Login| Sign Up| Help| Contact|

Patent Searching and Data


Title:
IMPROVED FIRE DOOR HAVING AESTHETIC OUTER PANEL
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/1999/020867
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) comprising an exterior panel (12) having at least one panel integrally disposed therein. The exterior panel (12) comprises A) an exterior front panel (12A) consisting of an exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) and an exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) having an exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) securely attached thereto, B) an exterior rear panel (12B) consisting of an exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA) and an exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) having an exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA) functioning to structurally stiffen the exterior panel (12), the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) functioning to structurally stiffen the exterior panel (12), the exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) is securely circumferentially fire proofly sealed to the exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA), the exterior front panel (12A) is securely circumferentially fire proofly sealed to the exterior rear panel (12B) forming a core (18) therebetween, the exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) in conjunction with the exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA) and the exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) in conjunction with the exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA) function to structurally stiffen the exterior panel (12), the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B) are manufactured from a fire resistant material, C) at least one panel (14) integrally disposed and securely circumferentially fire proofly sealed within the exterior panel (12), the at least one panel (14) is manufactured from a fire resistant material.

Inventors:
COSTELLO JAMES (US)
Application Number:
PCT/US1997/019078
Publication Date:
April 29, 1999
Filing Date:
October 21, 1997
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
COSTELLO JAMES (US)
International Classes:
E06B3/58; E06B3/72; E06B5/16; (IPC1-7): E06B3/72; E06B3/58; E06B5/16
Domestic Patent References:
WO1994027021A11994-11-24
Foreign References:
DE3907654A11990-09-13
US1748195A1930-02-25
GB441949A1936-01-30
US5438808A1995-08-08
BE389552A
FR543371A1922-09-01
DE4008999A11991-09-26
EP0771925A11997-05-07
GB2065208A1981-06-24
GB577709A1946-05-29
Download PDF:
Claims:
1. departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention has commercial applicability functioning in the field of fire safety in the construction industry.
2. CLAIMS.
3. An improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) comprising: A) an exterior panel (12) having at least one panel integrally disposed therein, the exterior panel (12) comprises : i) an exterior front panel (12A) which comprises an exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) and an exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) having an exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) securely attached thereto, ii) an exterior rear panel (12B) which comprises an exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA) and an exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) having an exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA) functioning to structurally stiffen the exterior panel (12), the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) functioning to structurally stiffen the exterior panel (12), the exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA), the exterior front panel (12A) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior rear panel (12B) forming a core (18) therebetween, the exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) in conjunction with the exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA) and the exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) in conjunction with the exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA) function to structurally stiffen the exterior panel (12), the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B) are manufactured from a fire resistant material; and B) at least one panel (14) integrally disposed and securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed within the exterior panel (12), the at least one panel (14) is manufactured from a fire resistant material.
4. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the panel (14) is selected from a group of panels consisting of first panel (114), second panel (214), fifth panel (514), sixth panel (614), and seventh panel (714).
5. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the first panel (114) comprises a first front panel (114A) and a first rear panel (114B), the first front panel (114A) consists of a first front panel outer member (114AA) securely circumferentially connected to a first front panel inner member (114AC) by a first front panel transitional member (114AB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the first rear panel (114B) consists of a first rear panel outer member (114BA) securely circumferentially connected to a first rear panel inner member (114BC) by a first rear panel trasitional member (114BB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the first front panel outer member (114AA) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an outside surface of the exterior front panel (12A), the first rear panel outer member (114BA) securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an outside surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).
6. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the second panel (214) comprises a second front panel (214A) and a second rear panel (214B), the second front panel (214A) consists of a second front panel outer member (214AA) securely circumferentially connected to a second front panel inner member (214AC) by a second front panel transitional member (214AB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the second rear panel (214B) consists of a second rear panel outer member (214BA) securely circumferentially connected to a second rear panel inner member (214BC) by a second rear panel trasitional member (214BB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the second front panel outer member (214AA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an inside surface of the exterior front panel (12A), the second rear panel outer member (214BA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an inside surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).
7. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the fifth panel (514) comprises a fifth front panel (514A) and a fifth rear panel (514B), the fifth front panel (514A) consists of a fifth front panel outer member (514AA) securely and circumferentially connected to a fifth front panel inner member (514AC) by a fifth front panel transitional member (514AB), the fifih rear panel (514B) consists of a fifth rear panel outer member (514BA) securely and circumferentially connected to a fifth rear panel inner member (514BC) by a fifth rear panel trasitional member (514BB), the fifth front panel outer member (514AA) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior front panel (12A), the fifth rear panel outer member (514BA) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).
8. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the sixth panel (614) comprises a sixth front panel (614A) and a sixth rear panel (614B), the sixth front panel (614A) comprises a sixth front panel outer member (614AA) securely and circumferentially connected to a sixth front panel inner member (614AC) by a sixth front panel trasitional member (614AB), the sixth rear panel (614B) comprises a sixth rear panel outer member (614BA) securely and circumferentially connected to a sixth rear panel inner member (614BC) by a sixth rear panel trasitional member (614BB), the sixth front panel outer member (614AA) is circumferentially and fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior front panel (12A), the sixth rear panel outer member (614BA) is circumferentially and fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).
9. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 2, wherein the seventh panel (714) comprises a seventh front panel (714A) and a seventh rear panel (714B), the seventh front panel (714A) consists of a seventh front panel exterior parallel member (714AAA) securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh front panel interior parallel member (714AAB) by a seventh front panel transitional perpendicular member (714AAC) therebetween, the seventh front panel interior parallel member (714AAB) is securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh front panel interior inner parallel member (714AB) by a seventh front panel transitional inner perpendicular member (714AC), the seventh rear panel (714B) consists of a seventh rear panel exterior parallel member (714BAA) securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh rear panel interior parallel member (714BAB) by a seventh rear panel transitional perpendicular member (714BAC) therebetween, the seventh rear panel interior parallel member (714BAB) is securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh rear panel interior inner parallel member (714BB) by a seventh rear panel transitional inner perpendicular member (714BC), the seventh front panel interior inner parallel member (714AB) and the seventh rear panel interior inner parallel member (714BB) have an interior panel (16) securly and circumferentially fire resistantly sealed therebetwee, the seventh front panel exterior parallel member (714AAA) is fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior front panel (12A), the seventh rear panel exterior parallel member (714BAA) is fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).
10. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) are fire resistantly sealed to each other by a skirt selected from a group consisting of exterior panel interior skirt (12C), first exterior panel interior skirt (112C), and second exterior panel interior skirt (212C), the skirt further comprises an interior panel (16) circumferentially and fire resistantly sealed therein.
11. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 8, wherein the exterior panel interior skirt (12C) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed between the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB), the exterior panel interior skirt (12C) is utilized in conjunction with the interior panel (16) as a stiffening means.
12. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 8, wherein the first exterior panel skirt (112C) comprises a first exterior panel interior skirt front member (112CA) securely fastened to a first exterior panel interior skirt rear member (112CB) by a first exterior panel interior skirt middle member (112CC) therebetween, the first exterior panel interior skirt front member (112CA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed and securely attached to an outer surface of the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and the first exterior panel interior skirt rear member (112CB) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed and securely attached to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB), the first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) is utilized in conjunction with the interior panel (16) as a stiffining means.
13. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 8, wherein the second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed between exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB), the second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) comprises a second exterior panel interior skirt front member (212CA) securely fastened to a second exterior panel interior skirt rear member (212CB) by a second exterior panel skirt middle member (212CC) therebetween, the second exterior panel interior skirt front member (212CA) is circumferentially sealed and securely attached to an outer surface of the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and the second exterior panel interior skirt rear member (212CB) is circumferentially sealed and securely attached to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB), the second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) is utilized in conjunction with the panel as a stiffining means.
14. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 8, wherein the skirt, having a is securely fire resistantly circumferentially sealed to a panel selected from a group of panels consisting of third panel (314) and fourth panel (414).
15. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 12, wherein the third panel (314) comprises a third front panel (314A) and a third rear panel (314B) having an interior panel (16) therebetween, the third front panel (314A) consists of a third front panel outer member (314AA) securely circumferentially connected to a third front panel inner member (314AC) by a third front panel trasitional member (314AB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the third rear panel (314B) consists of a third rear panel outer member (314BA) securely circumferentially connected to a third rear panel inner member (314BC) by a third rear panel transitional member (314BB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the third front panel outer member (314AA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior front panel (12A), the third rear panel outer member (314BA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel (12B), the exterior front panel (12A) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the the exterior rear panel (12B) by an exterior panel interior skirt (12C).
16. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 12, wherein the fourth panel (414) comprises a fourth front panel (414A) and a fourth rear panel (414B), the fourth front panel (414A) consists of a fourth front panel outer member (414AA) securely circumferentially connected to a fourth front panel inner member (414AC) by a fourth front panel trasitional member (414AB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the fourth rear panel (414B) consists of a fourth rear panel outer member (414BA) securely circumferentially connected to a fourth rear panel inner member (414BC) by a fourth rear panel trasitional member (414BB) having an angle selected from a group of angles consisting of obtuse, acute and perpendicular, the exterior front panel (12A) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior rear panel (12B) by a first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) consisting of a first exterior front panel <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> interior skirt (112CA) securely and circumferentially connected to a first exterior<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> rear panel interior skirt (112CB) by a first exterior middle panel interior skirt<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (112CC), he first exterior front panel interior skirt (112CA) is circumferentially<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> fire resistantly sealed to the exterior front panel (12A), the first exterior rear panel<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> interior skirt (112CB) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior rear panel (12B), the fourth front panel outer member (414AA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the first exterior front panel interior <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> skirt (112CA), the fourth rear panel outer member (414BA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the first exterior rear panel interior skirt (112CB).
17. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) is circumferentially sealed and securely affixed to an exterior front panel inner angled transitional edge (12AC) which is circumferentially sealed and securely affixed to an exterior front panel parallel inner member (12AD) having a exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) therebetween and the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) is circumferentially sealed and securely affixed to an exterior rear panel inner angled transitional edge (12BC) which is circumferentially sealed and securely affixed to an exterior rear panel parallel inner member (12BD) having a exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA).
18. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 15, wherein the exterior front panel inner angled transitional edge (12AC) and the exterior rear panel inner angled transitional edge (12BC) are selected from a group of angles consisting of acute, perpendicular and obtuse.
19. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 16, wherein the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) is circumferentially sealed and securely affixed to a first exterior front panel inner edge (112AB), the exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) is circumferentially sealed and securely affixed to a first exterior front panel inner edge (112BB), the first exterior front panel inner edge (112AB) is securely fastened to the first exterior front panel inner edge (112BB).
20. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the exterior panel (12) and the panel (14) are manufactured from a fire resistant material.
21. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 18, wherein the fire resistant material is selected from a group of materials consisting of metal, metal alloy, carbongraphite, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood composite, paper composite, and glass.
22. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the aesthetic outer panel is manufactured from a group of materials consisting of metal, metal alloy, carbongraphite, fiberglass, epoxy, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood, wood composite, paper, paper composite, and glass.
23. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 1, wherein the core (18) is manufactured from a fire resistant material.
24. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 21, wherein the fire resistant material is selected from a group consisting of air, inert gas, metal, metal alloy, carbongraphite, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood composite, paper composite, and glass.
25. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 7, wherein the interior panel (16) is manufactured from a fire resistant material.
26. The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) as described in claim 23, wherein the fire resistant material is selected from a group of materials consisting of metal, metal alloy, carbongraphite, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood composite, paper composite, and glass.
Description:
TITLE: IMPROVED FIRE DOOR HAVING AESTHETIC OUTER PANEL TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to fire resistant doors with an aesthetic wood appearance. More particularly, the present invention relates to fire resistant doors having an internal stiffening configuration which prevents warping of the doors.

