NZ622569B - Door anti-slamming device - Google Patents
Door anti-slamming deviceInfo
- Publication number
- NZ622569B NZ622569B NZ622569A NZ62256914A NZ622569B NZ 622569 B NZ622569 B NZ 622569B NZ 622569 A NZ622569 A NZ 622569A NZ 62256914 A NZ62256914 A NZ 62256914A NZ 622569 B NZ622569 B NZ 622569B
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- cavity
- orifice
- partition
- door
- chamber
- Prior art date
Links
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Abstract
door anti-slamming device (1) for damping the movement of a door and preventing the door from slamming. The damper comprises a plunger (7) which is able to slide within a chamber. The plunger comprises a tip (6), which extends beyond the chamber in an extended configuration (as shown). The chamber comprises two cavities (16, not shown) divided by a partition (12), wherein the partition includes an orifice (20) which allows fluid communication between the two cavities. The device is configured to transition from an extended position, to a contracted position at a rate controlled by material transfer from the first cavity (16) into the second cavity. The device includes a biasing means (11) configured to bias the device towards an extended position. The material transferred between cavities is preferably a liquid, such as water, oil, detergent gel etc. The device may include a nozzle (20) in the orifice for improved control of the flow of the material. The device is preferably inserted into a cavity of the door frame, such that the device sits flush with the frame and only the tip extends to contact the door (or an impact plate of the door) as it is closed. comprises two cavities (16, not shown) divided by a partition (12), wherein the partition includes an orifice (20) which allows fluid communication between the two cavities. The device is configured to transition from an extended position, to a contracted position at a rate controlled by material transfer from the first cavity (16) into the second cavity. The device includes a biasing means (11) configured to bias the device towards an extended position. The material transferred between cavities is preferably a liquid, such as water, oil, detergent gel etc. The device may include a nozzle (20) in the orifice for improved control of the flow of the material. The device is preferably inserted into a cavity of the door frame, such that the device sits flush with the frame and only the tip extends to contact the door (or an impact plate of the door) as it is closed.
Description
James & Wells ref: 701866
Door anti-slamming device
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to a door anti-slamming device and its method of use.
BACKGROUND ART
There is a wide variety of industries and devices that could benefit from door anti-slamming
devices. This is from a safety perspective to avoid injury from doors unexpectantly slamming,
as well as comfort perspective and avoidance of damage to doors or the surrounding
structures.
For example, shipping container doors are very heavy and large. At sea, or even at port, wind
can catch a door and quickly cause it to slam against the container walls or entrance, even if a
person or safety mechanism is intended to temporarily hold it in place. This may be particularly
applicable during inspection of the containers during customs duty which often occurs at sea, or
at the time of loading or unloading. If a person is inadvertently in the path of the door as it
slams against a surface, the person could be severely injured.
The same applies to other situations, one being the common internal door in a house, or an
exterior door. One can readily recall situations where a wind channel forms through a house
(due to two external doors/windows being open) which can cause one of the doors to often
violently slam shut, where the momentum of the door will build as it slams shut. The same
applies to when children are playing with a door, and decide to slam the door without thinking of
the potential consequences.
Primarily this is a safety concern as children (or adults, for that matter) may have a hand or
fingers inside the door frame. This can lead to injury, or in severe cases broken bones or even
complete amputation of finger(s).
Secondly, even if no one is near the door and therefore injury is not a concern, a slamming
door can still cause damage to the door or door frame, especially if it happens many times or if
there is an extreme force applied. A slamming door can also be a rather horrible noise to hear,
and most people would want to avoid the situation where possible.
There are anti-door slamming devices already on the market but these can have a number of
problems as outlined below.
- Many devices can be overly big, cumbersome and/or unsightly due to their requirement
to house large components or the need to be positioned in a particular area to achieve
the desired function.
James & Wells ref: 701866
- Many door anti-slamming devices which are configured to withstand more extreme
forces being applied can also be overly expensive due to large componentry or systems.
- Yet other smaller devices can be simply inadequate to handle more extreme forces. For
example, devices which primarily rely on a biasing means such as a spring to slow a
slamming door do not work well.
- Many current devices can be overly complicated from a mechanical perspective, and be
prone to damage or faulty parts.
- Often the intended impact point of the device is disadvantageously configured to slow a
very fast moving peripheral part of the pivoting door.
- Many types of door anti-slamming devices can be frustrating to use as the systems
employed can prevent a person from easily closing the door at a normal speed.
- Many door anti-slamming devices are not able to be easily adjustable to suit the needs
of the user, or changing conditions.
