Abstract: A door closure apparatus is provided for lightweight screen doors and the like as are used on recreational vehicles, campers and motor homes. The method of attachment of the closure apparatus includes a pair of spaced apart coil springs which are affixed to the upper and lower hinges of the door by threaded screws. The springs are positioned to expand when the door is opened thereby creating a resilient force to evenly return the door to its closed posture.

Abstract: A sliding door closer for automatically returning a sliding door to a closed position includes a gas spring having a cylinder and a rod slidingly received thereby. Pressurized gas within the cylinder urges the rod to an extended position. A block and tackle pulley system is secured to the opposing ends of the gas spring for rotatably supporting a cable extending between the sliding door and the door jamb. The gas spring rod is compressed as the door is opened. Extension of the gas spring rod causes the door to close when released. A piston secured to the gas spring rod has an orifice therein for causing the rod to extend at a controlled rate. The cylinder includes a quantity of oil to cushion the final extension of the rod to further slow the final closing of the door. The gas spring and pulley system fit compactly within the frame of the door or within a tubular housing secured to a side of the door.

Abstract: A sliding door closure system (10) for a sliding door assembly (100) including a door frame (101) enclosing a pair of sliding doors (102) wherein the system (10) comprises a telescoping housing unit (13) operatively associated with an internal spring biasing unit (14) wherein one end of the housing unit (13) is operatively associated with the door frame (101) and the other end of the housing unit is operatively associated with one of the sliding doors (102); and, further including tension adjustment means (15) for fictionally adjusting the closure speed of the housing unit (13).

Abstract: The invention comprises a mechanism for aiding in the closing of a bi-fold door, and for maintaining the door in a closed position, which includes a door frame having vertically spaced apart frame members, an upper horizontal frame member extending between said vertical frame members, the frame members defining an opening in a wall, a pair of bi-fold doors hinged together at adjacent edges adapted to at least partially close the opening, one of the doors of each pair being in a fixed position to pivot about points at the top and bottom thereof adjacent one of the vertical frame members, a guide and supporting track extending longitudinally along the length of the upper frame member, a roller member extending upwardly from the other of the inner doors into the track and being guided thereby in the track whereby the other of the doors at the free end thereof has sliding longitudinal movement in the track and the pair of doors may move from an open position in which they are in a generally V-shape into a closed

Abstract: The invention described is a device or apparatus for automatically returning a sliding door or window to a predetermined position within a stationary frame, which incorporates a cable anchor on the frame; a hollow housing on the sliding closure having axially aligned elongated compartments in the housing, the more distant of which from the anchor is fluid-tight; a traveling block axially movably disposed in the closer compartment; a cable from the anchor reeved through sheaves in the traveling block; a tensioner connecting the traveling block with a partition between the compartments and biasing the traveling block away from the anchor to prevent shock in the system when slack is introduced into the cable by manual movement of the closure; the more distant compartment being divided into two fluid-tight chambers communicating at their adjacent ends; a rod longitudinally movably disposed through the traveling block and one chamber; a resilient compression device biasing the rod and the traveling block away from

Abstract: A door closure mechanism for use upon a door of a cabinet includes a housing formed from two co-mating first and second members, a drive cam rotatably mounted within the housing, a cam follower mounted within the housing for reciprocating movement relative to the drive cam, and a coil spring mounted within the housing for resiliently biasing the cam follower in a reciprocal manner against the drive cam. The drive cam is formed with cam surfaces which radially engage the cam follower so as to control the relative reciprocal movement of the cam follower with respect to the drive cam. As a safety feature, ther is provided a set of spring pre-load clips which engage the ends of the coil spring so as to prevent full decompression of the coil spring in the event of a housing failure.

Abstract: An over-center hinge for cabinet doors with a door-related hinge part in the form of a recess-mounting cup in which one end of each of two links is journaled whose other ends are journaled on a jamb-related hinge part in the form of an elongated supporting arm. On the side of the inner link facing the outer link a cam is articulated with its free end facing the supportring arm and is urged by a spring inserted between the cam and the pivot eye of the inner link against a counter-surface formed by a section of the inner wall of the supporting arm such that its face forces the hinge resiliently into the closed position upon passing a dead point in the closing movement. The section of the wall of the supporting arm that forms the counter-surface is provided at least in the surface area cooperating with the cam with a smooth, wear-resistant and friction-reducing surface.

