This invention relates to various reciprocating devices that control certain and objects with linear biasing forces. Exemplified is a door closer that acts to return the door to a closed position. The device normally comprises a rod that reciprocates from within a body providing a biasing means to the forces. For holding the door in an opened position, the rod can be loosely mounted with a 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 compressive opposing points comprised within the aperture.
More particularly, this invention relates to the use of a magnetic means to trigger 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 all to Alonso. 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 a sheet steel and comprise two relevant components to the invention herein: the aperture and the trigger. The reader is encouraged to study a complete disclosure concerning various checks in U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,789.
The hold feature is activated 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. Releasing the door, the biasing means acts to return the extended rod for closure. Once the body contacts the trigger, the biasing force causes the check to lever and torsionally pivot on the lineal axis of the rod.
The check frictionally engages the extended rod with compressive opposing 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. More torsion applied to the trigger normally results in more compressive frictional pressure onto the tensile surface of the rod.
Other than the inventor's check, all others utilize only two compressive friction points offered within the aperture. These 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 the points 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.
Comparatively, the inventor's check comprises an aperture that applies more than two compressive opposing points. The distance between the points is less than the rod diameter, applying more friction and balances the check to overcome 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 a vertical posture for the check which provides a continual engagement onto the rod. 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°, to allow it free-slide similar to a guide or bearing when not needed.
A variable trigger plane is defined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,032,331. 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. However, the more torsion that is applied to the trigger results in more compressive frictional pressure applied onto the rod.
Combining the above inventions creates a phenomenally strong and reliable 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 coal of lubricant seems to affect the check once it engages. The inventor believes that these components mostly render all of the inventions herein as well as others soon to be disclosed.
There are several known options for engaging and releasing 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. The tab must be manually placed 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 the check for holding the door. Once the button is pushed, a lever causes the tab to immediately engage and hold the door opened. The most desirable feature about this device is that the user needs only 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 the tab which is rotated for engagement. The most desirable feature about this device is that it omits premature closure, by the continuing 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 the 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 manual tab for checking the door at less than the full open position.
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 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 check tab capable of basic set, immediate set, and progressive set. Other objects of these inventions are to create reliable power for controlling the check, versus other mechanisms such as springs or levers.
A primary magnet can be easily manufactured into to the closer and into the check. However, for immediate adaptation onto certain closers the magnet can be housed within a simplistic plastic cup to easily retrofit without any modification to the device. Objects of these inventions are to utilize components having no fasteners, no moving parts, and minimal cost. The cup or end cap may further comprise surfaces that control the various check options. Objects of these inventions are to create versatility for the check and the device.
By locating the primary magnet horizontally, the tab is drawn sideways to freely travel on the rod as the door opens and closes. When needed, the tab becomes convenient for immediate set similar to the pushbutton device. However, the force required to set the magnetic check is no more than the touch of a feather. This ease of operation promptly disposes the tab at every position including full open set. To close the door the user need only bump it slightly outward and the magnet then disengages the tab.
If the user requires that the door be held reliably such as for moving furniture, the manual tab option is available by simply twisting the tab to its normal vertical position. The unique shape of the tab's trigger does not allow pinched fingers. For disabled users, a second temporary magnet comprising minimal moving parts will progressively hold the door at every outward position. Utilizing a damper as defined in U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,431 that could open the door, an inexpensive low-voltage operator could be created for residential entry doors. Such a device will perform as a reliable closer only, until remotely activated to power the door.
Furthermore, the inventor has anticipated his superior check expounding into numerous other industries that utilize rods for controlling objects with linear biasing forces. The inventor has best exemplified such a device as the common door closer, merely comprising a rod to the object and biasing force operators from within a body. Although other devices may not appear as the simplistic closer, the predictable function of the rod similarly provides the inherent need to control the object, even from the forces of gravity.
From U.S. Pat. No. 5,953,789: “The inventive check (emphasis) mechanism may incorporate a second trigger. The object of this invention is to change the direction of the friction pressure torsionally applied onto the surface of the rod, thus creating a reversible mechanism Another object of this invention is to accommodate the various reciprocating devices.”