- There is a need to provide simple, cost effective devices that can be used across a wide
variety of industries primarily as a safety measure, and there is a particular need to
address this in the shipping container industry, within households and in other
applications such as vehicle doors or smaller objects such as tool box doors.
It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide
the public with a useful choice.
All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification, are hereby
incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The
discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the
right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly
understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this
reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the
common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.
Throughout this specification, the word "comprise", or variations thereof such as "comprises" or
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or
group of elements integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step,
or group of elements, integers or steps.
Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
ensuing description which is given by way of example only.
James & Wells ref: 701866
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a door anti-slamming device
to be housed substantially within a wall cavity or a door cavity,
wherein the device includes a chamber with an entrance located at a first end;
wherein the chamber houses a plunger component with a tip configured to slidably move in and
out of the entrance, therefore defining a compacted configuration and an extended
configuration of the device, respectively;
wherein the device includes an biasing means configured to bias the device towards the
extended configuration;
wherein the device includes a first cavity and a second cavity located within the chamber and/or
plunger component, and wherein a partition is located between the first and second cavity
characterised in that
the partition includes an orifice configured to control material transfer rate between the first
cavity and second cavity, wherein the device is configured to transition to the compacted
configuration at a rate controlled by the material transfer from the first cavity into the second
cavity.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a replaceable plunger
component configured to be inserted within the device substantially described herein.
According to another aspect of the present invention there is a method of using a door anti-
slamming device as substantially herein described.
Brief outline of the advantages of the present invention
As will become clearer with the ensuing description, some of the overriding advantages of the
present invention are the reliability, control and strength of the device considering its preferred
overall compactness in size and intended positioning for use.
The inventive mechanism effectively prevents doors slamming and therefore is a significant
improvement over current devices which are either unsightly or do not function efficiently and
therefore still represent a safety hazard.
Also, as will be elaborated on further, the mechanism may be easily adapted for different uses
or conditions.
Preferred embodiments and definitions of integers
First, it should be made clear, as discussed throughout this specification, that the device may
be configured in a wide number of ways as is exemplified in the Best Modes and Figures of the
James & Wells ref: 701866
present application. In particular, the particular configuration and interworking relationship of
the plunger, biasing means, first cavity and second cavity of the chamber and the partition
housing the orifice may vary substantially yet still provide desired effects and benefits.
Therefore, the present invention should not be restricted in anyway to the examples or
preferred embodiments provided, and someone skilled in the art would appreciate many
alternative configurations would still encompass the spirit of the invention and its advantages.
Device
The anti-door slamming device typically will have a cylindrically shaped outer body. Although
substantially any shape may be used, this preferred shape may allow it to be easily installed
more easily into a door or wall cavity for instance after using a drill to make a cylindrically
shaped cavity in the door or wall cavity.
Also, the inventor envisages that the device may include a face plate at the entrance to the
device, typically with at least a few screw holes. This may allow the installer to fix the device
securely such the face plate sits flush with the wall or door surface, with only the tip of the
plunger protruding from the wall or door surface.
Preferably the device is configured to be positioned inside an internal door frame.
For instance, the device may be either integrally built into a hinge, or installed close to a hinge.
Preferably, an impact plate may be positioned on a portion of the door at a point where the tip
of the plunger will impact when the door is closed. It should be appreciated that the device
could alternatively be placed within the door cavity, and the impact plate may then be placed on
the opposition position on the door frame wall.
The use of an impact plate may help to protect the door/wall from damage, and may help to
ensure the device continues to work consistently. If there was no impact plate, it is possible
that the tip may drive through the opposing surface either from repeated use, or from a single
occurrence under extreme conditions, such that the device could potentially fail.
It should be appreciated that when the door closes, the force and speed of the door closing
(e.g. due to wind or being slammed by a child) may be stopped prior to the door shutting, or at
least the force and speed of the door will be substantially decreased prior to shutting.
Depending on the application, the device may be configured to do either. In this way, the
present invention will help to prevent severe injury to a person (such as to their fingers).
The device may be made of substantially any material although for strength and durability the
inventor intends to use stainless steel for the majority of its components.
Chamber
James & Wells ref: 701866
Throughout this specification the term chamber should be understood to mean the internal
space within the device. In the context of a cylindrically shaped device, the chamber may
equivalently be a cylindrically shaped chamber which is substantially closed apart from the
entrance.
The chamber houses the plunger which is configured to slidably move within it as outlined
further below.
Entrance
The entrance provides access for the plunger to be installed. For instance, this may be
applicable when the plungers are configured to be replaceable such that the user does not
need to also replace the chamber.
Also the entrance allows the tip of the plunger to move in and out of the chamber to allow the
device to move between a compacted and expanded configuration. As will be outlined below, if
no inward force is applied to the tip (typically from force from the door bearing against the tip),
the plunger will be biased outwards from the chamber towards with the tip protruding out of the
entrance which defines the extended configuration.