Abstract: A gate latch assembly includes a pair of cover members having a common plane of symmetry. A first cover member defines a recess receiving an adjoining lever and spacer block, each having its own plane of symmetry perpendicular to the cover plane of symmetry. The spacer block includes a pair of recesses on opposing sides of the block at one end thereof for receiving the lever on either side of the block. The remaining cover member closes the recess and defines another recess with the first cover member for receiving a portion of a gate or other swinging member on which the gate assembly is mounted. The symmetry of the assembly permits it to be used for left-handed or right-handed and inside or outside opening. A preferred hinge includes a pair of identical post leaves and a gate leaf. Each post leaf includes a knuckle and a post plate supported tangentially from the knuckle by an extenison portion.

Abstract: A ceiling access panel for a suspended ceiling has a friction brake to retard the pivotal movement of the panel from a raised condition flush with the ceiling to a lowered condition exposing a ceiling access opening. The friction brake comprises a flexible band having a first end anchored to the access panel, a second end fast to a bracket upstanding from the access panel, and an intermediate portion passing around and between a pair of rollers mounted on an access frame portion of the ceiling structure so that when the weight of the access panel is applied to the first end of the band, the band is drawn onto itself, frictionally to resist further lowering of the access panel.

Abstract: A self-closing hinge comprises a pair of hinge leaves pivotally interconnected by an offset hinge pin. One leaf has a flanged head projecting substantially radially with respect to a sleeve of the other hinge leaf, within which the hinge pin is mounted. The external surface of the sleeve serves as a cam surface against which a follower element carried on the head of the other leaf is biased. The cam follower comprises a tubular spring-steel member oriented parallel to the hinge pin and generates a force through the head of the other leaf along an axis distally offset relative to the axis of the hinge pin. During closing of the hinge the follower is brought into registration with a pocket formed in the sleeve to effect a rocking movement of the follower about one edge of the pocket to generate a self-closing moment.

Abstract: A self-closing invisible hinge for returning a door to its closed position rom its open position including a self-closing structure in which the closing force can be selectively adjusted externally at the hinge and in which the self-closing structure is compact.

Abstract: A damper device comprises damping structure and a spring device and is advantageously used for a door swingably supported by a shaft to be opened and shut between a totally shut position and a totally opened position and opened under the influence of its own weight at least from a position intermediate of the aforementioned two positions to the totally opened state. The damper element acts against the motion of the door. The spring element biases the door in the shutting direction at least from the intermediate position to the totally opened position.

Abstract: A door closer for a sliding screen or door which can be vertically mounted on the vertical non-movable frame of a doorway. A tension cord extends inwardly from the door-opening to be secured to the inboard end of a sliding screen or door whereby automatically to pull the screen or door across said opening. The closer does not obstruct the opening when said screen or door is in open position.

Abstract: A door closing device utilizing the elastic restoring force of a belt-shaped spiral spring to effect the closing of a door which comprises a housing having one portion fixed a door or a door frame; a reel rotatably disposed in the housing; a belt-shaped spiral spring wound on the reel having an end portion extending out from the housing with the end portion fixed to a door frame or a door.

Abstract: A door closer assembly for connection between door and frame members relatively movable between open and closed positions includes a housing having a power screw rotatably mounted therewithin. A follower is mounted on the screw and moves axially along the screw when the screw is rotated. A spring is disposed in the chamber and is compressed by the follower. A handle member is mounted for rotation about a first end of the housing and is connected to the screw for rotation therewith. An indicating member is mounted on the housing for axial movement relative thereto. The indicating member is in engagement with the handle whereby rotation of the handle results in simultaneous axial movement of the follower and the indicator member. The indicator member includes visually observable means for indicating the relative degree of compression of the spring.

Abstract: A link is pivotally connected at one end thereof to one end of a case or main body of a door closer so that the link is turnable between a first position where it is received in the case and a second position where it is put outside the case. A roller is attached to the link, and a cam member is installed within the case. Also installed within the case is an urging spring which causes the cam surface of the cam member to abut against the roller, whereby the link is urged in the direction to be received in the case. The case has no oil enclosed therein. Thus, the construction of the case is simple and inexpensive. When the door is closed, the link is received within the case to improve the external appearance.

