Abstract: An indestructible mailbox post includes a lower post that is buried in the ground surface and may be secured in the ground with a concrete or other material. The lower post is buried to a depth such that a spring element, interposed between the lower post and an upper post is positioned proximal, and preferably slightly above the ground surface. With the upper post coupled to the lower post via the spring element the upper post is free to flex about the spring element when acted upon by a force to preclude breakage of the post.

Abstract: A gate comprises a spring-loaded hinge arrangement defining a rotational axis. A gate structure having a first support arm connected to a first end of the hinge arrangement is also provided. The gate structure is rotatable about the rotational axis. A spring-loaded hinge arrangement includes an outer hinge tube fixedly connectable to an adjacent structure and an inner hinge tube received in the outer hinge tube. The inner hinge tube has a first portion and a second portion movable with respect to each other, the second portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the outer hinge tube and the first portion of the inner hinge tube being fixed with respect to the support arm.

Abstract: An active grille shutter (AGS) system for a vehicle comprises a housing defining at least one opening, a set of louvers disposed in the at least one opening, wherein a first louver of the set of louvers has a rotational offset with respect to a second louver of the set of louvers, and a louver compensation system connected between an actuator system of the AGS system and at least one of the first and second louvers, the louver compensation system comprising a first rotationally flexible member, wherein the actuator system is configured to rotatably drive the first and second louvers, and wherein the first rotationally flexible member rotatably flexes to compensate for the rotational offset. A grille assembly of the vehicle and/or a side vent assembly of the vehicle could incorporate the AGS system.

Abstract: The elastic force of a spring 41 in a direction of an arrow X is applied to an end 51A of a coil spring 5A in a direction of an arrow Y through a holding plate 42. The end 52A of the coil spring 5A is engaged with a holding hole 12 and regulated from moving in the direction of the arrow Y. The elastic force of the spring 41 in the direction of the arrow X is constantly applied to the coil spring 5A in a direction in which the peripheral surface of the support post 3 is tightened.

Abstract: A removable dust gate for an automatic weapon is described. The removable dust gate can include a retractable pivot pin having rod sections with compressible objects therebetween that allow the rod sections to be temporarily pushed together, shortening the length of the retractable pivot pin. When the pivot pin is shortened, it can be placed between two pin ports on the weapon. When released, the pivot pin will engage with the pin ports to secure the dust gate to the weapon in the correct position to engage with the ejection port on the weapon. By shortening the pivot pin, the dust gate can be an easily removed without having to change the design or configuration of current weapons or weapon design.

Abstract: A door opening/closing device includes a shaft member installed on a first door panel side so that it cannot rotate. Both ends of a torsion spring in the door opening/closing device are latched to a second door panel side via torsion spring latching walls, and a center portion of the torsion spring is latched to the first door panel side via a latched member, a latching portion, and the shaft member. When the first door panel and the second door panel are pulled from the state in which the doorway is closed, the first door panel and the second door panel fold about an outside cylindrical member as center. The outside cylindrical member rotates relative to the shaft member. First and second coil portions deform elastically in the direction that they are each wound tighter, and the first and second door panels are opened and the doorway is opened.

Abstract: Provided is a retracting device in which dampers have improved durability and strokes of operation of the dampers are not reduced. A first slider 14-1 for assisting closing, a second slider 14-2 for assisting opening, and a damper base 22 are provided in an elongating base 12 to be slidable in a longitudinal direction of the base 12. The damper base 22 is disposed between the first slider 14-1 and the second slider 14-2. A first damper 24 is provided over between the first slider 14-1 and the damper base 22 and a second damper 25 is provided over between the second slider 14-2 and the damper base 22.

Abstract: A movable body assisting apparatus according to an embodiment includes a received body provided on either one of a support body and a movable body that moves relatively against the support body; and a base body. A contact body is provided to be capable of coupling and uncoupling with the received body, to be capable of moving along a course of movement from a first position to a second position on the base body, and to be capable of rocking while moving in a direction retreating from the course of movement. An urging mechanism for urging the contact body is provided on the other of the support body and the movable body.

Abstract: Coil springs are incorporated, with a longitudinal direction oriented vertically, into the top and bottom end parts of hinge pieces provided on side surfaces of opposing door panels of a folding door and that connect the doors panels together. A portion of a pin plate is inserted into the coil springs at the top and bottom end parts of the coil springs and attached to the coil springs. The pin plate that is inserted into the top end part of the coil spring incorporated into the top end part of the hinge piece and the pin plate that is inserted into the bottom end part of the coil spring incorporated into the bottom end part of the hinge piece are fixed to the hinge pieces by brackets. The folding door is closed by the restoring force generated by the twisting of the coil springs.

