Abstract:
A door positioning system is provided. The system includes a first member and a second member. The first member is attached to an exterior door at a first end of the first member and to an anchor location at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close with the force of the door closer if the second member is disengaged from the locking region.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Frequently, a house entry has both a storm door (e.g., an exterior door) and a regular entry door. A storm door can be any suitable type of exterior door in a double-door system and can include glass, screen, metal, plastic, wooden or any other suitable portions. The storm door, when opened, is generally constrained and held under tension by a storm door closer, a device which biases the storm door to a closed position. As a result, the storm door must be physically held open by the person entering until the inner door is opened. The person entering the house releases the storm door as he passes through the inner door. Such an entry system can be particularly troublesome when packages or other objects are being carried or the person entering the house is in a wheelchair or on crutches. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    In one embodiment, a door positioning system is provided. The system includes a first member and a second member. The first member is attached to an exterior door at a first end of the first member. The first member is removably attached to an anchor location (e.g., in one embodiment, the first member is removably attached indirectly to a door jam) at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. In one embodiment, one end of the first member is an end of a piston rod, wherein the piston rod is opposed by a spring. In one embodiment, the second member is attached to the anchorage. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are further configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close if the second member is disengaged from the locking region. 
         [0003]    In one embodiment, the first threshold amount is within the range of eighty degrees to one hundred degrees. In another embodiment, the first threshold amount is within the range of eighty-five degrees to ninety-five degrees. In still another embodiment, the second threshold amount is within the range of two to thirty degrees beyond the first threshold amount. In another embodiment, the second threshold amount is within the range of three to five degrees beyond the first threshold amount. In yet another embodiment, the first threshold amount and the second threshold amount are adjustable. In one embodiment, the locking region includes a depression in the first member. In another embodiment, the locking region includes a protrusion from the first member. In yet another embodiment, the locking region includes the end of the first member. 
         [0004]    In still another embodiment, the system includes a third member. The third member is coupled to the second member at a first end of the third member. The third member is also coupled to an inner door at a second end of the third member. The third member is configured to disengage the second member from the locking region if the inner door is opened a third threshold amount. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment, the system includes an indicator configured to indicate whether the second member and the locking region are engaged. In another embodiment, the indicator is selected from the group consisting of: a visual indicator, a tactile indicator, an audible indicator, an olfactory indicator, one or more markings on a floor or ground, a buzzer, a vibrator, a scent sprayer, a light, a bell, a whistle, an electromagnetic field generator, a transmitter, and an indicator detectable by a human being or guide animal. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment, a method for positioning an exterior door is provided. The method includes providing a first member and providing a second member. The first member is attached to the exterior door at a first end of the first member and the first member is attached to an anchor location at a second end of the first member opposite the first end. The first member includes a locking region. The second member is configured to engage the locking region of the first member if the exterior door is opened a first threshold amount. The second member and locking region are configured to hold the exterior door in an open position if the second member is engaged with the locking region. The second member and locking region are further configured to disengage if the exterior door is opened a second threshold amount beyond the first threshold amount. The exterior door is able to close if the second member is disengaged from the locking region or if a substantial closing force is applied to the exterior door. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment, the first threshold amount is within the range of eighty degrees to one hundred degrees. In another embodiment, the first threshold amount is within the range of eighty-five degrees to ninety-five degrees. In still another embodiment, the second threshold amount is within the range of two to thirty degrees beyond the first threshold amount. In yet another embodiment, the second threshold amount is within the range of three to five degrees beyond the first threshold amount. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, the locking region includes a depression in the first member. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a third member. The third member is coupled to the second member at a first end of the third member. The third member is also coupled to an inner door at a second end of the third member. The third member is configured to disengage the second member from the locking region if the inner door is opened a third threshold amount. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment, the method includes providing an indicator configured to indicate whether the second member and the locking region are engaged. 