Abstract: A coil spring has elliptical openings in the end turns for non-rotatably receiving elliptically shaped studs which are press-fitted into the spring, the ends being respectively attached to a pair of mounting brackets.

Abstract: A fully concealed, self-closing hinge for mounting a cabinet door to open through an angle of about 175 degrees on a cabinet frame, the hinge having only two pivoted links and three pivot axes. One link is connected to pivot relative to the door about one axis, the other link is connected to pivot relative to the frame about a second axis, and the two links are connected together to pivot relative to one another about the third axis. All three axes intersect one another at a common point on the hinge axis of the door in all positions of the door and constrain the door to swing in an arc about the hinge axis while enabling wide-angle opening of the door.

Abstract: A door holding device for door closers is described in which a door is held only at a predetermined angle of opening and in which the selected holding position can remain unchanged over a long period of time but can nevertheless be released by electrical means. For this purpose the switching of the door is effected, starting from a known mechanical door holding device which can be switched in and switched out, via a control unit which is biased into a door holding position by the hydraulic pressure which is in any event present in the closer and which can be released again via a magnetic valve.

Abstract: In a hinge for cabinet doors, a four-joint hinge articulation having two links and a single-arm lever pivotally mounted in the cabinet wall-related hinge part with its free end able to swing in a plane lying at right angles to the axis of the articulation and being urged under resilient bias against the cam face of a cam body disposed in the area of the wall-end pivot eye of the inner link, the cam body is journaled on an axis offset from the pivot axis of the pivot eye of the inner link, and additionally guided for displacement at a distance from the two pivot axes between the pivot eyes on opposite sides of the inner link.

Abstract: A spring actuated door opening and closing assist device is disclosed which comprises first and second tubular members positioned in telescoping relationship. Each of the tubular members has a hole formed therein in a direction transverse to the centerline of the telescoping members for receiving a shaft of a support bracket for door closing apparatus. A coil spring is located within the telescoping tubular members and extends between the respective holes in the members. The holes are bounded by internally flared portions of the surrounding tubular member which provide bearing surfaces for the shafts of the support brackets and provide abutments for the ends of the coil spring whereby the operation of the device is relatively smooth and quiet and yet the device can be relatively inexpensively manufactured.

Abstract: A hinge is urged into a closed position by a spring. The hinge includes a hinge arm and a hinge casing which are linked by internal and external outer hinge links. The internal hinge link is a two armed lever and a pressure member is mounted on an end of an arm thereof extending into the hinge arm. The pressure member and a spring which acts thereon abut hinge axles which connect the hinge links to the hinge arm.

Abstract: The swing control hinge disclosed is intended to control the rotational speed of a door that is tending to accelerate toward the strike as a result of spring loaded hinges. The hinge is intended to prevent slamming of the door while allowing enough speed to insure latching. The swing control hinge is housed in a hinge body that may be used as a third hinge. The hinge pin is made up of two cams that have cam parts on them which dissipate energy from conventional spring loaded hinges having helical spring or a block of rubber during the opening cycle of the door and the torsional force from the spring loaded hinges is dissipated in checking the door as it closes to keep the door from slamming.

Abstract: An automatic door closer has an elongated fluid-filled housing having a closed end and an opposite open end, a plug closing the open end of the housing, a first piston reciprocatably arranged in the housing and dividing the latter into a first pressure space adjacent the closed end and a second pressure space adjacent the plug, a closer shaft adapted to be connected to a door, extending transverse to the elongation of the housing and turnably mounted in the housing in the region of the closed end, elements connecting said closer shaft with said first piston for moving the latter during turning of the closer shaft in door-opening direction in a first direction reducing the volume of the first pressure space while increasing the volume of the second pressure space, the piston-moving elements comprising a piston rod slidingly guided in the first piston and having a free end facing the plug, a spring cooperating with the first piston for biasing the latter in a second direction opposite to the first direction, a

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling opening and closing movement of a door including manual actuation for opening the door and then biasing the door toward its closed position. A device for slowing and impeding movement of the door in the closing direction includes a flexible sealed container with a high viscosity fluid arranged to reciprocate in one direction responsive to opening the door and in the opposite direction to closing the door. A channel has a first section and a second section with the side walls and a sloping bottom wall between the sections providing a roller guide. A roller in contact with the sealed container is freely movable and has rotary and reciprocating motion within the roller guide of the stationary channel upon engagement with the flexible sealed container.

