the end portion of the second blocking element may be configured to move substantially in a second plane that intersects the first plane, e.g., that is substantially perpendicular to the first plane. 
   In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, an electric rim strike comprises a pivotable keeper having a front blocking face, the keeper being pivotally rotatable about a first pivot point, which may be, for example, an axial shaft, a pin, or any other such pivotable mechanism. The electric rim strike also comprises a pivotable locking bar having a rear blocking face, the locking bar being pivotally rotatable about a second pivot point, which may be, for example, an axial shaft, a pin, or any other such pivotable mechanism. The rear blocking face of the locking bar opposes the front blocking face of the keeper. The blocking faces of the locking bar and keeper are configured to prevent the locking bar and keeper from freely rotating relative to each other. 
   In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, an electric rim strike includes a housing having a cavity defined therein. A pivotable keeper, which has a front blocking face, the keeper being pivotally rotatable about a first pivot point, which may be, for example, an axial shaft, a pin, or any other such pivotable mechanism. A pivotable locking bar, which includes a rear blocking face, the locking bar being pivotally rotatable about a second pivot point, which may be, for example, an axial shaft, a pin, or any other such pivotable mechanism. An actuating mechanism includes at least one solenoid and an anchor for the at least one solenoid, the anchor being pivotally secured to the housing, wherein the keeper, locking bar, and actuating mechanism are disposed within the cavity of the housing. The at least one solenoid and the anchor are operationally connected to the locking bar, wherein the actuating mechanism drives the locking bar and the keeper from a first state to a second state. 
   Preferably, the locking bar includes a front face to which the rear blocking face of the locking bar extends oblique relative thereto. In one embodiment, the front blocking face of the keeper is parallel to the rear blocking face of the locking bar. The locking bar also includes a pair of arms and a member extending therefrom. At least one arm of the pair of arms includes the rear blocking face, which extends oblique relative to the front face of the member. The at least one arm of the locking bar includes the pivotable mechanism. 
   Preferably, the keeper also includes a first member, and a second member extending orthogonally relative to the first member. The first member includes a front face connected to the front blocking face of the keeper, the front blocking face extending obliquely relative to the front face of the first member. A front end of the first member of the keeper may include a first aperture configured to receive a biasing member retaining structure. 
   In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking bar and keeper are pivotally movable between a first state and a second state. 
   In one embodiment, in the first state, the blocking faces of the locking bar and the keeper abuttingly engage each other, thereby preventing the keeper and the locking bar from freely rotating. In the second state, the blocking faces of the locking bar and the keeper are prevented from abutting each other, thereby permitting the keeper and the locking bar to freely rotate. Further, the biasing member of the keeper and a biasing member of the locking bar urge the keeper and locking bar, respectively, back to the first state from the second state. 
   In yet another embodiment, in the first state, the blocking faces of the locking bar and the keeper are prevented from abutting each other, thereby permitting the keeper and the locking bar to freely rotate about their respective pivoting mechanism. In the second state, the blocking faces of the locking bar and the keeper abuttingly engage each other, thereby preventing the keeper and the locking bar from freely rotating. Further, the biasing member of the keeper and a biasing member of the locking bar urge the keeper and locking bar, respectively, back to the first state from the second state. 
   Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the needs satisfied thereby, and the objects, features, and advantages thereof, reference now is made to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
       FIG. 1  is an expanded, perspective view of an electric rim strike according to an embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the electric rim strike of  FIG. 1 , in which a keeper of the electric rim strike is prevented from rotating, thereby preventing a door from opening; 
       FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the electric rim strike of  FIG. 1 , in which the keeper is allowed to rotate, thereby allowing the door to be opened; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an electric rim strike according to a second embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the electric rim strike illustrated in  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a locking bar; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the locking bar; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a keeper; 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the keeper; 
       FIG. 10(   a ) is a schematic diagram of a top view illustrating the relationship between the actuating mechanism and the horizontal member of the locking bar when rotation of the locking bar and keeper is to be prevented; 
       FIG. 10(   b ) is a schematic diagram of a front view of the relationship shown in  FIG. 10(   a ); 
       FIG. 10(   c ) is a side view illustrating the gap defined by the blocking faces of the locking bar and keeper; 
       FIG. 11  is a side view illustrating the blocking faces of the locking bar and keeper engaging each other to prevent rotation thereof; 
       FIG. 12(   a ) is a schematic diagram of a top view illustrating the relationship between the actuating mechanism and the horizontal member of the locking bar when rotation of the locking bar and keeper is to be permitted; 
       FIG. 12(   b ) is a schematic diagram of a front view of the relationship shown in  FIG. 12(   a ); 
       FIG. 12(   c ) is a schematic diagram illustrating how the locking bar pivots when the actuating mechanism is energized and stops supporting the locking bar; 
       FIG. 13  is a side view illustrating the locking bar rotatingly pivoting relative to the keeper; and 
       FIG. 14  is a side view illustrating the locking bar and keeper freely rotating relative to each other. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A first embodiment of the present invention and the features and advantages thereto may be understood by referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , like numerals being used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , an electric rim strike  100 , e.g., an electric rim strike configured to be surface mounted to a door frame (not shown), according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted. Electric rim strike  100  may comprise a housing  102 , a keeper  104  arranged in housing  102 , a first blocking element  106 , e.g., a locking plate, arranged in housing  102  and configured to selectively prevent and allow a rotation of keeper  104 , and a second blocking element  108 , e.g., an anchor, arranged in housing  102  and configured to selectively prevent and allow a movement, e.g. a sliding movement, of first blocking element  106 . Electric rim strike  100  also may comprise means for moving at least an end  108   a  of second blocking element  108 , e.g., at least one solenoid  110 , arranged in housing  102 , and means for biasing at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  in a predetermined position, e.g., at least one spring  112 , arranged in housing  102 . Moreover, electric rim strike  100  may comprises a cover plate  114  configured to enclose each of keeper  104 , first blocking element  106 , second blocking element  108 , the at least one solenoid  110 , and the at least one spring  112  within housing  102 . Further, electric rim strike  100  may be configured to be surface mounted to the door frame by inserting a plurality of securing means (not shown), e.g., a plurality of screws, into a corresponding one of a plurality of openings  116  formed through housing  102 . 
   For example, referring to  FIG. 2 , keeper  104  may be pivotally arranged within housing  102 , such that keeper  104  is configured to rotate within housing  102 . First blocking element  106  may be slidably arranged within housing  102 , and a first end of first blocking element  106  may abut an end of keeper  104 . Second blocking element  108  may be pivotally arranged within housing  102 , and end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  may abut a second end of first blocking element  106 , which is opposite the first end of first blocking element  106 . Specifically, at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  may be substantially aligned with and substantially in the same plane as at least the second end of first blocking element  106  in order to prevent a sliding movement of first blocking element  106 . 
   Moreover, the at least one spring  112  may be positioned within housing  102  to apply a first predetermined amount of force in a first direction to second blocking element  108 . For example, the at least one spring  112  may be positioned below second blocking element  108 , and an end of the at least one spring  112  may abut against and may apply the first predetermined amount of force to a surface of second blocking element  108 . The first predetermined amount of force may be an amount of force which biases at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  to be substantially aligned with and substantially in the same plane as at least the second end of first blocking element  106  when no other force or substantially no other force acts on second blocking element  108 . Further, the at least one solenoid  110  may be positioned within housing  102 , such that when the at least one solenoid  110  is in an active state, the at least one solenoid  110  is configured to apply a second predetermined amount of force in a second direction opposite the first direction to second blocking element  108 . For example, the at least one solenoid  110  may be positioned below second blocking element  108 , and the second predetermined amount of force may be greater than the first predetermined amount of force, such that when the at least one solenoid  110  is in an active state, at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  is drawn toward the at least one solenoid  110  by the second predetermined amount of force. For example, when the at least one solenoid  110  transitions from an inactive state to an active state, second blocking element  108  may pivot, such that at least end  108   a  is drawn toward the at least one solenoid  110  (in this configuration, the end of second blocking element  108  that is opposite end  108   a  may move away from solenoid  110 ). 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , in operation, when the at least one solenoid  110  is in an inactive state, the at least one spring  112  biases at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  to be in a first position within a first plane, e.g., to be substantially aligned with and substantially in the same plane as at least the second end of first blocking element  106 . Consequently, when a person attempts to open a door associated electric rim strike  100 , keeper  104  applies a force to first blocking element  106 , however, second blocking element  108  prevents first blocking element  106  from moving, first blocking element  106  prevents keeper  104  from rotating, and the door cannot be opened. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the at least one solenoid  110  transitions from an inactive state to an active state, the at least one solenoid  110  applies the second predetermined force, e.g., a drawing force, to at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108 . The second predetermined force moves, e.g., pivots, second blocking element  108 , such that at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  moves from the first position within the first plane to a second position within the first plane, e.g., a position in which second blocking element  108  is not aligned with and is not in the same plane as first blocking element  106 . Moreover, when a person attempts to open a door associated with electric rim strike  100  after at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  moves to the second position within the first plane, keeper  104  begins to rotate in an inward direction and applies a force to first blocking element  106 , which causes first blocking element  106  to move, e.g., slide, inward from a first position within a second plane, e.g., a position in which the first end of first blocking element  106  abuts an end of keeper  104 , to a second position within the second plane, e.g., a position which allows keeper  104  to rotate inward. For example, the second plane may intersect the first plane, e.g., the second plane may be substantially perpendicular to the first plane, such that the direction of movement of first blocking element  106  is substantially perpendicular to each of the direction of movement of at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  and the direction of the second predetermined force. 
