GB2190954A

GB2190954A - Automatic door closer

Info

Publication number: GB2190954A
Application number: GB08613250A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard S Walde
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-05-31
Filing date: 1986-05-31
Publication date: 1987-12-02
Also published as: GB8613250D0

Abstract

A fitting constructed from a suitably resilient elastic material, for example, natural rubber, with appropriate end fixtures which, when specifically attached to a door, drawer, etc, allows ease of movement in opening or closing, but then automatically pulls the door, drawer, etc, closed or open.

Description

SPECIFICATION Automatic door closer This invention relates to a door closer, particularly, though not exclusively for use on doors nor exclusively for closing.

Conventional door closers have been designed to function such that they allow a door to be opened freely, then automatically close the door if left open.

Previous models encompass a variety of mechanisms that can be broadly classified into two types; hydraulic and spring mechanisms.

Models incorporating springs produce a mechanical tension on the opened door due to the nature of the spring. The spring, in essence, being composed of a specifically engineered material, which by special design creates a spring with specific elastic properties.

All of these designs are however; cumbersome, relatively permanent and expensive, which therefore restrict their use to certain types of doors in suitable buildings.

According to the present invention, a door closer has been provided using elastic properties of a certain material per se.

No specific engineering of the material has to be carried out in forming spring-like arrangements.

A thin strip of the material, suitably positioned on the door and frame, may function so that the arrangement can be unobtrusive and, depending on attachment, unnoticeable when the door is closed.

The tension created on the opened door will be dependent on; the positioning of the door closer, relative to the hinge line, the position of the ends relative to each other, as well as being dependent on the elasticity of the material used.

The material would have to have an appropriate elasticity, which would allow ease of opening and yet sufficiently strong enough to pull the door to, or where suitably adjusted, closed.

Equally important, the material would have to maintain its elastic properties over a considerably long period, under constant tension and frequent stretching.

Fixing would have to be such that the material would be held sufficiently secure to allow suitable tension and rotational movement without detachment whilst in use, and in such a way as not to destroy the material under conditions of tension and frequent stretching.

A specific embodiment will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the acompanying diagrams.

Figure 1 is a view of the door closer, detached, showing various end fixtures.

Figure 2 is a view of an end fixture (using example 12 of Fig. 1), showing method of attachment to door and frame. Exact length of fitting will depend on requirements.

Figures 3 & 4 illustrates the door closer in position on a conventional household door, with the door open and closed respectively.

Referring to Fig. 1, the door closer consists of a narrow strip of 'natural rubber' or other similar flexible and sufficiently resilient material. The ends of the strip may be fitted with suitable end fixtures as shown.

Referring to Fig. 3, each end is fitted to suitably positioned screws/nails in the door and frame.

Keyhole shaped eyelets and hooked end fixtures allow ease of attachment over the screw/nail head. Under constant tension the fitting will remain secure with no possibility of slipping off. This arrangement also enables the whole fitting to be detached very easily, if not required on specific occasions.

On opening the door, the fitting is subject to an increase in tension. The elasticity of the material allowing ease of the door opening. If the door is now left open, the elastic nature of the material pulls the door closed. Rotational movement of the fitting about the screws/nails being possible, due to eyelet/hook end fixtures.

In closed position, Fig. 4, the door closer fitting remains unseen and still under slight tension.

It is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only. Equally well the invention could be applied to function as a 'door opener'; by attaching end 14 of the fitting, to a suitable hook at position 16 on the door-frame/wall, the door will be kept open unless physically closed.

The nature of the fitting enables ease of detachment, therefore a single fitting can be used to function as a door closer in one position (end 14 to position 15), and easily repositioned to function as a door opener, (end 14 to position 16).

It will be appreciated that a fitting made in accordance with the invention provides an efficient means of automatic door closing/opening without the necessity for relatively permanent, complex, mechanical fixtures.

The elasticity of the material per se, being exploited. Appropriate design enables positioning at the specific location, Fig. 3, which allows maximum efficiency as well as satisfying aesthetic requirements of the general household with positioning where least noticeable.

Its simplicity in fitting and economical use of space therefore allows versatility in its application.

Many other applications also being possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, use on; doors of refrigerators and cupboards; drawers and other similar items.