Abstract: Over-center hinge (10) whose jamb-related part is in the form of a supporting arm (16) coupled by two links (18 and 20) to the door-related part (14) in the manner of a four-joint hinge. In the linkage end of the supporting arm (16) there is provided a thruster (26) whose one end is mounted so as to be longitudinally displaceable under resilient bias and rotatable about the fixed pivot (28) of one of the hinge links (18), and whose other end, which is provided with a cam (42-44), is urged against a crosspiece (36) in the supporting arm (16). By way of studs (50) on the other hinge link (20), which are guided by a cam (48), the thruster (26) is swung during the hinge movement, while in the vicinity of the closed position a ramp surface (44) cooperates with the crosspiece (36) in such a manner that the thruster (26) is swung towards the second hinge link (20 ) and exerts a force thereon acting in the closing direction.

Abstract: A door and a substantially concealed hinge are provided, particularly for cabinets. The hinge is designed to be substantially hidden in a wedge-shaped recess in a hinge edge of the door. The recess can be made by a single pass of a cutting tool relative to the door or vice versa. The hinge includes a first hinge wing and a second hinge wing connected by a knuckle. The first hinge wing has a first portion extending outwardly from the knuckle in a generally radial direction and a second portion structurally integral with the first portion, extending at an angle relative to the first portion, and having openings for mounting the first hinge wing on the door frame. The second hinge wing has a third portion extending generally radially-outwardly from the knuckle at a narrow, included angle relative to the plane of the door and to the second hinge portion when the hinge is in a closed position.

Abstract: The invention of the present application is a guard for limiting the opening of a door (10) with respect to the frame (12) in which it is mounted. The device includes first and second wire forms (14, 42), each having a looped extension portion (38, 46) formed in ends thereof. The looped extensions (38, 46) have apertures (40, 50) defined thereby, which apertures (40, 50) are significantly larger than dimensions of portions (36) of forms (14, 42) received within the apertures (40, 50). A compression spring (52) is disposed intermediate the looped extensions (38, 46) with coils (54, 54', 56) of the spring (52) encircling portions of the forms (14, 42) intermediate the extensions (38, 46).

Abstract: A pneumatic door-closure apparatus comprising an elongated cylindrical housing in which an integrally formed rod and piston are slidably biased, the rod having a free end that extends outwardly therefrom and including a plurality of transversely disposed grooves to receive an adjustable-retainer clamp, so as to regulate the inward longitudinal movement of the piston. The rear closed end of the housing is provided with an air-valve regulator to control the speed of the inward movement of the piston, the piston including an air-flow control to allow air to pass freely from the spring-biased side of the piston to the compressed-air side, when the rod is extended outwardly from the housing. A two-way-mounting bracket is further provided and arranged to be attached at the rear closed end of the cylindrical housing for right or left hand mounting of the apparatus.

Abstract: A door closure for use on the outside of doors which open outwardly in which a spring is attached on one end to the door and is pivotally attached at the other end to the door frame. A clip is disposed over the spring and is secured to the door near the edge on the side to which the hinges are mounted and holds the spring near the surface of the door. As the door pivots outwardly about the axis of the hinge pins, the spring stretches and supplies retractive force when the door is released.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically returning a door hinged in a doorway. The apparatus includes an arm extending from the door and an elongated resilient member engaging the arm and having both ends anchored to the doorway. When the door is opened, the resilient member is extended. When the door is released, the resilient member urges the door to return closed.

Abstract: An animal door assembly has a frame and a door mounted in the frame by a hinge which has a hinge axis which permits opening of the door in both directions to each side of the doorway. A spring is coupled with an edge of the door and acts between a position on the frame disposed inwardly of the door opening away from the hinge axis and a position fixed in relation to the door and offset radially from the hinge axis. The position is so arranged as to adapt the assembly to induce resilient deformation of the spring during opening of the door and to induce a reduction in the rate of deformation with movement of the door as it approaches the open position. The spring serves to urge the door towards the closed position when opened in either direction.