         [0010]    Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will be apparent from, the following Detailed Description and the figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a diagram of a door constraint device, viewed parallel to the closed door in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a diagram of a door constraint device viewed parallel to the opened exterior door in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 3A ,  3 B,  3 C, and  3 D are diagrams of a door constraint device viewed perpendicular and parallel to a closed and opened exterior door in accordance with different embodiments. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a diagram of an inner door closing system viewed parallel to the opened door in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a diagram of a fixture mounted on an exterior door which is used in closing an inner door in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a diagram of the door constraint device, viewed parallel to the closed door in accordance with one embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a diagram of a door constraint device viewed parallel to the opened exterior door in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    In one embodiment, a device is provided with an exterior door closer (e.g., a storm door closer). The device holds the exterior door open indefinitely when placed (e.g., by sufficiently opening the door) in a first locking or holding position. Preferably, the first locking position is approximately 90 degrees open, but the first locking position can be any suitable amount of degrees open, such as the range from about 0 to about 180 degrees and all ranges therein by thousandths of a degree increments. 
         [0019]    In one preferred embodiment, the device controls the closing action of an installed door closer on an exterior door. The device does not interfere with the normal operation of the installed door closer unless a user wishes to hold the exterior door open for some predetermined period of time. In one embodiment, if an exterior door having the device is opened approximately 90 degrees, the device locks and holds the exterior door in an opened position. In one embodiment, if the door is pushed open an additional few degrees (e.g., or any suitable number of degrees), the device unlocks after a delay period of 5 to 10 seconds giving a user time to clear the door&#39;s closed position. It should be appreciated that the delay period can be any suitable delay period. 
         [0020]    In one alternative embodiment, the device can also be configured to removably connect to a second door, such as an inner door, as an additional way to release the device from the locked position. In this embodiment, the device can be configured to connect to the second door such that when the second door is opened approximately 90 degrees or more, the device unlocks. It should be appreciated that the opening position of the second door that causes the device to unlock can be any suitable amount of degrees open, including any in the range from about 0 to about 180 degrees and all ranges therein by thousandths of a degree increments. In this manner, the device enables a user, such as a person in a wheelchair to unlock the device without requiring further access to the exterior door. In one embodiment, if the connection to the second door is not required, the connection to the second door can be disconnected, thus freeing any link between the device and the second door. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, if the door is further opened, the exterior door will close after a time delay that is adjustable by the user. In one embodiment, opening the exterior door a specific amount of degrees further causes the exterior door to close after a delay. The specific amount of degrees can be any suitable amount or range of amounts, such as an amount between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments. In various other embodiments, opening the exterior door to or past a second position causes the exterior door to close after a delay. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, a connection is made to the inner door so that the inner door unlatches the exterior door upon opening any suitable amount. In another embodiment, an additional device enables the user leaving the residence to close the inner door while outside the house next to the exterior door when the exterior door is in the locked open position. 
         [0023]    In various embodiments, the system is completely or primarily mechanical; however, the system can include electronic components in various embodiments if desired. Further, in various embodiments, when the exterior door is not in a locked open position, it does not interfere with the normal exterior door use or the normal inner door use. In one embodiment, the device is connected to the inner door so that its full opening of the inner door releases the holding mechanism of the exterior door. In various other embodiments, less than full opening of the inner door can release the holding mechanism. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, an inner door closing device is added to the doors, enabling the closing of the inner door from outside. The inner door closing device does not interfere with the normal operation of the inner door other than closing the door in certain desired conditions. In one embodiment, all elements of the system are installed without modification of the doors or door frame; however, in various embodiments, the doors and/or door frames can be modified, if desired. 