BACKGROUND ART The prior art describes numerous fire doors constructed of fire resistant materials as well as wood door with numerous aesthetic appearances. The prior art does nor teach fire resistant doors having an internal stiffening means in conjunction with an aesthetic wood appearance.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The present invention relates to fire resistant doors with an aesthetic wood appearance. More particularly, the present invention relates to fire resistant doors having an internal stiffening configuration which prevents warping of the doors.

The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel comprising an exterior panel having at least one panel integrally disposed therein. The exterior panel comprises an exterior front panel consisting of an exterior front panel outer edge and an exterior front panel inner edge having an exterior front panel inner edge lip securely attached thereto. The exterior front panel inner edge lip functioning to structurally stiffen the exterior panel. The exterior panel further comprises an exterior rear panel consisting of an exterior rear panel outer edge and an exterior rear panel inner edge having an exterior rear panel inner edge lip functioning to structurally stiffen the exterior panel. The exterior front panel inner edge and the exterior rear panel inner edge functioning to structurally stiffen the exterior panel.

The exterior front panel is circumferentially securely fastened to the exterior rear panel forming a core therebetween. The exterior front panel and the exterior rear panel are manufactured from a fire resistant material. At least one panel is integrally disposed within the exterior panel. The at least one panel is manufactured from a fire resistant material.

The types of problems encountered in the prior art are prior art metal fire resistant doors lack an aesthetic appearance and an internal stiffening means to prevent warping. Wooden doors lack fire resistant qualities and lack an internal stiffening means to prevent warping.

In the prior art, unsuccessful attempts to solve this problem were attempted namely: metal fire resistant doors having a wood veneer surface thereon.

However, the problem was solved by the present invention because the fire resistant door has an aesthetic wood veneer resembling surface thereon in conjunction with an internal stiffening means.

Innovations within the prior art are rapidly being exploited in the field of fire resistant doors with aesthetic appearances.

The present invention went contrary to the teaching of the art which teaches wood veneer laminated onto metal doors lacking internal stiffening means.

The present invention solved a long felt need for a fire resistant door that resembles a wood door having an improved internal stiffening means.

The present invention produced unexpected results namely: the present invention is cheaper to manufacture and lighter than comparable all wooden doors.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel.

