one good name to have one brand make a hit in the market. In order to have that good name, though, you need one man to start it all. The leading name in door hardware, Von Duprin was first introduced by Carl Prinzler. Here’s the story how it all came about…
In 1903, Carl Prinzler, an Indianapolis hardware salesman, failed a scheduled visit to Chicago’s Iroquois Theatre, thus avoiding a tragedy of a burning “fireproof” theater that killed 594 people. Haunted with the needless loss of lives, Mr. Prinzler was determined to solve the problem of public buildings that often turned into death traps when doors were locked to keep gate crashers out. Mr. Prinzler partnered with his neighbor, Henry DuPont, an architectural engineer, who created the first working device. The initial model, featured in 1908, was commercialized by Vonnegut Hardware Company under the name Von Duprin, a contraction of Vonnegut, DuPont and Prinzler.
Banking on the slogan for protecting life safety while providing security, Von Duprin introduced the first panic release bar in 1908. It was also the same year that the company began and its aim for panic release bar which still serves as the purpose of the firm till this day. The popular 88 Series crossbar exit devices still manufactured by Von Duprin have similar appearance characteristics to the original design, although significant engineering changes have been made.
These days, Von Duprin produces the widest range of exit devices and outside trim oprations, including rim-type and mortise lock, surface and concealed vertical rod, fire-rated and several electrical options. Security-related products include a full line of electromagnetic locks, electric strikes, card readers, and keypad-type access control systems.
To have a better look on what Von Duprin products really have to offer, let’s talk about its flagship Von Duprin 98 Panic Bar. Now enhanced by the latest technology available, Von Duprin 98 Panic Bar is coming out of the market stronger and more reliable than ever.
Introducing The Quiet One, the 98 Series from Von Duprin also provide a smooth mechanism case. The Quiet One is a fluid damper that slows the push pad on its return stroke, eliminating the noise associated with panic bar operation.
The 98 Series Von Duprin panic bar is a best-selling option for standard flush or panel doors, as well as single or double doors with or without a mullion. They are also UL Listed for accident hazard installations with some models UL Listed for A, B, C, D & E fire labeled installations. The 98 Series hardware meets ANSI A156.3 – Grade 1 – 1984 standards and is available in a variety of architectural finishes. They are also furnished with a fluid dampener which slows down the push pad on its return stroke.