         [0025]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1  with the door closed and  FIG. 2  with the door open, a mechanism of one embodiment is securely mounted to vertical door jamb  1  by bracket  2  in such a location that it does not interfere with a normal door closer. In this embodiment, the mechanism mounts and operates in some ways in a manner similar to that of a traditional exterior door closer. The body of the mechanism is attached by pivotal mount  3  to exterior door  4 . The body of the mechanism includes an air compression device  5  with a cylinder  6  enclosing piston  7  with piston rod  8  moveably extending through guide  9  secured in cylinder  6  and affixed to rod detent  10  restrained by latch  11 . The entire cylinder slides inside guide tube  16 , held and pivoted on pin  15 . It should be noted in other embodiments, less than the entire cylinder slides inside guide tube  16 . Latch  11  also pivots on pin  15 . When the exterior door  4  is opened, increasing the distance between mount  3  and pivot  15 , spring  12  is compressed and air is drawn into the cylinder  6  through piston  7 . The air is contained by cylinder head  13 . If latch  11  is released the air is compressed by spring  12  and the rate of travel of rod detent  10  is controlled by adjustable air relief screw  14 . Latch  11  rotates on pivot  15  with respect to mount  3 . 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , in one embodiment, when exterior door  4  reaches 90 degrees open (or any other suitable position, such as being open between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments), cylinder  6  slides in tube  16 , the holding device  18 , which by spring force, lowers catch  19  through a recess  17  in tube  16 , engaging guide  9  of the cylinder from retracting to its closed position by the force of the door closer. In one embodiment, the position of catch  19  is adjustable, such that the position at which the door is locked open can be adjusted from 85 degrees to 95 degrees open or any other suitable values inside or outside of that range. In one embodiment, the locked open position can be between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments. In various embodiments, visual, audible, olfactory and/or tactile indicators are present to make a user aware of when the door is positioned to lock the door open and/or release the lock. Such indicators include markings (e.g., spots) on a floor, a buzzer, a vibrator, a scent sprayer, a light or any other indicator detectable by a human being or guide animal. In this embodiment, recess  17  is of sufficient length that the door may be opened a few more degrees (or any other suitable amount, such as an amount between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments) to maintain catch  19  in the engaged position. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3B  is an illustration of one embodiment of holding device  18  which is rigidly, but removably held in place on tube  16  by band  45 , wherein holding device  18  includes a force release mechanism. It should be appreciated that holding device  18  can be held in place in any suitable manner. Holding device  18  can also be positioned on tube  16  in any suitable position. In one embodiment, similar devices can be incorporated to enable holding device  18  to be repositioned to adjust the position of engagement of catch  19  with guide  9 . In one embodiment, adjusting holding device  18  effects the position at which door  4  is held open. In  FIG. 3B , exterior door  4  is in the held open position with catch  19  engaging guide  9  through recess  17  in tube  16  by the force of spring  46 . If an outside force (e.g., the wind, human or animal intervention, or any suitable force) is applied to exterior door  4  to close exterior door  4 , a slide  47 , to which catch  19  is pinned at point  48 , will move rod  49  fixed to slide  47 . The rod slides through guides  50  compressing spring  51  by pin  52 . In one embodiment, pin  52  is removably or fixedly attached to rod  49  in any suitable manner. Catch  19  is drawn across the base of holding device  18  at a position  53  moving catch  19  out of engagement with guide  9 , releasing exterior door  4  and allowing exterior door  4  to close. 
         [0028]      FIG. 3C  is an illustration of one embodiment of holding device  18  that is removably held in place in a position on tube  16  that is different than illustrated in  FIG. 3B . Recess  17  is accordingly adjusted to accommodate the different position of holding device  18 . In this embodiment, exterior door  4  is in the held open position with catch  19  engaging guide  9  through recess  17  in tube  16 . The distance between mount  3  and pivot  15  is increased and spring  12  is compressed.  FIG. 3C  also illustrates that spring  12  remains compressed when catch  19  engages guide  9  through recess  17  in tube  16 . 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIG. 3D , in one alternative embodiment, when exterior door  4  reaches 90 degrees open (or any other suitable position, such as being open between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments), cylinder  6  slides in tube  16 , an alternative holding device  18 , which by spring force, lowers catch  19  through a recess  17  in tube  16 , engaging guide  9  of the cylinder from retracting to its closed position by the force of the door closer. In this embodiment, holding device  18  does not include a force release mechanism as described in  FIG. 3B . However, it should be appreciated that this holding device  18  may include a force release mechanism as described in  FIG. 3B  or any other suitable force release mechanism. 
         [0030]    Projection  20  is a stop affixed to mount  2 . In this embodiment, if exterior door  4  is rotated open several more degrees (e.g., three, five, ten or any other suitable amount of degrees, such as an amount between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments), latch  11  restrained by projection  20  releases rod detent  10 . The compressed spring  12  then drives piston  6 , compressing the air in cylinder  6 . The air&#39;s release time is controlled by relief screw  14  as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . When the leading edge of rod detent  10  reaches the tapered blocking wedge  19  of latch device  18 , wedge  19  is forced out of engagement with guide  9  allowing exterior door  4  to close in a controlled mode by the exterior door closer. Spring  22  attached to tube  16  returns lever  11  to its locking position when the door is closed. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, a release feature present in various embodiments is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The release feature enables the inner door  17  to close exterior door  4  by attaching a short cable  23  (it should be appreciated that the cable can be any suitable length) to latch  11  and inner door  17 . When exterior door  4  is in a held open position, cable  23  of the proper length will release latch  11  if door  17  is opened. 