Abstract: A door check is provided comprising a housing (2) that can be fixed to a door or door frame and is provided with a first housing half (3) and a second housing half (4) which can be connected to each other, and a stay bar (24) that penetrates an opening (23) within the housing (2) and is pivotally mounted on the door frame or door, the housing (2) and the stay bar (24) not being fixed to/mounted on the same part. The first housing half (3) and the second housing half (4) respectively delimit only one section of the circumference of the opening (23). In order to create a door check that allows reliable and secure retaining and can be produced at low cost, a braking member (13) which is biased in the direction of the stay bar (24) by means of a spring element (20) is disposed in at least one of the two housing halves (3, 4).

Abstract: A self closing enclosed hinge is placed within the tubular structure of a gate. The inventive hidden hinge cannot physically smash fingers. An internal axle physically holds together a first gate hinge connector piece which receives the upper part of the gate, an upper stationary hinge piece, and a midsection outer tubular section, which contains a bushing and a spiral spring to return the gate to a closed position. This internal axle joins the lower stationary hinge piece with the second gate hinge connector piece. The second gate hinge connector piece receives lower part of workpiece gate.

Abstract: A door closer to adapt a storage device having a body and a swinging door for automatic closing includes a hinge having first and second hinge elements. Each of the hinge elements include a length dimension and a height dimension parallel the axis of the hinge and are configured to rotate about the axis. A panel is provided which is coupled with the second hinge element and has a length dimension greater than a length dimension of the first hinge element. The door closer is configured via a spring force of a biasing device to bias a swinging door of a storage device toward a closed position against the body of the storage device, at least in part via an interaction between one of the hinge elements and the door, and an interaction between the other of the hinge elements and the body via the panel.

Abstract: The adjustable self-closing hinge (1) comprises a first hinge part (2), a second hinge part (3), a hinge shaft (10), a torsion spring (18) having a first end (19) fixed with respect to the first hinge part (2) and a second end (20) fixed with respect to the hinge shaft (10) to exert a moment onto the first hinge part, and means for adjusting the moment exerted by the torsion spring on the first hinge part. These adjusting means comprise a coupling element (21) which is interposed between the first end (19) of the torsion spring (18) and the first hinge part (2) and which is rotatably mounted in the first hinge part, and a screw-like element (24) which is rotatably mounted in the first hinge part (2) and which is arranged to cooperate with the coupling element (21) to rotate the coupling element with respect to the first hinge part so as to adjust the moment exerted by the torsion spring on the first hinge part.

Abstract: A cover assembly includes a panel defining an opening therein for allowing a storage device to move in or out therethrough, a cover shielding the opening, a connecting member, and an elastic member. The connecting member is pivotably connected to the panel through a first pivoting mechanism formed therebetween along a first axis, and is pivotably connected to the cover through a second pivoting mechanism formed therebetween along a second axis separate from and parallel with the first axis. The elastic member is arranged between the cover and the connecting member, for restoring the cover to shield the opening of the panel.

Abstract: An auto-reversible folding door includes a sliding rail, a first door panel and a second door panel. The first door panel and the second door panel are pivotally connected, the top of the outer flange of the first door panel is pivotally coupled within the sliding rail, a clamping device located inside a sliding rail can clamp an inserting clasp of the guide pulley at the upper portion of the second door panel, a swivel spring having a first end attached to the sliding rail, a second end linked to the guide pulley of the second door panel. When pulling the second door panel toward the first door panel, the inserting clasp and the clamping device are positioned by the interlock relationship. When pressing the second door panel, the clamping device will release the inserting clasp and the second door panel is pulled back to its original position.

Abstract: An opening and closing device includes springs to be held by a fixed body and a movable body which are slidable relative to each other. Each of the springs has a plurality of turns, and an inner turn is smaller in diameter than the outer turns. At least one of the outer turns is overlapped with the inner turn. The plurality of turns enables the springs to produce a predetermined pushing force. The opening and closing device can prevent an increase in its height by the height of the inner turn, thereby being compact and ensuring precise operation.

Abstract: A spring biased pivot assembly for operative connection across a lower edge of a self-returning door structure. An adjustable spacer projects outwardly from a downwardly extending shoulder structure and towards a tension pin in tangential relation to the axis of rotation. The spacer contacts the tension pin when the door structure is in its normal position thereby maintaining separation between the tension pin and the shoulder structure and blocking complete release of spring tension.

