This invention relates to various reciprocating devices that control certain objects with linear biasing forces. Exemplified is a basic door closer that acts to return the door to a closed position. The device normally comprises a rod that reciprocates from within a closer body providing a biasing means to the forces. For holding the door in an opened position, the rod can be axially mounted with a loose frictional check mechanism. Also known as a hold-open tab, it mounts onto the rod through an aperture. When triggered, the tab frictionally engages the extended rod with opposing compressive points comprised within the aperture.
More particularly, this invention relates to the use of a magnetic means to control loose checks for engagement and release, such as for holding the door opened and then permitting closure. The numerous inventions disclosed herein might not be possible without including Alonso's other inventions to improve reciprocating devices, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. D395,995; D425,776; D425,399; 5,953,789; 6,032,331; 6,397,431; 6,640,387. A portion of this disclosure contains material which is subject to copyright protection. There is no obligation to its reproduction in the US PTO, however all copyrights are reserved.
Check mechanisms are normally metal stamped from sheet steel and comprise two relevant components to the invention herein: an aperture within a structure and a trigger. There are two types of checks: fixed and loose. Fixed checks are permanently mounted to the closer body using such as springs, levers, and cams as with U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,780. Loose checks are separate from the closer body and can be completely detached. The reader is encouraged to study a complete disclosure concerning various loose checks in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,789.
The hold feature engages by first opening the door to a desired position which also extends the rod. A counter-force is then created as a result of the biasing means within the body. To hold, the check is axially positioned onto the extended rod through the aperture. Fixed checks are mechanically engaged by usage of a button or similar attached to the closer. Loose checks are manually engaged, simply moved onto the extended rod by the user's fingers. Releasing the door, the biasing means acts to return the extended rod for closure. Once the body or similar mechanisms contact the trigger, the biasing force causes the check to lever and torsionally pivot on the linear axis of the rod.
The check frictionally engages the extended rod with opposing compressive points within the aperture. The force is equalized and distributed by the points within an axial plane, interacting to deliver the compressive frictional pressure onto the rod. Thus, the compressive frictional pressure created by the points causes the check to engage the rod and hold the door.
Concerning loose checks, other than the inventor's most others utilize only two compressive friction points offered within the aperture, and a non-variable trigger. The two points are distantly opposed at no less than the rod diameter. Most two point checks are initially sufficient to hold the door opened, however eventually wear causing slippage on the rod and unintentional closure. Fatiguing points lack stability onto the smooth cylindrical surface of the rod, which causes the check to rotate laterally as more torsion is applied onto the trigger. This lateral rotation further inhibits the compressive friction, which ultimately causes the check to slip and fail. The non-variable trigger comprises a flattened plane. For whatever reason, non-variable two point checks continue to remain desirable among the industry perhaps as they initiate recurring door closer sales.
Comparatively, the inventor's check comprises an aperture that applies more than two opposing compressive points. The distance between the points is less than the rod diameter, which applies more friction and balances the check to overcome the lateral instability. The structure which houses the aperture is offset, separating the points over a larger tensile area. As the points wear they actually become stronger by distributing more compressive friction. The offset permits the check a perpendicular posture onto the rod which provides continual engagement. That is, the check keeps itself engaged by its own weight with no further pressure required. The offset also allows the check to substantially rotate in reversal up to 45° while disengaged, to allow it free-slide similar to a guide or bearing when not needed.
A variable trigger is defined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,331, although not entirely necessary for the inventions herein. The trigger comprises a continual curvature surface which increases the leverage for the compressive points, and, coincidentally decreases the applicable torsion required to engage the check. The more torsion applied to the trigger results in more compressive frictional pressure applied onto the rod.
Combining the above inventions creates a phenomenally strong and reliable loose check that should never slip or wear, as tested to over 300 lbs. of direct linear force continually applied to a present check. The amount of compressive frictional pressure that can be applied by the points is only limited by the tensile strength of the rod. Not even a coat of lubricant seems to affect the check once it engages.
There are several known options for engaging and releasing both fixed and loose check mechanisms, individually all presenting virtues and tribulations:
The first shall be referenced as Basic Tab Set, the most reliable way to hold a door opened and the only known purpose for a loose check. The loose check tab must be manually engaged onto the extended rod by the user, who must first open the door then slide the tab from idle. The tab's trigger contacts the closer body and torsionally causes the check to lever. However, in order to close the door the tab must again be returned back to idle. This basic option poses inconvenience particularly for children, and disabled people using mobility devices whom may not be able to easily move the tab. Fingers are often pinched by the trigger, especially when attempting to set a fatigued check.
The second option shall be reference as Immediate Tab Set, partially deriving from the inconveniences described above. A recent door closer comprises a pushbutton to engage a fixed check for holding the door. Once the button is pushed, a lever causes the check tab to immediately engage and hold the door opened. The most desirable feature about this device is that the user needs only to push the door further outward to cancel the check for closure. A spring within the body cancels the tab once the torsion to the trigger is relieved. However, the check tab may be compromised by premature closure from incidental bumping to the door. This becomes apparent when moving large objects through the doorway such as furniture, and especially for users of mobility devices such as wheelchairs and walkers.
The third option shall be referenced as Progressive Tab Set, available for holding the door at every outward position. Some devices use a dial adjacent to a fixed tab which is rotated for engagement. The most desirable feature about this device is that it omits premature closure, by the continual hold as the door is pushed outward. However, in order to close the dial must again be rotated which may too create difficulties for certain users.