         [0032]    The cable  23  length in this embodiment is such that when inner door  17  is opened approximately 90 degrees, cable  23  is placed under tension causing latch  11  to rotate and release rod detent  10 , causing exterior door  4  to close. However, the inner door  17  can be opened to any suitable position to cause exterior door  4  to close, wherein the suitable position can range between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments. A door stop or chain is preferably provided to prevent inner door  17  from opening so far it damages the constraining device. However, such a door stop or chain is not required. 
         [0033]    A preferred stop in accordance with one embodiment is shown in  FIG. 4 . A spring compression stop  24  with a magnet  25  holding the inner door  16  at approximately 90 degrees (or any amount between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments) open and with all slack out of cable  23  accommodates easier egress past inner door  17 . The exterior door release occurs if inner door  17  is pushed open further against spring  26  causing cable  23  to release latch  11 . 
         [0034]    Another embodiment having a locked open exterior door  4  is illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , wherein a connection to the inner door enables the inner door to be closed without requiring a user to physically touch the inner door. When a user is exiting, inner door  17  is held by door stop  24 . The exterior door  4  is pushed open to the locked position. A cord  27 , which is attached to inner door  17  at a point  28  near the top of the door, runs through an over head door frame pulley  29  and on to lanyard bracket  30  securely attached near the top of exterior door  4 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the cord  27  entering pulley  31  at point  32 . The cord  27  engages pulley  33  putting the cord  27  in the vertical plane. A catenary  34  is formed in the cord  27  with the end of the cord  27  secured at  35  in the lanyard bracket  29 . Pulley  36  is cradled in the catenary  34 . When the pull cord knob  37  is pulled down, pulley  36  extends the catenary  34 , causing inner door  17  to close. The catenary arrangement reduces the distance pull cord knob  38  must travel to pull the door closed. In one embodiment, the exterior door  4  may be opened a predetermined number of degrees to release it from the locked open position. 
         [0035]    In one alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a release mechanism enables inner door  17  to fully open while minimizing potential damage to the mechanism that holds open exterior door  4 , while still enabling inner door  17  to release exterior door  4  from a locked open position through attached cable  23 . In one embodiment, the configuration enables inner door  17  to be fully opened approximately 180 degrees and still retain the ability to release the locked open position of exterior door  4 ; however it should be appreciated that inner door  17  may be opened any suitable amount between about 0 and about 180 degrees in thousandths of a degree increments. In  FIG. 6 , spring closing hinge  39  is affixed to bracket  2  with shaft  40  fixed to the movable half of spring closing hinge  39 . Shaft  40  rests against pin  41  with the closing force of hinge  39 . Latch  42  is affixed to shaft  40  so that it can engage pin  41 . It should be appreciated that latch  42  can be permanently or removably fixed to shaft  40 . 
         [0036]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7 , exterior door  4  is opened, pivoting the entire door release mechanism to approximately 90 degrees. Shaft  40  slides substantially against pin  41  until movement is arrested when pin  41  is captured under a lip of latch  42 ; however it should be appreciated that shaft  40  may be in intermittent communication with pin  41  until pin  41  is captured under the lip of latch  42 . It should also be appreciated that shaft  40  is not required to be in communication with pin  41 . In one embodiment, when pin  41  is captured under the lip of latch  42 , the locked open position of door  4  can still be released, as previously described, by opening door  4  a predetermined amount (e.g., removing latch  11  from engagement with the timing mechanism). In one embodiment, latch  11  is also released by further opening door  17 . When door  17  is opened a predetermined number of degrees (e.g., 45 degrees or any suitable number of degrees), tensioned cable  23  pulls arm assembly  40  and  42  causing latch  11  pivoting on pin  15  to release rod detent  10 . Latch  11  also pivots on pin  15  with a much shorter radius than shaft  40  on hinge  39 , thus pin  41  will exit from under the lip of latch  42  when rotated a predetermined number of degrees. It should be appreciated that when cable  23  pulls arm assembly  40  and  42  to cause latch  11  to release rod detent  10 , pin  41  may also simultaneously exit from under the lip of latch  42 . In one embodiment, as inner door  17  is opened, shaft  40  is rotated about 90 degrees (e.g., or any suitable number of degrees) to provide an adequate length of cable  23  to enable door  17  to fully open. 
         [0037]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.