During testing of the magnet, the inventor linked two checks by mating each at their trigger. The results created a phenomenally strong compressive friction check, capable of bidirectional control to a rod utilizing its tinsel strength. This new linking invention may be comparable to the ancient art of friction to flexible rods, often known as a “Chinese Finger Cuff”. However, the inventor may have solely developed a comparable apparatus and methodology only now capable to firm rods for any useful purpose.
Likewise, engaging and releasing the check offers basic, immediate, progressive, and limited tab set options for many devices. These might include a sliding door operator; buckles; pulling, towing, and hitching devices; linear actuator and robotic controllers; extension polls; clamps; adjustable freestanding pedestals; triggers for launching rods such as arrows; tent, canopy, and banner clips; threadless fasteners; adjustable tools such as wrenches and pliers; an improved caulking gun and many others.
Objects of these combined inventions are to capture the entire usable tinsel strength of a rod, for controlling any object attached thereto. Other objects of these inventions are to induce reliable compressive frictional pressure to a rod, for holding linear biasing forces no matter what the origin of the force. Please note that this linking invention requires a separate patent perhaps neither divisional nor dependable on the magnetic invention herein. However, the magnetic invention unites the link to improve many reciprocating devices and therefore mandates the disclosure herein.
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.
Note that the points 28 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 76 contacting the 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 idle 22A and back to engaged 22B. Please note that the magnet 72 might function with certain other prior two point checks 22, perhaps by utilizing other components such as springs or levers. Certainly such a mechanism could be inferior to the inventor's superior check 22, although please consider this disclosure herein.
Once outside, the user can cancel the check tab 22A by again rotating the wheel 82 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 62 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. By placing magnets 72 (not shown) behind the wheel 82 at each 180° interval, a “click” stop is created for the on/off positions.
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. The check (28) comprises only two friction points (29A) applied to the rod (29). Because the lack of points (29A) combined with a non-variable trigger plate (28A), the check (28) must be controlled by the latch plate (26) in order to utilize the magnetic head (43). Furthermore, 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 the check.
The bi-checks 22 are linked 90 at their triggers 38, permitting smooth rotation on the convex surfaces 40A for disengaging 22A and engaging 22B. The engaged checks 22B are held by the engaged magnets 72B. To disengage 22A, a simple hand movement to the bi-check 22 will suffice to disengage the magnets 72A similar to the basic tab set option. Note that the function gap 46 is required at all times during engaged check 22B. A lock means 88 will properly secure the engaged checks 22B.
During check engagement 22B, control for the biasing forces 11A and 11B appears to be unconditional, only limited by the tensile strength of the rod 16 versus the number of applicable friction points 28. In other words, the union created by the compressive friction points 28 applied to the rod 16 appears to be only dependent on the tensile strength of the rod 16. Similar to the “Chinese Finger Cuff” concept, this new invention may provide reliable compressive frictional restraint onto any rod 16, perhaps along its entire tinsel length!
The present invention comprises the use of magnetism adapted for triggering check mechanisms to engage and release from biasing rods. No other closer has ever offered both basic and immediate tab set options derived from a single check. It is also important that the reader understand that only these inventions create this first known feather touch check for door closers.
By adding a simple magnetic wheel, a 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.
Furthermore, the reader will soon learn a separate disclosure which combines the magnetic invention to a linking invention, for compressive friction check mechanisms adapted to rods and objects attached thereto. Extraordinarily, this invention may be similar as the ancient art of compressive frictional engagement to flexible rods known as a “Chinese Finger Cuff”. Such may be utilized by many industries to reliably control all the biasing forces by utilizing the entire tinsel strength of the rod.
These combined inventions will create many industrial devices including buckles; pulling, towing, lifting, and hitching devices; sliding door operators; linear actuator & robotic controllers; clamping devices; extension pole devices; standalone pedestal devices; trigger devices; tent & canopy devices; adjustable tools such as wrenches and pliers, improve caulking gun and many others.
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.