More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel having a exterior panel consisting of an exterior front panel and an exterior rear panel.

In keeping with these objects, and with others which will become apparent

hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, briefly stated, in the exterior front panel having an exterior front panel outer edge.

When the exterior front panel is designed in accordance with the present invention, the exterior front panel inner edge has an exterior front panel inner edge lip.

In accordance with another feature of the present invention, the exterior rear panel has an exterior rear panel outer edge.

Another feature of the present invention is that the exterior rear panel has an exterior rear panel inner edge with an exterior rear panel inner edge lip.

Yet another feature of the present invention is that in some embodiments the exterior rear panel outer edge and the exterior front panel outer edge have an exterior panel interior skirt therebetween.

Still another feature of the present invention is that the improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel has at least one panel therein.

Yet still another feature of the present invention is that the panel has an optional interior panel therein.

Still yet another feature of the present invention is that exterior panel inner edge has two embodiments which are a first and second exterior panel inner edge.

Another feature of the present invention is that the exterior panel exterior skirt has four embodiments which are a first, second, third, and fourth exterior panel exterior skirt.

Yet another feature of the present invention is that the panel has seven embodiments which are first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh panel.

Still another feature of the present invention is that the exterior front panel inner transitional edge is perpendicular or angled acutely or obtusely.

Yet still another feature of the present invention is that the exterior front panel outer edge has eight embodiments which are first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth exterior front panel outer edge.

The novel features which are considered characteristic for the invention are set fourth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read and understood in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURE 1A is a top view of a prior art door exhibiting warping of an exterior front and rear panel with aesthetic panel attached thereto.

FIGURE 1A is a horizontal cross sectional view of a prior art door exhibiting an interior panel with aesthetic panel attached thereto contained within an exterior front and rear panel with aesthetic panel attached thereto.

FIGURE 1 is a front view of an improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10), having at least one panel (14) contained therein, exhibiting an exterior panel (12) consisting of an exterior front panel (12A) with an exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) and an exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) as well as an exterior rear panel (12B) with an exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA) and an exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB).

FIGURE 2A is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a first panel (114) securely mounted upon the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B).

FIGURE 2B is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a second panel (214) securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B).

FIGURE 2C is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a third panel (314), having a panel (14) mounted therein, the

third panel (314) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a exterior panel interior skirt (12C) therebetween.

FIGURE 2D is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a fourth panel (414), having a panel (14) mounted therein, the fourth panel (414) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a exterior panel interior skirt (12C) which is a first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) therebetween.

FIGURE 2E is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a fifth panel (514), having an interior panel (16) therebetween, the fifth panel (514) is securely mounted upon the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B).

FIGURE 2F is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a sixth panel (614), having an interior panel (16) therebetween, the sixth panel (614) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B).

FIGURE 2G is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) upon and therebetween.

FIGURE 2H is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) within and therebetween.

FIGURE 21 is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a sixth panel (714), having an interior panel (16) therebetween, the sixth panel (714) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B).

FIGURE 2J is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a first exterior front panel inner edge (112AB) and a first exterior front panel inner edge (112BB) securely attached to one another.

FIGURE 2K is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a fourth exterior panel skirt edge block (412C) therebetween.

FIGURE 2L is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) having an exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) connected to an exterior front panel inner angled transitional edge (12AC) having an exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) which is connected to an exterior front panel perpendicular inner member (112AD) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) connected to an exterior rear panel inner angled transitional edge (12BC) having an exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA) which is connected to an exterior rear panel parallel inner member (12BD).

FIGURE 2M is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) having an exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) connected to an exterior front panel inner perpendicular transitional edge (112AC) having an exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) which is connected to an exterior front panel perpendicular inner member (112AD) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) connected to an exterior rear panel inner perpendicular transitional edge (112BC) having an exterior rear panel inner

edge lip (12BBA) which is connected to an exterior rear panel perpendicular inner member (112BD).

FIGURE 3A is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a first exterior front panel <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> outer edge (112AA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a first<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> exterior rear panel outer edge (112BA), the first exterior front panel outer edge (112AA) and the first exterior rear panel outer edge (112BA) having a first exterior panel exterior skirt (112D) therebetween.

FIGURE 3B is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a second exterior right front panel outer edge (212ARA) and a second exterior left front panel outer edge (212ALA) having a second exterior right front panel outer edge lip (212ARAA) attached thereto as well as the exterior rear panel (12B) with a second exterior right rear panel outer edge (212BRA) and second exterior left rear panel outer edge (212BLA) having a second exterior left rear panel outer edge lip (212BLAA) attached thereto.

FIGURE 3C is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a third exterior front panel outer edge (312AA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a third exterior rear panel outer edge (312BA), the third exterior front panel outer edge (312AA) and the third exterior rear panel outer edge (312BA) are securely attached and overlap to each other.