Abstract: A door closer having a door arresting mechanism to arrest a door in an opened position that includes a cylinder and piston assembly wherein the arresting mechanism includes a cam member having an arresting dwell cam profile and an indexing profile, and an associated cam follower member wherein one member is connected to the piston rod and the other member to the cylinder so that one member is fixedly connected to either the cylinder or piston rod and the other member rendered rotatable relative to the fixed member so that the arresting mechanism is rendered self actuating upon the opening or closing of the door.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spring balance assembly for use with a sash window. The spring balance assembly comprises a plate, clip, pivot brake assembly, and first and second coil springs. The plate has a first portion, second portion, and a generally perpendicular transition portion thereby defining a cavity proximate the first portion. The cavity accommodates hardware mounted to the sash window during sliding movement of the sash window. The first coil spring is rotatably supported on a first spool and the second coil spring is rotatably supported on a second spool. A lower end of the first spring is connected to an attaching element of the clip. A lower end of the second spring is connected to a first wall of the pivot brake assembly and the clip is connected to the first wall to secure the first and second springs to the pivot brake assembly.

Abstract: An automatic door closer for a sliding door. The closer has a reel with a cable extending around a pulley on the end of the rod of a return mechanism. In preferred embodiments, the return mechanism is an oil dammed gas spring or a magnetic spring. A spool rotates on a common shaft with the reel and is wound with a flat tape which is attached to the door frame. The reel, spool, return mechanism and cable are attached to the door so that application of an opening force will cause the cylinder rod to retract. Upon release, the stored energy will cause the rod to extend, rotating the reel and spool to wind the tape onto the spool applying a controlled rate closing force. The spool has a core with a greater diameter than the core of the reel so a mechanical advantage exists between the spool and reel and friction is reduced.

Abstract: A retractable door system for returning to a nearly closed position a door that has been opened having: a catch knob secured to a doorframe; a housing secured to a door; a retractable cord anchored within the housing at one end and having means for attaching to the catch knob at an opposite end; and a cord retracting means located within the housing for retracting the cord within the housing. The retractable door system may optionally further have a pad on the portion of the housing contacting a doorframe when the door is placed in a nearly closed position or a pad on the portion of the housing contacting a door or means for adjusting the tension of the retractable cord.

Abstract: A door closer includes a housing having one or more bulges, a shaft rotatably received in the housing and having an axle, and one or more resilient rings engaged between the shaft and the housing. The bulges of the housing may be engaged with the resilient rings for preventing the shaft from moving axially relative to the housing. An adjustable spring biasing device may apply a spring biasing force between the housing and the shaft for recovering the shaft relative to the housing. One or more spring biased projections may limit the movement between the shaft and the housing.

Abstract: A doorknob comprises a hollow plastic member having one end fixed to a wall, and the other end open to outside, the hollow member including a plurality of elongate gaps equally spaced on a surface each extended from the open end to a predetermined position thereon and a neck adjacent the open end, wherein the open end of the hollow member and the neck will expand laterally until the doorknob being inserted into the hollow member.

Abstract: A gate closer apparatus is provided in the form of a coil spring arranged to be installed onto a selected one of the corresponding, hinge-mounting, vertically extending gate post or gate frame members of a fence gate arrangement, the coil spring member fixedly mounted at one of its ends thereto and extends and encircles a portion of the selected vertical member.

Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a door closer, comprises a shaft (10), angularly movable between a normal position and a second position, the shaft (10) having a first portion (21a) and a second portion (21b), a brush spring (35) attached to the shaft first portion (21a) to return the shaft to its normal position, and a damping mechanism (36, 38) attached to the shaft second portion (21b) to resist shaft movement to its normal position. The damping mechanism includes a coiled strap-like member (36) keyed to the shaft and contained in a damping medium.

Abstract: A hidden door closer is based upon the positioning of a torsional spring adjacent the hinge edge of a door, which door has a hollow interior hidden closer portion with a closer mounted in an access opening so that the torsional spring and its housed assembly can be mounted in the opening is disclosed. The closer is mounted on the hinge side of the door. The torsional spring has a mid-portion crank which extends through an access opening with a coupler to the jamb or door frame. A pneumatic dampener is mounted in opposed relation to the torsion spring crank to slow the closing action induced by the Coil spring. Adjustment elements are provided in the dampener to emperically adjust its action prior to and after installation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for covering and protecting an overhead door spring assembly from the coercive and deteriorating effects caused by the environment that overhead spring assembley's operate in. This includes preventing rust accumulation and deterioration of the spring assembly. The invention includes a tubular telescopic cover and bearing for a spring assembly that is water resistant and prevents rust from accumulating and dripping on vehicles below the door.