Preferably the entrance includes a stop.
The stop may be configured as an internal lip to prevent the plunger and/or its tip to extend out
of the chamber passed a pre-defined position.
Typically, the device will be configured such that in the extended configuration, the tip extends
out of the entrance by about 18 mm. Obviously, the size and shape of the tip may vary
depending on the application.
Plunger
Throughout this specification the term plunger should be taken as meaning a component of the
device that slidably moves in and out of the chamber to allow the device to move between the
two configurations.
Preferably, upon a force being applied to the tip, movement of the plunger into the chamber
applies a pressure to the first cavity resulting in material transfer from the first cavity to the
second cavity at a controlled material transfer rate through the orifice, whereby once material
has substantially transferred to the second cavity, the device is in the compacted configuration.
Preferably, once a force is removed from the tip, the biasing means is configured to draw
material back from the second cavity into the first cavity to return the device to the extended
configuration.
James & Wells ref: 701866
To exemplify the present invention, the preferred embodiments of the plunger are now
discussed in relation to other components of the device and there interworking relationships
(each component in turn will also be elaborated on further in this specification).
General Embodiment 1
According to embodiment 1 (as exemplified by Example 1 and Figures 2A-B to 4A-B) the
following embodiments are envisaged:
- the plunger is configured to house the second cavity;
- the plunger is configured to house the biasing means;
- the second cavity is formed by internal side walls of the plunger, the partition which
includes the orifice, and a movable wall;
- the movable wall is biased towards the partition through engagement with the biasing
means, but will retract therefrom to expand the size of the second cavity upon pressure
build up as a result of material passing through the orifice.
In embodiment 1, as expansion of the second cavity occurs, the material in the first cavity
(preferably in the remaining part of the chamber) is transferred into the second cavity via the
orifice, providing room for the plunger to slide into the chamber as a result of force being
applied to the tip.
Embodiment 1 provides considerable advantages as all the substantial components are
provided within the plunger component. This may be particularly advantageous when the
plunger is configured to be replaceable or needs to be repaired.
Embodiment 1 may also be more applicable for less extreme conditions or in dealing with
smaller doors with less force being imposed onto the plunger – for example, on car doors,
house doors or even small appliances such as a tool box. This lesser force allows the plunger
to be of adequate strength yet still house the biasing means and the movable wall as well as
the partition housing the orifice.
In this embodiment, to avoid material leakage from the first cavity when the plunger is removed,
the plunger may be configured to draw out substantially all the material into the second cavity
before the plunger is dispatched and/or replaced.
General Embodiment 2
In embodiment 2 (as exemplified in Example 2 and Figures 5A and B) the following
embodiments are envisaged:
- the second cavity is formed from an interworking relationship between the plunger
configured as a centralized column, the inner walls of the chamber, the partition
James & Wells ref: 701866
including the orifice and a movable wall which slides about the centralized plunger and
against the inner walls of the chamber.
- the biasing means is in the first cavity as is biased towards the first cavity being
expanded.
- The first cavity is located in the peripheral portion of the chamber distal to the entrance.
- As the plunger is forced into the chamber, the material transfers through the orifice,
driving back the movable wall to expand the size of the second cavity to accommodate
the displaced material from the first cavity.
The configuration of embodiment 2 may be advantageous as substantially all of other
components are not being housed internally within the plunger. In this way, the plunger may be
less prone to damage, especially under more considerable force or extreme conditions. This
reflects that the plunger may be constructed of more solid components (having a centralized
column) on the basis it does need to house the biasing means, an internally constructed
movable wall, or even the partition with the orifice.
Additionally, in this configuration the plunger may be removed, replaced or repaired whilst
material is retained in the first cavity.
General Embodiment 3
In embodiment 3 (as exemplified in Example 3 and Figures 6A and B) the following
embodiments are envisaged:
- The partition is a fixed wall integrally built into the chamber, with the partition including
the orifice.
- The second cavity is located on the opposite side to the partition away from the
entrance.
- The second cavity is defined by the inner walls of the chamber, the partition and a
movable wall biased towards the partition by the biasing means.
- The first cavity is located on the opposite side of the partition to the second cavity nearer
to the entrance, and is defined by the inner walls of the chamber, the partition housing
the orifice and by the front surface of the plunger.
- The plunger may simply be a solid cylindrical component that drives into the first cavity.
Features of this embodiment again may be particularly beneficial for more extreme applications,
for example on shipping containers where heavy doors and extreme wind conditions are
evident. In this embodiment, the plunger, the built in partition and orifice, and/or the movable
James & Wells ref: 701866
wall/biasing means may be particularly configured to handle more extreme forces and/or
repetitive usage.