FIGURE 3D is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a fourth exterior front panel outer edge (412AA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a fourth exterior rear panel outer edge (412BA), the fourth exterior front panel outer edge (412AA) and the fourth exterior rear panel

outer edge (412BA) having a fourth exterior panel outer edge lip member (412D) therebetween.

FIGURE 3E is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a fifth exterior front panel outer edge (512AA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a fifth exterior rear panel outer edge (512BA), the fifth exterior front panel outer edge (512AA) and the fifth exterior rear panel outer edge (512BA) are securely attached to each other by a fifth exterior panel outer edge lip member (512D).

FIGURE 3F is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a sixth exterior front panel outer edge (612AA) having a sixth exterior front panel outer edge tongue (612AAA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a sixth exterior rear panel outer edge (612BA) having a sixth exterior rear panel outer edge groove (612BAA), the sixth exterior front panel outer edge tongue (612AAA) is engagably attached within the sixth exterior rear panel outer edge groove (612BAA).

FIGURE 3G is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with seventh exterior front panel outer edge (712A) attached on an inner surface thereof and exterior rear panel (12B) with a seventh exterior rear panel outer edge (712B) attached on an inner surface thereof, the seventh exterior front panel outer edge (712A) is securely fastened to the seventh exterior rear panel outer edge (712B) by a seventh exterior middle panel outer edge (712D).

FIGURE 3H is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with eighth exterior front panel outer edge (812A) attached on an outer surface thereof and

exterior rear panel (12B) with a eighth exterior rear panel outer edge (812B) attached on an outer surface thereof, the eighth exterior front panel outer edge (812A) is securely fastened to the eighth exterior rear panel outer edge (812B) by a eighth exterior middle panel outer edge (812D).

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Firstly, referring to FIGURE 1A which is a top view of a prior art door exhibiting warping of an exterior front and rear panel with aesthetic panel attached thereto. Warping occurs due to adverse humidity and temperature fluctuations as well as abusive use of the door. To prevent warping, internal stiffening means must be provided.

Referring to FIGURE 1A which is a horizontal cross sectional view of a prior art door exhibiting an interior panel with aesthetic panel attached thereto contained within an exterior front and rear panel with aesthetic panel attached thereto. Prior art doors have internal panels but the means to which they are sealed against the exterior and interior panels are inferior and not fire resistant.

Thus, yielding a lower fire rated door.

Now referring to FIGURE 1 which is a front view of an improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10), having at least one panel (14) contained therein, exhibiting an exterior panel (12) consisting of an exterior front panel (12A) with an exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) and an exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) as well as an exterior rear panel (12B) with an exterior rear panel outer edge (12BA) and an exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB). Preferably the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B) are stamped from a single piece of fire resistant material such as metal. The exterior front panel outer edge (12AA) and the exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) are formed by comer cut outs of ninety degrees (90°) and then folded over and sealed preferably by welding. The exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) and the exterior rear

panel inner edge lip (12BBA) are constructed in varying embodiments as hereinafter described in great detail. The exterior front panel inner edge lip (2ABA) and the exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA) are fire resistantly circumferentially sealed to a panel (14) which is constructed from fire resistant material such as metal and/or glass.

Referring to FIGURE 2A which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a first panel (114) securely mounted upon the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a core therebetween. The first panel (114) comprises a first front panel (114A) and a first rear panel (114B). The first front panel (114A) consists of a first front panel outer member (114AA) securely circumferentially connected to a first front panel inner member (114AC) by a first front panel transitional member (114AB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The first rear panel (114B) consists of a first rear panel outer member (I 14BA) securely circumferentially connected to a first rear panel inner member (114BC) by a first rear panel transitional member (114BB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The first front panel outer member (114AA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an outside surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The first rear panel outer member (114BA) securely and fire resistantly sealed to an outside surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).

Referring to FIGURE 2B which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a second panel (214) securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a core therebetween. The second panel (214) comprises a second front panel (214A) and a second rear panel (214B). The second front panel (214A) consists of a second front panel outer member (214AA) is securely circumferentially connected to a second front panel inner member (214AC) by a second front panel transitional member (214AB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The second rear panel (214B) consists of a second rear panel outer member (214BA) securely

circumferentially connected to a second rear panel inner member (214BC) by a second rear panel transitional member (214BB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The second front panel outer member (214AA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an inside surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The second rear panel outer member (214BA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an inside surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).