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 hydraulic buffer hinge for a door comprising a hydraulic buffer mechanism having a piston and a piston rod supported on a spring and received inside a hydraulic oil container to slowing down the return stroke of two swinging plates when the door, onto which the swinging plates are fastened, is closed.

Abstract: A spring loaded door hinge comprising a rod that moves with the door as the door pivots. Attached to the door frame is a flange. The door is attached to the rod by means of collars. The tails of the coil springs extend from the rod so that they may, depending upon their position, be in position to strike the door frame flange thereby preventing a large shock from being transferred to the door if it is swung open violently. Also the spring hinge allows the door to be easily opened initially with resistance to the door opening being controlled by the positioning of the tails of the coil springs. The springs are distributed vertically to prevent twisting of the door and frame. The tails of the spring coils are hooked so that the can engage the door frame flange if extreme force is placed upon the door when opening. The hooks set a limit as to how far the door may be opened and prevent the spring tail from binding between the flange and the spring coil.

Abstract: A pivoted automobile partition is described including an adjustable spring bias means for adjusting the force of a coil spring which pivots the partition from a lowered position to a raised position. The adjustment means includes a threaded pivot shaft which is connected to one end of the coil spring and is adjusted into different rotational positions to change the tension of such spring. The pivot shaft is fixed in its adjusted position to a pivot arm on the partition by lock nuts. A tubular housing and plastic cover sleeve completely enclose the spring bias means so that it cannot be tampered with and cannot injure rear seat passengers.

Abstract: An ice discharging apparatus of an ice dispenser comprises an openable door normally urged resiliently to a closed state by means of a torsion coil spring and adapted to be openable by a door actuator under the control of a control apparatus. The torsion coil spring includes an intermediate coil portion substantially of a cylindrical form and at least one end coil portion having an inner diameter greater than an average diameter of the intermediate coil portion in the unloaded state. The torsion coil spring has at least one arm extending from an end of the coil spring and having an extension secured in contact with a stationary part of the apparatus or a part of the openable door at an intermediate portion thereof and subsequently bent to constitute an inactive portion in which an annular mounting member for mounting the torsion coil spring is formed at the free end thereof.

Abstract: An improved door closer which prevents overly rapid closing due to an external force, such as wind pressure, being exerted on the door. A pair of oil holes are formed communicating with a first pressure chamber and a non-pressure chamber formed in the main cylinder of the closer. A slide valve is disposed in a communicating hole communicating with the oil holes and extending generally perpendicular to the cylinder. A head portion and a braking valve portion are formed on the valve rod of the slide valve at positions corresponding to the oil holes. An elastic member urges the slide valve in the direction opposite to the normal flow direction of the operating oil when the door is closing. An adjusting screw controls the position of the slide valve.

Abstract: A door check wherein a housing is affixed to the pivotable panel and a guide rail is affixed to the frame of a door. The housing contains a shaft which is rigidly connected with one end of an arm the other end of which is slidably guided by the rail. The shaft carries a disc cam having two asymmetric sections one of which is tracked by a spring-biased follower surrounding an antifriction bearing and tending to return the panel to its closed position and the other of which is tracked by a roller on the piston of a damper which yieldably opposes the movement of the panel back to its closed position. The configuration of the two cam sections is selected with a view to allow for a reduction of the resistance which the follower offers to opening of the door shortly after the panel leaves its closed position as well as to ensure that the damper can operate independently of the follower and vice versa.

Abstract: A door-closer hinge includes a first flap secured to a door, a second flap secured to a door frame, and an automatic closer as restored by a restoring spring and having a longitudinal casing secured to the second flap, in which a rotor vane fixed on a rotor having a needle passage formed in the rotor is operatively rotated with respect to a cylinder vane fixed inside a cylinder which is filled with a hydraulic oil and disposed around the rotor to thereby form a rotary-movement shock absorber for quickly opening a door when the oil is rotatably driven to contract the two vanes for quick flow of oil to the left, or for slowly closing the door when the oil is slowly returned to the right to expand the two vanes to allow oil flow merely through the smaller needle passage in the rotor.

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: An apparatus for closing a door (14), the door closer assembly (10) preferably including a torsional spring unit (12) and a pneumatic check device (22). The torsional spring unit (12) can be attached to a door frame (16) through the use of a bracket (20) whereas the pneumatic check (22) can be attached to the door (14) through the use of a bracket (24). The amount of closing force generated by the torsional spring unit (12) can be adjusted by tensioning the torsional spring (26); locking the two housing components (34) and (46) together; repositioning the locked housing unit and the door (14); and releasing the housings (34) and (46) to "restore" the formerly stored closing force at a new door position.