The special features of embodiment 3 wherein the partition is built in to the chamber, and
wherein the biasing means is retained separate to the material communication may help to
ensure the device is more robust.
It should be appreciated that aspects of any one of embodiments 1-3 may be intermixed to
provide even more embodiments which fall within the scope of the invention, and provide
particular advantages.
The tip of the plunger may be substantially any shape or configuration without departing from
the scope of the invention.
Typically, the tip will have a substantially curved end as this will be the surface which contacts
an opposing surface upon impact.
The tip may have a diameter of about 12 mm, and a length of about 18 mm. These
measurements have been found to be well suited to the present invention as they are not overly
obtrusive yet equally are able to sufficiently slow or stop a slamming door.
Also, because of the clever preferred positioning of the device within the internal door frame
(next to the door hinge), the tip may make contact with the opposing surface well before the
door is closed without the need for the tip to protrude outwardly in any excessive level.
Compacted configuration and extended configuration
It should be appreciated that the configuration of the device moving between the compacted
and extended configuration may merely be a result of the tip moving out of or into the chamber
through the entrance.
Biasing means
It is possible that a wide type of biasing means may be used to bias the device towards the
extended portion, and such embodiments should be considered within the scope of the
invention.
It should be appreciated that the biasing means is not intended to act as the counter-force
against a slamming door like many of the prior art devices. Instead, the biasing means is
intended only to permit the device to return easily to the extended configuration after a force
(slamming door) has been removed.
Preferably the biasing means is a spring-loaded coil.
James & Wells ref: 701866
It is has been exemplified already that the biasing means may be configured to interwork
together with different components of the device.
For example, the biasing means may be located inside the plunger and be engaged with a
movable wall (as in Embodiment 1), or inside the first cavity and engaged with the partition
which is movable (as in Embodiment 2) or even inside a specially adapted region which is not in
communication with the fluid which is able to transfer between the first and second cavity (as in
Embodiment 3).
However, it should be appreciate that in all embodiments, the biasing means is configured to
favour the expanded configuration, and in all embodiments it does this by expanding the size of
the first cavity in the expanded configuration, as outlined below.
First cavity
Throughout this specification, the term first cavity should be taken as meaning an area of the
plunger and/or chamber that forms a substantially closed area apart from the orifice which
provides material communication between the first cavity and the second cavity.
The first cavity should also be taken as meaning the cavity that, when the device is in the
expanded configuration, a material will be biased into. This may typically through action of the
biasing means.
To exemplify this, in Embodiments 1 and 2, the first cavity may be located at the distal end of
the chamber away from the entrance, whereas in Embodiment 3, the first cavity is located
between the plunger and the partition, much closer to the entrance of the chamber.
It should also be appreciated that the first cavity may be configured as a result of interworking
relationships from different components of the device. For example, the internal walls of the
chamber may act not only to retain the plunger and keep the device secure, but also may act as
at least one portion of the first (or second) cavity. These interworking relationships are very
inventive ways of utilising at least one component of the device for more than one function,
which helps avoid unnecessary components to reduce manufacturing costs.
Preferably, the first cavity is configured to expand and contract.
This embodiment allows the first cavity to accommodate an increased volume of material when
the device is in the expanded configuration. It then also allows the first cavity to compact when
less volume of material is present in the first cavity, and this typically will provide the necessary
space for the plunger and tip to slidably compact into the chamber to provide the compacted
configuration of the device.
Second cavity
James & Wells ref: 701866
Throughout this specification, the term second cavity should be taken as meaning an area of
the plunger and/or chamber that forms a substantially closed area apart from the orifice which
provides material communication between the first cavity and the second cavity.
The second cavity should also be taken as meaning the cavity that, when the device is in the
expanded configuration, a material will be biased out of. Again, typically this biasing is through
action of the biasing means.
Similar to the first cavity, it should also be appreciated that the second cavity may be configured
as a result of interworking relationships from different components of the device. This is
exemplified in Embodiments 1 to 3 above, and one skilled in the art would appreciate other
similar options that fall within the scope of the invention.
Preferably, the second cavity is configured to expand and contract.
This embodiment allows the second cavity to accommodate an increased volume of material
when the device is in the compacted configuration. It then also allows the second cavity to
contract when less or no volume of material is present in the second cavity, as typically will be
the case when the device is in the expanded configuration.
Preferably, the expanded volume of the second cavity is substantial equal to the expanded
volume of the first cavity.
In this way, the displaced material which is transferred from say, the first cavity to the second
cavity, is able to be retained.