Now referring to FIGURE 2C which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a third panel (314), having a panel (14) mounted therein, the third panel (314) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a exterior panel interior skirt (12C) therebetween. The third panel (314) comprises a third front panel (314A) and a third rear panel (314B) having an interior panel (16) therebetween. The third front panel (314A) consists of a third front panel outer member (314AA) is securely circumferentially connected to a third front panel inner member (314AC) by a third front panel transitional member (314AB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The third rear panel (314B) consists of a third rear panel outer member (314BA) is securely circumferentially connected to a third rear panel inner member (314BC) by a third rear panel transitional member (314BB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The third front panel outer member (314AA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The third rear panel outer member (314BA) is securely and fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel (12B). The exterior front panel (12A) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior rear panel (12B) by an exterior panel interior skirt (12C). The exterior panel interior skirt (12C) can be utilized in conjunction with the first panel (114), the third panel (314), and the fifth panel (514).

Referring to FIGURE 2D which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a fourth panel (414), having a panel (14) mounted therein, the fourth panel (414) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A)

and exterior rear panel (12B) having a exterior panel interior skirt (12C) which is a first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) therebetween. The fourth panel (414) comprises a fourth front panel (414A) and a fourth rear panel (414B). The fourth front panel (414A) consists of a fourth front panel outer member (414AA) securely circumferentially connected to a fourth front panel inner member (414AC) by a fourth front panel transitional member (414AB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The fourth rear panel (414B) consists of a fourth rear panel outer member (414BA) securely circumferentially connected to a fourth rear panel inner member (414BC) by a fourth rear panel transitional member (414BB) which can be at an obtuse, acute or perpendicular angle. The exterior front panel (12A) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior rear panel (12B) by a first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) consisting of a first exterior front panel interior skirt (112CA) securely and circumferentially connected to a first exterior rear panel interior skirt (112CB) by a first exterior middle panel interior skirt (112CC). The first exterior front panel interior skirt (112CA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior front panel (12A). The first exterior rear panel interior skirt (112CB) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the exterior rear panel (12B). The fourth front panel outer member (414AA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the first exterior front panel interior skirt (112CA). The fourth rear panel outer member (414BA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to the first exterior rear panel interior skirt (112CB). The first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) can also be utilized in conjunction with the first panel (114), the third panel (314), and the fifth panel (514).

Referring to FIGURE 2E which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a fifth panel (514), having an interior panel (16) therebetween, the fifth panel (514) is securely mounted upon the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B). The fifth panel (514) comprises a fifth front panel (514A) and a fifth rear panel (514B). The fifth front panel (514A)

consists of a fifth front panel outer member (514AA) securely and circumferentially connected to a fifth front panel inner member (514AC) by a fifth front panel transitional member (514AB). The fifth rear panel (514B) consists of a fifth rear panel outer member (514BA) securely and circumferentially connected to a fifth rear panel inner member (514BC) by a fifth rear panel transitional member (514BB). The fifth front panel outer member (514AA) is circumferentially and fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The fifth rear panel outer member (514BA) is circumferentially and fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).

Now referring to FIGURE 2F which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a sixth panel (614), having an interior panel (16) therebetween, the sixth panel (614) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B). The sixth panel (614) comprises a sixth front panel (614A) and a sixth rear panel (614B). The sixth front panel (614A) consists of a sixth front panel outer member (614AA) securely and circumferentially connected to a sixth front panel inner member (614AC) by a sixth front panel transitional member (614AB). The sixth rear panel (614B) consists of a sixth rear panel outer member (614BA) securely and circumferentially connected to a sixth rear panel inner member (614BC) by a sixth rear panel transitional member (614BB). The sixth front panel outer member (614AA) is circumferentially and fire resistantly sealed to to an inner surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The sixth rear panel outer member (614BA) is circumferentially and fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).

Referring to FIGURE 2G which is a cross sectional view-along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) upon and therebetween. The second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) consists of a second

exterior panel interior skirt front member (212CA) securely and circumferentially connected to a second exterior panel interior skirt rear member (212CB) by a second exterior panel interior skirt middle member (212CC). The second exterior panel interior skirt front member (212CA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The second exterior panel interior skirt rear member (212CB) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior rear panel (12B). The second exterior panel interior skirt (212C) can be utilized in conjunction with the first panel (114), the third panel (314), and the fifth panel (514).

Referring to FIGURE 2H which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) within and therebetween.

The first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) consists of a first exterior panel interior skirt front member (112CA) securely and circumferentially connected to a first exterior panel interior skirt rear member (112CB) by a first exterior panel interior skirt middle member (112CC). The first exterior panel interior skirt front member (112CA) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The first exterior panel interior skirt rear member (112CB) is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior rear panel (12B). The first exterior panel interior skirt (112C) can be utilized in conjunction with the first panel (114), the third panel (314), and the fifth panel (514).