Abstract: A device for automatic closing of a door includes a plate spring of predetermined length, having an arcuate cross-section and a center section. The spring is bent about the center section at an angle deviating slightly from a straight line. The door may be opened and closed about a hinge, and the spring ends are attached to a wall and the door, respectively.

Abstract: A device for controlling the opening and closing movement of a duct seal door of an automatic ice maker which requires a regulator for slowing down the closing of the door. The movement of the door about its rotational axis is transmitted via connecting linkages to the closure regulator which comprises a rotor positioned within a stator housing. The rotor's movement is coupled to the connecting linkages via a one-way clutch which decouples the rotor when the door is being opened, and causes positive coupling therebetween when the door is being closed. Disposed within the stator housing in a fixed-volume compartment is a viscous fluid, such as silicone gum. The rotor and stator include opposed rippled surfaces between which the viscous fluid is coactively disposed. The fluid acts as an impedance to the motion of the rotor, which motion occurs only upon the closing of the door, to thereby provide a controlled slow closure thereof.

Abstract: This is a closer for sliding doors which includes a coil spring and a cushioning element in combination therewith and is specifically constructed to facilitate attaching the same to a sliding door and the invention also includes the method and apparatus for attaching the closer.

Abstract: A spring or gravity motor having an override mechanism for a movable window or door including a pneumatic cylinder, a piston, a check valve admitting air to the cylinder, an override valve permitting pressure dumping of the air in the cylinder during movement of the door or window at a speed greater than the normal closing speed by the motor.

Abstract: A door closer hinge including a coil spring providing torque which is mounted in the cylindrical axis of the hinge for automatically closing the door on which the hinge is mounted and including a ready adjustment for the coil spring pressure.

Abstract: A piece of furniture has a door or panel swingably mounted by means of a hinge. An elongated biased stud is mounted on a wall of the furniture piece pivotable in such manner that its free end engages the hinge and urges the door to closed position only during the initial increment of the door's movement to open position and the final increment of the door's movement to closed position.

Abstract: A springless self-latching hinge is provided having a pair of hinge members pivotally connected by a hinge pin and formed of resilient material configured to snap the hinge closed and to releasably maintain the hinged closed. The first hinge member includes a pair of raised, spaced hinge pin receiving knuckles and a boss protruding toward the pin. The second hinge member has a hinge knuckle incompletely encircling the pin and forming a bearing sleeve. A portion of the bearing sleeve forms an exterior, concave cam which is compressed against the boss as the hinge is operated. The compression between the boss and the sleeve is a maximum just prior to closure of the hinge and is maintained at less than maximum when the hinge is fully closed. The hinge thus snaps closed after partial closure and is held releasably closed until sufficient effort is exerted to rotatably open the hinge against the force of the resilient members.

Abstract: Aligned hollow knuckles on a pair of hinge leaves form a cylindrical barrel. Spaced plugs inserted into each end of the barrel serve to keep the knuckles from separating and act as a pivot pin for the hinge. Bifurcated reduced inner portions of the plugs receive the ends of a coil spring therebetween. One plug is permanently secured to a knuckle of one hinge leaf. A pin secured to the other knuckle extends into the barrel and is carried within an annular groove in the adjacent plug. A stop in the groove limits the travel of the pin. Minimum tension is provided at all times in the hinge by the initial setting of the stops with respect to the pin. Additional tension is provided by a plug rotating means together with a second pin engageable with recesses in the plug and a bore in the hinge knuckle.

Abstract: A door closer includes a cam mounted on a door frame which has a straight portion, a curved portion providing increased compression on a spring biased cam follower and a notch for holding the door in an open position. The cam includes longitudinal serrations and a pair of transverse openings so that the cam can be adjusted inwardly and outwardly relative to the door and the follower. The follower is mounted to the door, as is the cam to the door frame, in such a manner that no mounting screws are visible. Each is provided with mounting plates and the mounting plates are in turn provided with cover plates. The housing which is secured to the housing mounting plate includes means to adjustably modify the bias on the cam follower.