Mechanism for opening twin doors

[Kai]

Hi folks, thought i'd pick the brains of some mechanically minded people. (Know any?)

I've recently moved into a flat with front security doors and a vestibule before the main flat door. The problem i have is that the front security doors are twin style (if that's what you call it?) where the door consists of 2 doors, halved vertically. Think Glasgow tenement.

Anyway, with only one half of the security doors opened, the doorway is really narrow. I have to turn sideways to get in and take off any rucksacks etc first.

So i was wondering about a mechanism to join both doors so that when i open the right one, the left one also opens. It would need to lock/unlock the deadbolts too.

Any ideas?

 

[rikrobson]

the mechanics are going to be complicated.
you will need solenoids to lift the dead bolts of the "shut" leaf or install maglocks. Then a powered door arm to open it and some sort of switch/controller mechanism to operate it.

Or get a Butler

Or Move.

 

[Kai]

Getting a butler is obviously my first choice.

However if that falls through (financial reasons)..

I don't think i'd need any electrical components, so far i'm thinking a handle that i turn can pull/push the upper and lower deadlocks and then pushing the right door open will open the left..


Or maybe i've just answered my one question and the mechanism to simply unlock the left door is sufficient. I could then push it open the same way i push the right one open!

 

[CompoSimmonite]

Have a look around scrapyards for rear seat locking mechanisms of hatch and estates that are cable operated. The double seat slider of some large vans might also be adaptable.

Paul H

 

[Kai]

Thats a good shout cheers. If i spring load the deadbolts, i could cable operate them.

 

[normspanners]

Also van rear door dead bolts are cable operated but why couldnt the first opening door have the bolts on it because it must be mitred to hold the first door so the dead bolts are only as secure as the first doors lock strength.
IE if the first door is kicked in the lock is all that stops it opening the dead bolts only hold the second door in place. So once first door is open they are in.
So therefore make a handle that is lockable that operates the cables the second door just swings free and can be pushed open.

 

[Kai]

Yeah i think i probably over complicated this in my head. The mitre to hold the second door is rubbish but i think i could beef that up a bit and get the deadbolts on the first door. I would just have to change the looks so that they "lock" the operation of the deadbolts instead of morticing into the other door.

 

[wristpin]

Who owns the double doors?
What's the reason for that arrangement?
Is it possible to replace them with a single?

 

[MattF]

Who owns the double doors?

Was wondering the same. A good way to start peeing people off is for someone to start messing with a communal item not belonging to them.

As above, why not just discuss its replacement with a single door if it's that awkward.