Partition
Throughout the specification the term partition should be taken as meaning a barrier or division
that is used to separate the first and second cavity and prevent uncontrolled material transfer
between the two cavities.
Preferably, the partition is substantially non-permeable to any material located in the first and/or
second cavity. For instance, the partition may be made substantially of plastic resin or stainless
steel.
Preferably, the partition is slidably movable relative to the chamber of the device.
This embodiment is advantageous in embodiments such as Embodiments 1 and 2, where the
partition forms part of the second cavity and allows the second cavity to expand to
accommodate the material as it is transferred through the orifice.
Alternatively, the partition is in a fixed position relative to the chamber of the device.
In this embodiment, the partition may be integrally formed as part of the chamber, as
exemplified in Embodiment 3.
James & Wells ref: 701866
As discussed previously, this may be preferred if more strength is required and more extreme
forces are at play, for instance on container ship doors.
Material and material transfer
Throughout the specification the term material should be taken as meaning a substance which
is able to be transferable through an orifice.
Preferably, the device includes the material.
It should be appreciated that the device may be manufactured and sold without the material,
and then prior to use, the material is added to allow it to be effectively used.
Preferably the material is a liquid.
The liquid may be selected from options such as water, oil, detergent gel, etc.
The use of oil or detergent has a number of advantages. It may be used to help lubricate
components of the chamber. Also the added viscosity may help to control (in combination with
the configuration of the orifice) the material transfer rate through the orifice and hence the
compaction speed of the device.
The clever use of a fluid in combination (and interworking relationship with the other
components of the device) means that the compression and extension process may be able to
be accurately controlled primarily through the configuration of the orifice.
The inventor trialed the current invention for considerable time using air, and found this not to
be overly effective as air is compressible. The fact that air is compressible means that the
control of the slamming process is not able to be controlled solely by the size and shape of the
orifice (discussed below). Instead, the air in either the first and/or second cavity could
compress, leading to a less accurate compression process. Ultimately, this translated into less
accurate control of door slamming, which was found to be ineffective especially under extreme
forces.
In saying this, air may be present in some parts of the chamber, as elaborated below.
Orifice
Throughout this specification, the term orifice should be taken as meaning a path, channel,
hole, aperture or pore which allows a controlled transfer rate of material through the partition
between the first cavity and second cavity of the device.
The orifice is a key feature of the invention which is central across all embodiments, and helps
to provide many of the beneficial advantages seen from the concept.
James & Wells ref: 701866
The orifice acts as the “gatekeeper” or “bottleneck” and works in an elaborate interworking
relationship with the other components to allow close control of the contraction and expansion
process of the device. The orifice may be easily configured to then provide a clever way of
controlling the compaction process and allowing different embodiments to suit particular uses,
conditions and so forth.
Preferably, the orifice is configured as a channel.
In this way, the orifice is simply a channel formed in the partition.
It should be appreciated that the configuration of the orifice may be configured in a wide
number of ways to control flow rate of the material transfer according to the present invention.
Preferably, the channel is between 0.01 mm and 50 mm in diameter.
After careful experimentation, the inventor surprisingly found that retaining the channel
diameter between this range provided then necessary resistance to slow or stop a slamming
door under the majority of expected conditions or forces.
Yet, another significant advantage of the concept is that when one closes a door at a normal
speed, the person should not be able to “feel” the resistance. This is because the flow of the
material through the orifice may be configured to transfer at a rate that substantially no bounce
back effect is felt.
For instance, an diameter of about 1-10 mm may be more applicable to moderate conditions
(for instance on a tool box, car door or house door) and a smaller diameter of about 0.01 to 0.1
mm may be more applicable to situations where the intention is to completely prevent the door
from closing, and allow the door to bounce back after absorbing some of the shock of the
slamming door.
In larger versions of the device, larger diameters of 50 mm may be used to accommodate more
substantial forces and door sizes, such as those seen in shipping containers or perphaps train
carriages.
It should also be appreciated that the diameter of the orifice may be matched with other
elements of the device to achieve the desired function. For instance, with shipping containers,
it may be appropriate to increase the length of the tip (and therefore distance the tip travels as it
compacts into the chamber), increase the potential sizes of the first and second cavity, increase
the amount of material used, use more viscous fluid as the material, and/or adjust the size of
the orifice.
One may appreciate that this may help to cushion and prevent a slamming door of larger size
and weight and one which is travelling with a greater force. The same concepts may be used
to configure the device for a wide variety of uses and conditions.
James & Wells ref: 701866
Preferably, the orifice includes a nozzle.
The nozzle may be a separate component that fits into the partition, and then which essentially
acts as the orifice allowing transfer of material. This may help to more accurately control flow
rate of the material and prevent the orifice from damage.