   Keeper  104  then may continue to rotate until keeper  104  is in a predetermined position that allows the door to be opened. For example, keeper  104  may comprises a plurality of pin members  118 , and housing  102  may comprise a plurality of channels (not shown), each of which is configured to receive a corresponding one of pin members  118 . When keeper  104  rotates, at least one of pin members  118  may move from a first end of its corresponding channel to a second end of its corresponding channel, and when the at least one pin member  118  reaches the second end of its corresponding channel, the corresponding channel may prevent keeper  104  from rotating any further. Moreover, when the door closes, keeper  104  may rotate outward to its original position, and because keeper  104  no longer is applying a force to first blocking element  106 , first blocking element  106  may move from the second position within the second plane to the first position within the second plane. Further, when the at least one solenoid  110  transitions from an active state to an inactive state, at least end  108   a  of second blocking element  108  may move from the second position within the first plane to the first position within the first plane, such that electric rim strike  100  returns to the configuration depicted in  FIG. 2 . This pattern may be repeated every time that the at least one solenoid  110  transitions from an inactive state to an active state. 
   A second embodiment of the present invention, the features and advantages thereof, will be understood by referring to  FIGS. 4-14 , wherein like numerals are used for like corresponding parts in the various drawings. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of a second embodiment of a surface mounted electric rim strike  200  is shown. In general, the rim strike  200  includes an actuating mechanism, which in the shown embodiment is a pair of solenoids  220   a ,  220   b  and corresponding anchors  221   a ,  221   b ; a pivotally rotatable locking bar  230 ; and a pivotally rotatable keeper  240 . 
     FIG. 5  is an exploded view of an embodiment of the rim strike  200  intended to illustrate the structural arrangement of the actuating mechanism, i.e., solenoids  220   a ,  220   b  and anchors,  221   a ,  221   b , locking bar  230  and keeper  240 , relative to each other. The rim strike  200  includes a housing  201  having a cavity  202  defined therein, which is configured to receive the solenoids  220   a ,  220   b  and anchors  221   a ,  221   b  therein, respectively. The solenoids  220   a ,  220   b  and anchors  221   a ,  221   b  are operationally connected to the locking bar  230 , which operationally abuts the keeper  240 . It should be noted that in  FIG. 5 , the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  are shown without their respective pivoting mechanisms, such as, for example, an axial shaft or a pin. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the locking bar  230  includes a member  232  connected to a pair of extension arms  231   a  and  231   b . A cross-sectional view of the locking bar  230  shown in  FIG. 7  illustrates that the member  232  includes a front face  235  connected to an upper face bevel portion  236 , which is oblique relative thereto. Furthermore, each arm  231   a  and  231   b  includes a rear blocking face  234   a  and  234   b  that is also oblique relative to the front face  235  of the member  232 . 
   When viewed from direction B, as shown in  FIG. 7 , the member  232  and arms  231   a  and  231   b  extending from the member  232  define a space  237  ( FIG. 6 ) configured to receive the back face  205  of the housing  201  (See  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) therein. Preferably, the locking bar  230  is manufactured from a suitable material, such as, steel or any other suitable metal, as well as an alloy, such as an alloy containing aluminum. However, it should be noted that the locking bar  230  can be manufactured from any suitable material now known or later developed that will provide the requisite durability and strength required to allow the door in which the rim strike  200  is mounted to properly function, i.e., repeatedly open and close. 
