Abstract: This disclosure is generally directed to a hydraulic door closer, and more specifically is directed to a hydraulic storm or screen door closer that has a fluid overflow chamber providing fluid volume and pressure control for both expanded and contracted fluid at different temperatures. The disclosed hydraulic door closer comprises a fluid overflow chamber adapted to hold sufficient fluid to maintain required operating fluid or oil levels at different temperatures, and to ensure proper closer performance under both extreme high and low temperature conditions.

Abstract: Latching and lock mechanisms for doors are developed that are particularly designed to improve assembly of the door latching and lock mechanisms along with a door and include methods of and features for connecting inside and outside escutcheon plates together and to a lock body by way of a quick-connect connection and release mechanism. Also, features and methods permit better alignment and assembly of lock bodies, and escutcheon plates to one another and to a door.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for temporarily mounting a side rail such as a z-bar during installation of a door assembly. The apparatus includes a mounting structure cooperating with a fastener to accurately position the side rail at a location on a structural member such as a door jamb. In the case of hinge-side side rails, the side rail may be aligned without the door attached thereto while establishing the location for the fastener. The mounting structure may aid in the proper placement of the fastener in the structural member. Once the fastener is in place, the side rail can be removed from the structural member without removing the fastener. The door may then be attached to the side rail to form a door/side rail assembly. The door/side rail assembly is then temporarily engaged with the fastener for accurate positioning while the side rail is affixed to the structural member.

Abstract: A mortise lock for mounting in a door. The lock includes a bolt movable along a first axis between an extended position and a retracted position. Included are means for biasing the bolt to its extended position. The lock further includes a driven member which is mounted for rotation about a second axis generally perpendicular to the first axis. As the driven member is made to rotate about the second axis, it engages the bolt and urges it, overcoming the bias, to its second position. A drive member is mounted for rotation about a third axis, generally parallel to the second axis.

Abstract: A method of assembling a z-bar extension member to a z-bar that negates the need for trimming the z-bar. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: A door system including a door frame with first and second sides spaced from each other across a width of the frame, top and bottom edges spaced from each other across a height of the frame, and a central opening, and a retractable screen member movable from the first toward the second side of the frame or from the top to the bottom edges of the frame, wherein the screen member includes a cassette and a flexible screen member that is retractable and extendable relative to the cassette.

Abstract: A stop arrangement for precluding disengagement of a mortise deadbolt lock element by a cam which is employed to extend and retract the element. The arrangement employs first and second stop arms angularly spaced from a cam, which are rotatable, along with the cam, and which engage the lock element to preclude over-rotation.

Abstract: A method of assembling a z-bar extension member to a z-bar that negates the need for trimming the z-bar. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assembling and using a z-bar extension member for a door installation that negates the need for trimming the assembly. The apparatus includes an exterior z-bar member having an exterior barrel portion and an interior z-bar member having an interior barrel portion. The interior barrel portion is slidably or snappingly engaged within the exterior barrel portion. Mating structures may be included on the cooperating components to maintain a positional relationship therebetween during assembly. A guard assembly that mounts to the edge of a door or on the end of a door expander to cover the gap between the z-bar and the casing is also disclosed that may be used in conjunction with or as an alternative to the z-bar extension member.

Abstract: The present invention is a system and method for an easy installation storm door for installation in a home. The door system may include a door panel that is mounted onto two vertical z-bar frames such that the door system can be installed in a left hinge or right hinge format. The z-bar frames are precut at the factory to be shorter than a standard doorframe so that they do not have to be cut during installation. Also included in the system are top and bottom expanders that fit onto a top and bottom side of the door panel so as to selectively adjust the vertical height of the door panel. The top and bottom expanders further insure a reasonable air and moisture barrier between the interior and exterior of the home. The door system further includes a lock assembly that is pre-installed such that it can be utilized whether the door system is installed in a left hinge or right hinge format.

Abstract: A door incorporating at least one movable glass insert or window sash slidably disposed in at least one track thereof. An end of the insert is coupled to an end of a spring biased roll of screen. As the insert moves from the spring biased roll, the screen is extracted therefrom providing a continuously variable screened region in the door. The insert can be positioned using a counterbalance, spaced apart latchable locations in the door, frictional engagement, or through the tension force of the biased roll of screen. A catch mechanism is disposed on the movable glass insert to detachably couple the glass insert to a portion of the door.

Abstract: A reversible door (10), having a defined top, includes two notches (11, 12) on opposite sides of the door. A template is provided to fit into one of the notches (11 or 12) and installer drilled holes are formed through the door proximate one of the notches (11 or 12). Then, a mortised handle assembly (15) is positioned through the holes formed in the notch. A hinge assembly is secured to the opposite side of the door from the handle assembly. A snap cover (14) is positioned in the notch that does not have the handle assembly (15). Therefore, the door (10) is reversible without having to be flipped end for end and provides for a reversible door having mortised hardware.