The nozzle’s configuration may also provide one way of adjusting the orifice diameter, as
discussed below.
The nozzle may be made of any solid material, and most likely of plastic or metal.
Preferably, the diameter of the orifice is adjustable.
This feature may allow someone to adjust the device to allow it to provide greater or less
resistance during a door slamming process.
The inventor envisages that an external dial may allow the user to manually adjust the orifice
dimensions. Of course, automated options are envisaged as well.
Alternatively, it may be an option, as per Embodiment 1, that one may replace a component in
the device that harbours the orifice. This may be a different way for the user or installer to
adapt the orifice dimensions.
Preferably, only one orifice is present on the partition.
However, it should be appreciated that multiple orifices may easily be used and achieve a
similar function. Also, it is not beyond the present invention to use pores (e.g. microscopic
pores) that are dispersed throughout the partition and used to control the flow rate of the
material across the partition.
Other preferred embodiments
Additional cavities or air pockets
As exemplified in Embodiment 1, an additional cavity may be present in the device. In
Embodiment 1, this additional cavity is in the plunger and houses the biasing means. This
cavity may be a partial vacuum or contain air. Yet, this additional cavity is not being acted on
directly from external forces, so the air pocket is not affecting the compaction rate.
Adjustment means
Preferably, the device is configured to be adjustable.
For example, there may be considerable advantages in being able to adjust the diameter or
size of the orifice. One would then be able to adjust when required the resistance of the device
to the desired requirements. A mechanism may be included to allow the user to adjust the
orifice size, for example using a dial on the face plate.
James & Wells ref: 701866
Also, there may be considerable advantages in being able to adjust other aspects such as the
spring length of the biasing means, or the rate of plunger return, which may also be at least
partly attributed to the biasing means. The examples illustrate the use of a key key which may
be inserted down the length of the plunger to allow manipulation of the biasing means.
Clearly other adjustment features are envisioned and should not be considered beyond the
scope of the invention.
Seals
Preferably, the device includes a plurality of seals to allow the material to be effectively retained
within the first and second cavities.
Preferably, the seal is an O-ring.
Preferably, an O-ring is present any components of the device that are movable and are
configured to form part of the first or second cavity. Various O-rings are depicted in Figures
2A-B to 6A-B which illustrate this embodiment.
Method of installation and adaptation
Preferably the device is installed by:
- Drilling a suitably shaped cavity in a door frame.
- Placing the chamber of the device into the cavity such that the entrance of the chamber
substantially sits flush with the door frame, and that the tip protrudes out from the door
frame at the desired length.
- Fastening the device to the door frame using a plurality of fasteners.
Preferably the device may be adapted or maintained using the following steps:
- Replacing either the entire device or just a component thereof (such as a
plunger/partition/orifice/biasing means combination) as exemplified in Example 1.
- Adjusting the orifice dimensions using a suitable tool or adjustment means (a wide
variety of options could be used here to implement this feature).
Summary of the Advantages of the Present Invention and its use
- Wide number of applications such as for house doors, car doors, shipping container
doors etc.
- Effectively avoids fingers or other body parts getting slammed
- Avoids damage to doors and or door frames
James & Wells ref: 701866
- Doors can be easily retrofitted with the device
- Components of the device may be easily replaced or fixed
- A key feature of the orifice interworking with other components of the device allows
effective control of the compaction process of the device, and therefore control of a door
to avoid slamming.
- In particular, the size of the orifice may be simply used to dictate the actual compaction
process.
- Additionally, increasing the tip’s length, amount of material and/or size of the first or
second cavity also allows ability to provide greater level of resistance of the device.
- The use of fluid as the material offers significant advantages over other material such as
air.
- The components of the device and also the preferred positioning of the device means
that a person should not be able to “feel” any resistance, or at least should not require
any substantial effort, when closing the door at a normal speed.
- The ability to configure the orifice to be adjustable enables a user to adjust the device to
account for changing conditions.
- No complicated mechanical parts meaning lower manufacturing costs and less likely to
require maintenance or repair.
- Easy to install.
- Visually appealing compared to prior art and can be positioned in a discrete place of a
door frame compared to the prior art devices.
- The device may be configured to be small and compact, yet the mechanism still is able
to provide sufficient counter-force against a slamming door compared to prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description
which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in
which:
Figure 1 The exterior views of the door anti-slamming device according to one aspect of
the present invention
Figure 2 Cross-sectional view of the door anti-slamming device according to Embodiment
1 of the present invention;
James & Wells ref: 701866
Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the an alternative version of door anti-slamming device
according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
Figure 4 Cross-sectional view of the a further alternative version of door anti-slamming
device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;
Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the door anti-slamming device according to Embodiment
2 of the present invention, and
Figure 6 Cross-sectional view of the door anti-slamming device according to Embodiment
3 of the present invention.
BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Figure 1 shows the door anti-slamming device shown generally as (1). The exterior of the
device (1) shows cylindrically shaped outer body (2), and the face plate (3) with two screw
holes (4). Figure 1 also illustrates the entrance (5) of the chamber (not shown), with the tip (6)
protruding out of the entrance (5), defining the extended configuration of the device (1). The
entrance (5) includes an integrally built inn retaining ring to prevent the tip (6) from extending
past a certain point.
Although not shown, the outer body (2) of the device (1) is intended to be inserted into a cavity
of a door frame such that the face plate (3) sits flush with the surface of the door frame.
Although not shown, an impact plate may be positioned on an opposing surface at a position
where the tip will contact the impact plate on the slamming door.
To give context to the approximate size of the device, the device normally will be about 80 mm
to 120 mm from the entrance to back of the chamber, and the chamber will be about 25 to 40
mm in diameter. The overall size and shape of the device, and components therein may be
adapted to suit particular conditions and needs without departing from the scope of the
invention.
Example 1
Figure 2A and B illustrates the device according the Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
The device (1) includes a plunger (7) which is configured to slidably move in the chamber (8)
which is also cylindrically shaped. The entrance (5) includes a stop (9). The tip (6) of the
plunger (7) protrudes out of the entrance (5) by 18 mm.
The plunger (7) includes the second cavity (10) and biasing means configured as a spring
loaded coil (11). The second cavity (10) is formed by the internal walls of the plunger (7), a
partition (12) including the orifice (13), and a movable wall (14) which is engaged with the
James & Wells ref: 701866
spring loaded coil (11). The plunger (7) and walls of the chamber (8) include O-rings (15) to
effectively seal different parts of the device (1).
The chamber (8) includes a first cavity (16) which is expanded when the device is in the
expanded configuration, as depicted in Figure 2A. In this configuration, the second cavity (10)
is contracted. Moving to Figure 2B, the first cavity (16) becomes contracted, and the second
cavity (10) becomes expanded as a fluid material (not shown) transfers through the orifice (13)
between the cavities.
Figure 3A and B illustrates additional features to that seen in Figures 2A and B. The tip (6)
includes a cap (17). The cylindrical outer body includes a pressure plug (18).
Figure 4A and B illustrate further features to those seen in Figures 2 and 3. The tip (6) includes
a path configured to allow access to a hex key (19). The orifice (13) includes a nozzle (20) with
a defined pathway through the nozzle (20).
Example 2
Figure 5A and B illustrate the device according the Embodiment 2 of the present invention in an
expanded configuration and compacted configuration, respectively.
In Embodiment 2, the second cavity (10) is formed from an interworking relationship between
the plunger (7) configured as a centralized column, the inner walls of the chamber (8), the
partition (12) including the orifice (13) and a movable wall (14) which slides about the
centralized plunger (7) and against the inner walls of the chamber (8).
The biasing means (11) is in the first cavity (16) and is biased towards the first cavity (16) being
expanded. The first cavity (16) is located in the peripheral portion of the chamber (8) distal to
the entrance (5).
As the plunger (7) is forced into the chamber (8), the material (not shown) transfers through the
orifice (13), driving back the movable wall (14) to expand the size of the second cavity (10) to
accommodate the displaced material from the first cavity (16).
Example 3
Figure 6A and B illustrate the device according the Embodiment 3 of the present invention in an
expanded configuration and compacted configuration, respectively.
In Embodiment 3, the partition (12) is a fixed wall integrally built into the chamber (8), with the
partition (12) including the orifice (13) including a nozzle (20).
The second cavity (10) is located on the opposite side to the partition (12) and away from the
entrance (5). The second cavity (10) is defined by the inner walls of the chamber (8), the
James & Wells ref: 701866
partition (12) and a movable wall (14) biased towards the partition (12) by the spring loaded coil
(11).
The first cavity (16) is located on the opposite side of the partition (12) to the second cavity (10)
and nearer to the entrance (5), and is defined by the inner walls of the chamber (8), the
partition (12) housing the orifice (13) and by the front surface (21) of the plunger (7).
The plunger (7) is a solid cylindrical component that drives into the first cavity (16).
It should be appreciated that aspects of any one of embodiment 1-3 may be intermixed to
provide even more embodiments which still fall within the scope of the invention, and provide
particular advantages.
Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be
appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the
scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.