Now referring to FIGURE 21 which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting a sixth panel (714), having an interior panel (16) therebetween, the sixth panel (714) is securely mounted within the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B). The seventh panel (714) comprises a seventh front panel (714A) and a seventh rear panel (714B). The seventh front panel (714A) consists of a seventh front panel exterior parallel member (714AAA) securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh front panel

interior parallel member (714AAB) by a seventh front panel transitional perpendicular member (714AAC) therebetween. The seventh front panel interior parallel member (714AAB) is securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh front panel interior inner parallel member (714AB) by a seventh front panel transitional inner perpendicular member (714AC). The seventh rear panel (714B) consists of a seventh rear panel exterior parallel member (714BAA) securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh rear panel interior parallel member (714BAB) by a seventh rear panel transitional perpendicular member (714BAC) therebetween. The seventh rear panel interior parallel member (714BAB) is securely and circumferentially connected to a seventh rear panel interior inner parallel member (714BB) by a seventh rear panel transitional inner perpendicular member (714BC). The seventh front panel interior inner parallel member (714AB) and the seventh rear panel interior inner parallel member (714BB) have an interior panel (16) securely and circumferentially fire resistantly sealed therebetween. The seventh front panel exterior parallel member (714AAA) is fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The seventh rear panel exterior parallel member (714BAA) is fire resistantly sealed to an outer surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).

Referring to FIGURE 2J which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a first exterior front panel inner edge (112AB) and a first exterior front panel inner edge (112BB) securely attached to one another.

Referring to FIGURE 2K which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and exterior rear panel (12B) having a fourth exterior panel skirt edge block (412C) therebetween. The fourth exterior panel skirt edge block (412C) comprises a fourth exterior panel skirt edge block inner member (412CA) securely connected to a fourth exterior panel skirt edge block outer member (412CB) by a fourth exterior panel skirt edge block middle member (412CC). The fourth exterior panel skirt edge block

middle member (412CC) is slightly smaller in width then the fourth exterior panel skirt edge block inner member (412CA) and the fourth exterior panel skirt edge block outer member (412CB). The fourth exterior panel skirt edge block middle member (412CC) has a second exterior front panel inner edge (212AB) inserted therein on a front surface and a second exterior front panel inner edge (212BB) inserted therein on a rear surface.

Referring to FIGURE 2L which is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B). The exterior front panel (12A) is securely and circumferentially connected <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> to an exterior front panel parallel inner member (12AD) by a exterior front panel inner angled transitional edge (12AC) having an exterior front panel inner edge (12AB) and an exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) at an upper and lower edge, respectively. The exterior rear panel (12B) is securely and circumferentially connected to an exterior rear panel parallel inner member (12BD) by a exterior rear panel inner angled transitional edge (12BC) having an exterior rear panel <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> inner edge (12BB) and an exterior rear panel inner edge lip (12BBA) at an upper and lower edge, respectively. The exterior front panel inner angled transitional edge (12AC) and the exterior rear panel inner angled transitional edge (12BC) can be acutely or obtusely angled.

FIGURE 2M is a cross sectional view along line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B). The exterior front panel (12A) is securely and circumferentially connected to an <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> exterior front panel perpendicular inner member (112AD) by an exterior front<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> panel inner perpendicular transitional edge (112AC) having an exterior front<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> panel inner edge (12AB) and a exterior front panel inner edge lip (12ABA) at an upper and lower edge, respectively. The exterior rear panel (12B) is securely and circumferentially connected to an exterior rear panel perpendicular inner member <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> (112BD) by an exterior rear panel inner perpendicular transitional edge (112BC) having an exterior rear panel inner edge (12BB) and a exterior rear panel inner

edge lip (12BBA) at an upper and lower edge, respectively.

Now referring to FIGURE 3A which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B). The exterior front panel (12A) has a first exterior front panel outer edge (112AA) securely and circumferentially attached thereto. The first exterior front panel outer edge (112AA) is securely and circumferentially attached to a first exterior front panel outer edge lip (112AAA) which is at an acute, obtuse or <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> perpendicular angle. The exterior rear panel (12B) has a first exterior rear panel<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> outer edge (112BA) securely and circumferentially attached thereto. The first<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> exterior rear panel outer edge (112BA) is securely and circumferentially attached to a first exterior rear panel outer edge lip (112BAA) which at an acute, obtuse or perpendicular angle complimentary to the first exterior front panel outer edge <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> lip (112AAA). The first exterior front panel outer edge lip (112AAA) is securely and circumferentially fire resistantly connected to the first exterior rear panel <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> outer edge lip (112BAA) by a first exterior panel exterior skirt (112D) which<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> consists of a first exterior panel exterior skirt front member (112DA) connected<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> to a first exterior panel exterior skirt rear member (112DB) by a first exterior<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> panel exterior skirt middle member (112DC). The first exterior panel exterior<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> skirt front member (112DA) is fire resistantly sealed to the first exterior front<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> panel outer edge lip (112AAA). The first exterior panel exterior skirt rear<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> member (112DB) is fire resistantly sealed to the first exterior rear panel outer<BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> edge lip (112BAA).

