pushbars

Noun

pushbar (plural pushbars)

1. A rigid bar or configurable attachment mounted on machinery (such as cranes, loaders, or lift tables) used to push, align, or position loads—especially during material handling or implement installation.
   • In a shingle-machine, the combination of the cam, pushbar, and lever with the hinged reciprocating feeder and cutter-head and the weighted cord for drawing the feeder toward the blank, as shown and described.1879 August 26, “218,818 Shingle-Machines”, in Official Gazette of the United States Patent Office., volume 16, number 9, page 364
2. (commercial building) A horizontal bar installed across the inside face of a swing door—often spring-loaded—that unlatches the door when pushed, enabling quick exit in emergencies.
   • Most kinemas have outer exit doors in pairs, and, in the past, the practice has been to have these rebated on the centre meeting stiles, one door having a panic bolt and the other a pushbar which knocks against and thus operates the panic bolt.1950, The Ideal Kinema & Studio, volumes 16-17, Kinematograph, page 17
3. A tubular or bar-shaped accessory mounted on the front bumper or chassis of a vehicle—especially trucks, SUVs, emergency service vehicles or locomotives—designed to push light loads (such as stalled vehicles) or guard against minor impacts without damaging the main bumper assembly.
   • The child had been struck by the pushbar of the engine, knocked down head foremost, and in being passed over by the engine had been so gyrated that though she had fallen to the ground head foremost she was picked up with her head to the rear.1887 August 4, O. J. Pfeiffer, M.D., “A Case of Double Dislocation of the Hip.”, in Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, volume CXVII, number 5, page 103