The fourth option shall be referenced as Limited Tab Set, requiring that the door be opened to approx. 90° in order to engage a fixed tab. Similar to the pushbutton device, to close the user need only bump the door slightly outward to cancel the tab. However, most users may not always desire that their door be fully opened just for setting the check. Some manufactures for these devices are now including a separate loose tab for checking the door at less than the full open position.
Note that U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,780 describes an invention that utilizes an electromagnetic means (43) for controlling the check (26), however must not be construed as being anticipated by the inventive concepts described herein. Foremost, the check (26) is fix mounted and must be controlled by the latch plate (26) in order to utilize the magnetic head (43). Furthermore, for securing the check (26) onto the closer body (22) the latch (26) must be pinned to the flex plate (65) which is further secured by a backing plate (61), with all the above references housed a within a mounting container (51). Comparatively, the invention herein primarily requires a magnet to similarly control a loose check, absolutely different from the fixed check.
It becomes apparent that a single closer device should be created to encompass many of these check options, wherein each may become circumstantially available and disposable.
These inventions relate to the use of a magnetic means to trigger loose check mechanisms for reciprocating devices, thus creating the first known door closer capable of most the check options described above. Objects of these inventions are to create a loose check tab capable of basic set, immediate set, and progressive set. Other objects of these inventions are to create inexpensive and reliable power for controlling the loose check, versus other fixed check mechanisms using such as springs, levers, and cams.
A primary magnet can be easily manufactured into the closer and into the check. However, for quick adaptation onto most every basic closer, the magnet can be housed within a simplistic plastic cup to easily retrofit without substantial modification to the closer device. Objects of these inventions are to utilize components having no fasteners, no moving parts, and minimal cost.
The cup or end cap of the closer further comprises projected surfaces that control the various check and trigger options. Objects of these inventions are to stabilize the check onto the closer body while both disengaged and engaged. Other objects are to create versatility for the check and the device. Other objects are to eliminate the lateral instability know with some checks. Other objects are to utilize the invention onto every loose check variety including those consisting of only two compressive friction points and including a non-variable trigger.
The best magnet 72 seems to be Neodymium Iron Boron (NdFeB). According to the industry they are the most powerful “rare earth” magnets known to mankind, which are capable of providing 4-5 times more power than ceramic magnets. They are also very hard which creates a durable plane for the convex surface 40A. The only thing that can weaken NdFeB magnets are temperatures of over 250° F. Therefore, it is suggested that the magnet 72 be applied into the cup 70 afterwards as temperatures of molten plastic can reach over 450° F.
It is important that the reader understand that the exclusive invention herein consist of the primary magnet 72 and the projected surfaces 74, wherein the cup 70 merely provides expediency for the invention.
Note that the points 28A and 28B comprised within the structure 34 have offsetting planes 37, which allow the check 22 to substantially rotate on the extended rod 16B. This rotation is limited only by the lock 74B contacting the trigger area 40, in this illustration having a convex trigger 40A. Thus, when not in use the points 28 act as bearings or guides permitting the unusually smooth motion for the check 22 from engaged 22B to disengaged 22A and back to engaged 22B. Also note that the points 28A and 28B oppose at a distance that is less than the diameter of the rod 16B. Thus, the check 22 is greatly balanced and laterally stable on the surface of the rod 16B.
However, as shown in
In the inventor's opinion there seems to be no leverage advantage to an aperture 26 having points 28A and 28B by a flattened structure 34, and a non-variable trigger area 40D. Wherein, as with
Once outside, the user can cancel the check tab 22A by again rotating the wheel 82 to idle 72A, then bumping the door 62 for closure. However, if the device 10 provides a damper 50 (not shown) as in U.S. Pat. No. 6,640,387, the door can be closed while the extended rod 16B is held by the tab 22. This will assist to open the door 62 upon return trip, wherein the user can then rotate the wheel 82 and bump the door 62 for closure once inside. By hiding magnets (not shown) behind the wheel 82 at each 180° interval, a “click” stop is created for locking the wheel in the off 72A and on 72B positions.
The present invention comprises the use of magnetism adapted for triggering loose check mechanisms to engage and release from biasing rods, including those of door closers. No other closer has ever offered both basic and immediate tab set options derived from a loose check. It is also important that the reader understand that only these inventions create this first known feather touch check for door closers, while also eliminating complex fixed check mechanisms. Furthermore, by modifying a cup to the inventive magnet including the land and the lock, the invention can be added onto non-variable check mechanisms as the industry continues to favor.
By adding a simple magnetic wheel, a single closer is also now capable of providing basic, immediate, and progressive tab set. The combined inventions also create the first door operator comprising an inexpensive low-voltage rechargeable battery, perhaps for residential industries. Such a device would act as a reliable closer only, until remotely energize with timed intervals to assist by opening & closing the door. Other industrial applications include automotive lift supports where such devices currently rely on internal power to hold opened. By including a check mechanism and magnet might someday create a preferred device for hoods, hatches, and trunks lids.
The particular embodiments of the present invention which have been illustrated and discussed herein are for demonstrative purposes only, and are not considered limited upon the scope of the appended claims. In these claims set forth it is my intent to all the inventions discovered, except as I am limited by the prior art. From this disclosure, various changes or improvements may occur wherein any applicable claims are intended to be included therein.
This is a Continuation-In-Part of Ser. No. 10/797,396 filed on Mar. 09, 2004 now abandoned.
Number | Date | Country | |
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Parent | 10797396 | Mar 2004 | US |
Child | 11890875 | Aug 2007 | US |