Now referring to FIGURE 3B which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> panel (12B). The exterior front panel (12A) comprises a second exterior left front panel outer edge (212ALA) and a second exterior right front panel outer edge (212ARA) having a second exterior right front panel outer edge lip (212ARAA).

The exterior rear panel (12B) comprises a second exterior right rear panel outer edge (212BRA) and a second exterior left rear panel outer edge (212BLA) having

a second exterior left rear panel outer edge lip (212BLAA). The second exterior left front panel outer edge (212ALA) engages and is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to between the second exterior left rear panel outer edge (212BLA) and the second exterior left rear panel outer edge lip (212BLAA). The second exterior right rear panel outer edge (212BRA) engages and is circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to between the second exterior right front panel outer edge (212ARA) and the second exterior right front panel outer edge lip(212ARAA).

Referring to FIGURE 3C which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a third exterior front panel outer edge (312AA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a third exterior rear panel outer edge (312BA), the third exterior front panel outer edge (312AA) and the third exterior rear panel outer edge (312BA) are securely circumferentially fire resistantly and overlap to each other.

Now referring to FIGURE 3D which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B). The exterior front panel (12A) comprises a fourth exterior front panel outer edge (412AA) and the exterior rear panel (12B) comprises a fourth exterior rear panel outer edge (412BA). A fourth exterior panel outer edge lip member (412D) consists of a fourth exterior front panel outer edge lip upper outside member (412DAA) having a complimentary fourth exterior front panel outer edge lip upper inside member (412DAB) and a fourth exterior rear panel outer edge lip upper outside member (412DBA) having a complimentary fourth exterior rear panel outer edge lip upper inside member (412DBB). The fourth exterior front panel outer edge (412AA) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed between the fourth exterior front panel outer edge lip upper outside member (412DAA) and the fourth exterior front panel outer edge lip upper inside member (412DAB). The fourth exterior rear panel outer edge (412BA) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed between the fourth

exterior rear panel outer edge lip upper outside member (412DBA) and the fourth exterior rear panel outer edge lip upper inside member (412DBB).

Referring to FIGURE 3E which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a fifth exterior front panel outer edge (512AA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a fifth exterior rear panel outer edge (512BA). The fifth exterior front panel outer edge (512AA) and the fifth exterior rear panel outer edge (512BA) are securely attached to each other by a fifth exterior panel outer edge lip member (512D).

Referring to FIGURE 3F which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) with a sixth exterior front panel outer edge (612AA) having a sixth exterior front panel outer edge tongue (612AAA) and exterior rear panel (12B) with a sixth exterior rear panel outer edge (612BA) having a sixth exterior rear panel outer edge groove (612BAA).

The sixth exterior front panel outer edge tongue (612AAA) is engagably attached and circumferentially fire resistantly sealed within the sixth exterior rear panel outer edge groove (612BAA).

Now referring to FIGURE 3G which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear panel (12B). A seventh exterior panel outer edge (712) consists of a seventh exterior front panel outer edge (712A) securely connected to a seventh exterior rear panel outer edge (712B) by a seventh exterior middle panel outer edge (712D). The seventh exterior front panel outer edge (712A) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The seventh exterior rear panel outer edge (712B) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).

Lastly, referring to FIGURE 3H which is a cross sectional view along line 3-3 of FIGURE 1 exhibiting the exterior front panel (12A) and the exterior rear

panel (12B). A eighth exterior panel outer edge (812) consists of a eighth exterior front panel outer edge (812A) securely connected to a eighth exterior rear panel outer edge (812B) by a eighth exterior middle panel outer edge (812D). The eighth exterior front panel outer edge (812A) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior front panel (12A). The eighth exterior rear panel outer edge (812B) is securely circumferentially fire resistantly sealed to an inner surface of the exterior rear panel (12B).

The improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel (10) is constructed from a fire resistant material selected from a group of materials consisting of metal, metal alloy, carbon-graphite, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood composite, paper composite, and glass. The aesthetic outer panel is manufactured from a group of materials consisting of metal, metal alloy, carbon-graphite, fiberglass, epoxy, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood, wood composite, paper, paper composite, and glass. The core (18) is manufactured from a fire resistant material. The fire resistant material is selected from a group consisting of air, inert gas, metal, metal alloy, carbon- graphite, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood composite, paper composite, and glass. The interior panel (16) is manufactured from a fire resistant material selected from a group of materials consisting of metal, metal alloy, carbon-graphite, rubber composite, plastic, plastic composite, stone, marble, wood composite, paper composite, and glass.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the type described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in an improved fire door having aesthetic outer panel, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without