Abstract: Gate closure apparatus for closing a gate mounted pivotably on a gate post, such apparatus for connection to the gate and gate post and for developing and storing energy upon opening of the gate, and upon release of the gate, the gate closure apparatus for releasing the energy to produce and apply torque to the gate sufficiently large to close the gate; such apparatus may include a coil spring wound in a predetermined direction and having a normal state, upon the gate opening the spring winding in a predetermined direction out of the normal condition (e.g. coiling further tightly) to develop and store the energy, and upon release of the gate, the spring unwinding and returning to the normal condition to produce and apply the torque to the gate.

Abstract: A vertical support shaft projects down from the underside of a telephone booth shelf and supports the inner end of an arm swivelable horizontally about the shaft. The outer end of the arm is hingedly coupled to a telephone directory binder so that the binder is pivotable about a horizontal axis at such end and transverse to the arm's centerline. The binder's centerline is parallel to a reference line passing through such axes at an acute angle b. When the arm is on "in" position the binder is stored beneath the shelf in primary alignment with its width. When the arm is pulled out and the binder is pivoted out, up and over, the binder goes through a motion equivalent to an angular displacement of 2b to come to rest face-up with an alignment parallel to its former widthwise alignment.

Abstract: A torsion spring door closer assembly for use with a in-swinging, out-swinging, right-handed or left-handed door. The door closer assembly is reversible so that it can be easily adapted to the various door styles above. Further, the closing force provided by the assembly can easily be adjusted. The door closer assembly includes a torsion spring (58) and a housing (56) comprising a top portion (60) and a bottom portion (62). The top portion (60) is disposed for angular movement relative to the bottom portion (62). Attached to one of the top and bottom portions of the housing is a known door closer assembly comprising a cylinder (52) and a rod (54) extending therefrom. The door closer further comprises a mounting bracket (76) which cooperates with the door closer to provide the features of reversibility, and adjustability of the door closing force.

Abstract: An accessory for coil spring traps utilized in enhancing the spring strength of the trap and including a spring mounting frame capable of accommodating either one or two booster springs. The spring mounting frame includes a base bar with a pair of laterally spaced sleeves projecting therefrom for mounting reception over the normally extending free ends of the spring frame of a coil spring trap. The sleeves in turn mount auxiliary coil springs, the opposed projecting ends of which engage beneath the trap across member and one of the jaw manipulating follower plates.

Abstract: A control linkage for use with a door closer, wherein the linkage is provided with a spring which resiliently biases against relative rotation of a pair of arms as the arms approach a door-open limit position, and which aids the door closer in moving the door from the door-open limit position.

Abstract: A pivot hinge for supporting the top end of a door has a door closing device which is readily attached to, and removed from, the pivot hinge. A pivot shaft is fixed by a screw to a seat plate to be secured to a door frame and a door supporting plate is pivoted on the lower end portion of the pivot shaft. The door closing device includes a housing, an annular member contained in the housing and a coil spring contained in the housing. Opposite ends of the coil spring are connected to the housing and the annular member. In attaching the door closing device to the pivot hinge, the top end of the housing is non-rotatably connected to the door supporting plate by engagement of axial grooves and axial ridges formed on both of them, while the annular member is non-rotatably connected to the lower end portion of the pivot shaft by engagement of axial grooves and axial ridges formed on both of them, so that the coil spring is twisted by door opening to generate door closing torque.

Abstract: A door closing device which is easily mounted on, and easily removed from, an offset pivot hinge. The door closing device has an outer sleeve, an inner member rotatably mounted in the outer sleeve and a coil spring having opposite ends thereof connected to the outer sleeve and the inner member, respectively. The door closing device is mounted on, and operatively connected to, the pivot hinge by non-rotatably fitting the inner member and the outer sleeve with a pivot pin of the pivot hinge and a hinge plate pivoted on the pivot pin, respectively .The door closing device is provided with a door closing speed damping mechanism, a door stopper mechanism, and/or a preset mechanism for the door closing torque, which are assembled within the outer sleeve.

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: A cam rise hinge has a swingable strap portion which is cammed up relative to a stationary butt portion when a door on which the strap portion is mounted is swung towards its open position. A coiled wire torsion-compression spring is positioned and mounted so as to be compressed and simultaneously twisted when the strap portion is cammed up. This generates two different forces aiding each other and gravity in swinging the strap portion and door back toward closed position.