1. A fitting constructed from any suitable

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Automatic door closer This invention relates to a door closer, particularly, though not exclusively for use on doors nor exclusively for closing. Conventional door closers have been designed to function such that they allow a door to be opened freely, then automatically close the door if left open. Previous models encompass a variety of mechanisms that can be broadly classified into two types; hydraulic and spring mechanisms. Models incorporating springs produce a mechanical tension on the opened door due to the nature of the spring. The spring, in essence, being composed of a specifically engineered material, which by special design creates a spring with specific elastic properties. All of these designs are however; cumbersome, relatively permanent and expensive, which therefore restrict their use to certain types of doors in suitable buildings. According to the present invention, a door closer has been provided using elastic properties of a certain material per se. No specific engineering of the material has to be carried out in forming spring-like arrangements. A thin strip of the material, suitably positioned on the door and frame, may function so that the arrangement can be unobtrusive and, depending on attachment, unnoticeable when the door is closed. The tension created on the opened door will be dependent on; the positioning of the door closer, relative to the hinge line, the position of the ends relative to each other, as well as being dependent on the elasticity of the material used. The material would have to have an appropriate elasticity, which would allow ease of opening and yet sufficiently strong enough to pull the door to, or where suitably adjusted, closed. Equally important, the material would have to maintain its elastic properties over a considerably long period, under constant tension and frequent stretching. Fixing would have to be such that the material would be held sufficiently secure to allow suitable tension and rotational movement without detachment whilst in use, and in such a way as not to destroy the material under conditions of tension and frequent stretching. A specific embodiment will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the acompanying diagrams. Figure 1 is a view of the door closer, detached, showing various end fixtures. Figure 2 is a view of an end fixture (using example 12 of Fig. 1), showing method of attachment to door and frame. Exact length of fitting will depend on requirements. Figures 3 & 4 illustrates the door closer in position on a conventional household door, with the door open and closed respectively. Referring to Fig. 1, the door closer consists of a narrow strip of 'natural rubber' or other similar flexible and sufficiently resilient material. The ends of the strip may be fitted with suitable end fixtures as shown. Referring to Fig. 3, each end is fitted to suitably positioned screws/nails in the door and frame. Keyhole shaped eyelets and hooked end fixtures allow ease of attachment over the screw/nail head. Under constant tension the fitting will remain secure with no possibility of slipping off. This arrangement also enables the whole fitting to be detached very easily, if not required on specific occasions. On opening the door, the fitting is subject to an increase in tension. The elasticity of the material allowing ease of the door opening. If the door is now left open, the elastic nature of the material pulls the door closed. Rotational movement of the fitting about the screws/nails being possible, due to eyelet/hook end fixtures. In closed position, Fig. 4, the door closer fitting remains unseen and still under slight tension. It is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only. Equally well the invention could be applied to function as a 'door opener'; by attaching end 14 of the fitting, to a suitable hook at position 16 on the door-frame/wall, the door will be kept open unless physically closed. The nature of the fitting enables ease of detachment, therefore a single fitting can be used to function as a door closer in one position (end 14 to position 15), and easily repositioned to function as a door opener, (end 14 to position 16). It will be appreciated that a fitting made in accordance with the invention provides an efficient means of automatic door closing/opening without the necessity for relatively permanent, complex, mechanical fixtures. The elasticity of the material per se, being exploited. Appropriate design enables positioning at the specific location, Fig. 3, which allows maximum efficiency as well as satisfying aesthetic requirements of the general household with positioning where least noticeable. Its simplicity in fitting and economical use of space therefore allows versatility in its application. Many other applications also being possible without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, use on; doors of refrigerators and cupboards; drawers and other similar items. CLAIMS

1. A fitting constructed from any suitable resilient elastic material with appropriate end fixtures which, when specifically attached to a door, drawer, etc, allows ease of movement in opening or closing, but then automatically pulls the door, drawer, etc, closed or keeps it open, depending on purpose and attachment.

2. A fitting as in claim 1, attached to function as a door closer/opener.

3. A fitting as described in claim 1, utilising natural rubber.

4. A fitting as described in claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the end fixtures are as illustrated in Fig. 1.

5. A fitting as described in claim 1 and claim 2 wherein the end sections are laminated with inelastic material.

6. A door closer substantially as described herein with reference to Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 of the accompanying drawing.