   In an embodiment of the present invention in which the pivoting mechanism is an axial shaft, each arm  231   a  and  231   b  includes an aperture or through-hole  233   a  and  233   b , respectively, that is configured to receive an axle  238  therein (See  FIGS. 4 and 6 ). As such, the locking bar  230  is able to pivotally rotate about the axle  238  when the solenoid  220   a  or  220   b  is energized, as will be explained in further detail below. However, it should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide pins  238   a ,  238   b  for the locking bar  230  to pivotally rotate around instead of the axle  238  or any other such axial shaft. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , the keeper  240  is in an abutting relationship with the locking bar  230 . The keeper  240  includes a first member  241  that has an end  241   a  and an end  241   b  (See  FIGS. 8 and 9 ), and a second member  242 , that extends orthogonally relative to the first member  241 . A first end portion  245  of the first member end  241   b  includes a front face  245   a  connected to a front blocking face  245   b , which is oblique relative thereto (See  FIG. 9 ); and a first aperture  243  configured to receive a biasing member retaining structure, such as a dowel,  243   a  therein. As will be explained below, the rear blocking face  234   a  and  234   b  of the locking bar  230  abuts against the front blocking face  245   b  of the keeper  240 . A biasing member  249  (See  FIG. 4 ), such as a spring, is disposed about the dowel  243   a  to bias the keeper  240  to a predetermined state. A second end portion  246  opposite the first end portion  245  of the first member end  241   b  includes an aperture or through-hole  244  formed therein to receive an axle  250 . The axle  250  of the keeper  240  is rotatably retained between the housing  201  and a faceplate  290  (See  FIG. 4 ). First member end  241   a  is similarly configured (See  FIG. 5 ). However, it should be noted that it is within the scope of the present invention to provide a pin about which the keeper  240  may pivotally rotate instead of the axle  250  or any other such axial shaft. 
   It should be noted that although the above and following discussions of the rim strike  200  include a pair of solenoids  220   a ,  220   b , it is within the scope of the present invention to have an actuating mechanism with only one solenoid and a corresponding, single anchor. Likewise, it is also within the scope of the present invention to provide the actuating mechanism with two or more solenoids and corresponding anchors. As such, it should readily be apparent that the actuating mechanism requires at least one solenoid and corresponding anchor to operate the rim strike  200  in a manner that will be described in further detail below. 
   Returning to  FIG. 4 , it can be seen that each solenoid and anchor pair  220   a ,  221   a  and  220   b ,  221   b  includes a corresponding energizing spring or coil  222   a  and  222   b , respectively. Also, a pair of wires or other electrical connecting feature  224   a  and  224   b  is connected to a corresponding one of the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b , respectively. The wires or connectors  224   a  and  224   b  are electrically coupled to a power source (not shown). As such, in operation, when a current passes from the power source, through the connectors  224   a  and  224   b , to the solenoids or other thrust mechanisms  220   a  and  220   b , the thrust mechanisms  220   a  and  220   b  receive the current, and the locking bar  230  is disengaged by the anchors  221   a  and  221   b.    
   For example, if the thrust mechanism  220   a  and  220   b  is a pair of solenoids, it should be noted that spacers  225   a  and  225   b  are preferably manufactured from a non-magnetic material and used to maintain an air gap between the core of each solenoid  220   a  and  220   b  and corresponding anchors or armatures  221   a  and  221   b  in order to decrease the amount of any residual magnetism and sticking of the armature  221   a  and  221   b  to the solenoid core. For example, when the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  receive a current, the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  are driven in a direction indicated by the arrow A in  FIG. 4 . Because the spacers  225   a  and  225   b  are operationally connected to a corresponding anchor or armature  221  and  221   b , each anchor  221   a  and  221   b  pivots in a direction indicated by the arrow  223  ( FIG. 12(   c )) while maintaining the air gap between the anchor  221   a  and  221   b  and the corresponding solenoid core. 
   Turning to  FIG. 10(   a ), a schematic diagram is provided showing a plan view of the anchors  221   a  and  221   b  supporting the member  232  of the locking bar  230  when the thrust mechanisms are in a first state, such as a non-energized state.  FIG. 10(   b ) is a schematic diagram showing a front view of the anchors  221   a  and  221   b  supporting the member  232  on a shelf  275  and  276  formed respectively therein.  FIG. 10(   c ) illustrates a side view of the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  in the first state. As such, the rear blocking face  234   a  of the locking bar  230  opposes the front blocking face  245   b  of the keeper  240 . 