James & Wells ref: 701866
WHAT I
Claims (27)
1. A door anti-slamming device, wherein the device includes a chamber with an entrance located at a first end; wherein the chamber houses a plunger component with a tip configured to slidably move in and out of the entrance, therefore defining a compacted configuration and an extended configuration of the device, respectively; wherein the device includes an biasing means configured to bias the device towards the extended configuration; wherein the device includes a first cavity and a second cavity located within the chamber, and wherein a partition is located between the first and second cavity; wherein the partition includes an orifice configured to control material transfer rate between the first cavity and second cavity, and wherein the device is configured to transition to the compacted configuration at a rate at least partially controlled by the material transfer from the first cavity into the second cavity characterised in that the partition is in a fixed position relative to the chamber of the device and wherein the first cavity in the device is in direct contact with the plunger, and wherein the plunger is in direct contact with the first cavity, but is not in direct contact with the second cavity.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is configured to be installed in a door frame.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device includes a separate impact plate intended to be positioned on an opposing surface.
4. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-3, wherein the entrance includes a stop.
5. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-4, wherein, upon a force being applied to the tip, movement of the plunger into the chamber applies a pressure to the first cavity resulting in transfer of a material from the first cavity to the second cavity at a controlled material transfer rate through the orifice, whereby once the material has substantially transferred to the second cavity, the device is in the compacted configuration.
6. The device as claimed in any one of claims 2-5 wherein, once a force is removed from the tip, the biasing means is configured to transfer the material from the second cavity to the first cavity through the orifice to return the device to the extended configuration. James & Wells ref: 701866
7. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the second cavity is located on the opposite side of the partition from the entrance.
8. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the second cavity is defined by at least one inner wall of the chamber, the partition and a movable wall biased towards the partition by the biasing means.
9. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-6, wherein the first cavity is located on the opposite side of the partition to the second cavity and nearer to the entrance, and is formed by at least one inner wall of the chamber, the partition including the orifice, and by the front surface of the plunger.
10. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-6 wherein the plunger is configured to force a material from the first cavity into the second cavity upon a force being applied to the tip of the plunger.
11. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-8, wherein the biasing means is a spring- loaded coil.
12. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the first cavity is configured to expand and contract.
13. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-10, wherein the second cavity is configured to expand and contract.
14. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-11, wherein the fully expanded volume of the second cavity is substantial equal to the fully expanded volume of the first cavity.
15. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-12, wherein the partition is substantially non- permeable to any material located in the first and/or second cavity, other than through the orifice.
16. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-15, wherein the device includes a material.
17. The device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the material is a liquid.
18. The device as claimed in either claim 16 or 17, wherein the device includes a plurality of seals such O-rings to allow the material to be effectively retained between the first and second cavities.
19. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-18, wherein the orifice is configured as a channel.
20. The device as claimed in claim 219, wherein the channel is between 0.01 mm and 10 mm in diameter. James & Wells ref: 701866
21. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-19, wherein the orifice includes a nozzle.
22. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-21, wherein the orifice includes an adjustable diameter.
23. The device as claimed in any one of claims 1-22, wherein only one orifice is present on the partition.
24. A use of a door anti-slamming device as claimed in any one of claims 1-23 to stop or slow a door from slamming against a surface.
25. A method of installing the device as claimed in any one of claims 1-23, the method including the steps of: a) drilling a suitably shaped cavity in a first surface; b) placing the chamber of the device into the cavity of the first surface such that the entrance of the chamber substantially sits flush with the door frame, and that the tip protrudes out from the door frame at a desired length; and c) fastening the device to the door frame using at least one fastener.
26. The method as claimed in claim 25, including: a) if required, replacing either the entire device, or just the plunger, partition, orifice, or biasing means within the chamber of an existing device; b) adjusting the orifice dimensions using a suitable tool or adjustment means.
27. A door anti-slamming device substantially as herein described and illustrated with reference to
Priority Applications (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ622569A NZ622569B (en) | 2014-03-17 | Door anti-slamming device | |
US15/126,832 US10246924B2 (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2015-03-17 | Door anti-slamming device |
PCT/NZ2015/000015 WO2015142187A1 (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2015-03-17 | Door anti-slamming device |
CN201580026611.6A CN106460438B (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2015-03-17 | The anti-violent pass equipment of door and its installation method and purposes |
AU2015232045A AU2015232045B2 (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2015-03-17 | Door anti-slamming device |
EP15764858.5A EP3119970A4 (en) | 2014-03-17 | 2015-03-17 | Door anti-slamming device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
NZ622569A NZ622569B (en) | 2014-03-17 | Door anti-slamming device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ622569A NZ622569A (en) | 2015-09-25 |
NZ622569B true NZ622569B (en) | 2016-01-06 |
Family
ID=
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