   Therefore, if an attempt is made to open the door in which the rim strike  200  is mounted while in the first state, the keeper  240  will rotate slightly about the axial shaft  250  in a counterclockwise direction indicated by the arrow C (See  FIG. 11 ). However, because the locking bar  230  is in the first state, that is, the locking bar  230  is prevented from rotating in a clockwise direction by the anchors  221   a  and  221   b , the front blocking face  245   b  of the keeper  240  engages the rear blocking face  234   a  of the locking bar  230  and is prevented from any further counterclockwise rotation therethrough. 
   In a second state, that is, for example, wherein the thrust mechanisms or  220   a  and  220   b  are energized, the anchors  221   a  and  221   b  are driven to pivotally rotate in a direction indicated by the arrows A (See  FIGS. 4 and 12(   a )). That is, the member  232  is released from the shelves  275  and  276  of the respective anchors  221   a  and  221   b  and is able to rotatably disengage therefrom (See  FIGS. 12(   b  and  c )). Such disengagement may be encouraged, for example, by a biasing mechanism, such as a spring. 
     FIG. 13  shows the rear blocking face  234   a  of the locking bar  230  rotating away from the front blocking face  245   b  of the keeper  240 . Accordingly, because the locking bar  230  is now in the second state, that is, the locking bar  230  is not prevented from rotating in a clockwise direction by the anchors  221   a  and  221   b , the front blocking face  245   b  of the keeper  240  does not engage the rear blocking face  234   a  of the locking bar  230 . As such, the keeper  240  is free to continue rotating in the counterclockwise direction, as indicated by the arrow D, and the door in which the rim strike  200  is mounted will open since the keeper  240  will thereby not hold a received door bolt. 
   As is clear from above, the abutting blocking faces  234   a  and  245   b  of the locking bar  230  and keeper  240 , respectively, prevent the locking bar  230  and  240  from freely rotating relative to each other. However, when the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  are energized, the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  are able to freely rotate away from each other, which allows the door to open. Then, the biasing member  249  mounted about the dowel  243   a  biases the keeper  240  to rotate clockwise back into the first state, where the keeper  240  is locking secured by the locking bar  230  until the process is repeated. Similarly, a biasing member (not shown) of the locking bar  230  biases the locking bar  230  to rotate counterclockwise back into the first state, where the locking bar  230  abuttingly engages the keeper  240 . That is, the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  rotate back into place, and the keeper  240  is prevented from freely rotating until the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  are again energized. 
   The above-described embodiments of the present invention are associated with an electric rim strike that operates in a fail-secure mode. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the configuration depicted in  FIGS. 1-14  readily may be altered such that the electric rim strike is configured to operate in a fail-safe mode. 
   For example, the above provided description of the rim strike  200  provides for the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  to be in a locked mode when in the first state and a free to rotate mode when in the second state. However, it is within the scope of the invention to reverse the first and second states. In other words, rather than being locked in the first state, the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  may be free to rotate in the first state, that is, the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  are constantly in an energized state to arrive at the situation illustrated in  FIGS. 11(   a ) through  14  wherein the door is continuously unlocked. Then, when the door is desired to be locked, the power source ceases to energize the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b , wherein the biasing member  243   a  biases the keeper  240  into the arrangement illustrated in  FIGS. 10(   c ) and  11 , wherein the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  cannot freely rotate relative to each other. 
   Although not intended to limit the invention in any manner, the above described scenario wherein the first state represents the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  not being able to freely rotate and the second state wherein the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  are free to rotate, is preferred for when the first state is set for when the door in which the rim strike  200  is mounted is closed or locked and the second state is for when the door is desired to be opened or unlocked. Such an arrangement is representative of normal use so that a constant stream of power from the power source is not being provided to the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b . However, when the opposite arrangement is established, that is, the power source constantly provides power such that the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  are continuously energized, the first state would be wherein the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  are constantly able to rotate freely relative to each other and the second state would be where the power source stops providing power wherein the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  are not energized and the locking bar  230  and keeper  240  are locked and prevented from rotating relative to each other. Such an arrangement is envisioned for situations where the rim strike  200  is mounted in a door that must remain unlocked during specific times, such as during a fire so that people may freely pass therethrough en route to safety. 
   It should be noted that the rim strike  200  is configured such that the solenoids  220   a  and  220   b  can be energized with as little as 12 of 24 volts, for example. As such, it is within the scope of the invention for the power source to be a 12 volt battery, for example. 
   While the present invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications of the preferred embodiments described above may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the specification or from a practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and the described examples are considered exemplary only, with the true scope of the invention indicated by the following claims.