DOOR CHECK

A door check for a cabinet and door is described. The door check includes a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes a passage. The ball pivot includes a spherical or rounded exterior surface. The door check further includes a first guide having a passage and a socket end. The door check further includes a second guide having a passage and a socket end. The door check further includes a first spring and a second spring. The rod passes through an interior of the first spring, an interior of the second spring, the passage of the first guide, the passage of the ball pivot, and the passage of the second guide. The socket ends move or slide against the spherical or rounded exterior surface of the ball pivot.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a door check.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Door checks are commonly used to provide the controlled opening and closing of doors. Door checks commonly use a spring and rod construction, which often suffers from bothersome squeaks and noises as the spring expands and contracts. These squeaks and noises are often caused by buckling or waves in the spring that rub against a rod of the door check.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

A door check is described. The door check in installed on a cabinet and door to assist in controlling the opening and closing of the door. The door check provides quiet operation. The door check reduces the squeaking and rubbing of its springs. The door check is flexible to accommodate a range of tolerances during installation.

In one aspect, the door check includes a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes a passage. The ball pivot includes a spherical or rounded exterior surface. The door check further includes a first guide having a passage and a socket end. The door check further includes a second guide having a passage and a socket end. The rod is configured to pass through the passage of the ball pivot, the passage of the first guide, and the passage of the second guide. The socket ends are configured to move or slide against the spherical or rounded exterior surface of the ball pivot. A combination of the ball pivot, the first guide, and the second guide provide for flexibility and increased range of motion for the door check.

In another aspect, a first spring is positioned on a rod between a middle guide and a first end of the rod, a second spring is positioned on the rod between the middle guide and a ball pivot, and a rear spring is positioned on the rod between the ball pivot and a second end of the rod. The first spring is separate from the second spring, and the middle guide is positioned on the rod between the first spring and the second spring. The use of the first and second springs helps to prevent or reduce buckling and/or rubbing of the springs against the rod.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a rod. The door check includes a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes a passage. The ball pivot includes a spherical or rounded exterior surface. The door check includes a first guide that includes a passage and a socket end. The door check includes a second guide that includes a passage and a socket end. The rod is configured to pass through the passage of the ball pivot, the passage of the first guide, and the passage of the second guide. The socket ends are configured to move or slide against the spherical or rounded exterior surface of the ball pivot.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a rod. The door check includes a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes a passage. The ball pivot includes a spherical or rounded exterior surface. The door check includes a first spring. The door check includes a second spring. The door check includes a guide, which includes a passage, a socket end, and a spring engagement end. The first spring that includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. The second spring that includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. The rod is configured to pass through the interior of the first spring, the interior of the second spring, and the passage of the ball pivot. The first spring is configured to bias or abut against the second spring. The second spring is configured to bias or abut against the spring engagement end of the guide.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a rod. The door check includes a ball pivot. The ball pivot includes a passage. The ball pivot includes a spherical or rounded exterior surface. The door check includes a first guide that includes a passage, a socket end, and a first spring engagement end. The door check includes a second guide that includes a passage, a socket end, and a second spring engagement end. The door check includes a first spring that includes an interior. The door check includes a second spring that includes an interior. The door check includes a middle guide that includes a passage. The door check includes a rear spring that includes an interior. The rod is configured to pass through the interior of the first spring, the passage of the middle guide, the interior of the second spring, the passage of the first guide, the passage of the ball pivot, the passage of the second guide, and the interior of the rear spring. The middle guide is positioned between the first spring and the second spring. The first spring is configured to bias or abut against the second spring. The second spring is configured to bias or abut against the first spring engagement end. The rear spring configured to bias or abut against the second spring engagement end.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a rod. The door check includes a rod support that includes a passage. The door check includes a guide that includes a passage, a first end proximate the rod support, and a second end proximate the second spring. The door check includes a first spring that includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. The door check includes a second spring that includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. The rod is configured to pass through the interior of the first spring, the interior of the second spring, the passage of the guide, and the passage of the rod support. The first spring is configured to bias or abut against the second spring, and the second spring is configured to bias or abut against the second end of the guide.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a rod. The door check includes a rod support that includes a passage. The door check includes a first spring and a second spring. The first spring includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. The second spring includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. A rear spring includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. The rod is configured to pass through the interior of the first spring, the interior of the second spring, the passage of the rod support, and the interior of the rear spring. The first spring is configured to bias or abut against the second spring. The second spring is configured to bias or abut against a first side of the rod support. The rear spring is configured to bias or abut against a second side of the rod support. The rear spring includes a conical spring. The conical spring provides progressively increasing bias as the conical spring is compressed.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a rod. The door check includes a rod support that includes a passage. The door check includes a main spring. The main spring includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. A rear spring includes a first end, a second end, and an interior. The rod is configured to pass through the interior of the main spring, the passage of the rod support, and the interior of the rear spring. The main spring is configured to bias or abut against a first side of the rod support. The rear spring is configured to bias or abut against a second side of the rod support. The rear spring includes a conical spring.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a support structure mounted to the cabinet or the cabinet frame. The support structure includes a socket. The door check further includes a ball guide. The ball guide is configured to receive a rod. The ball guide includes a ball portion. The socket of the support structure is configured to receive the ball portion of the ball guide in a movable engagement.

In another aspect, a door check for a cabinet is described. The door check includes a rod. The door check includes a ball guide having a ball portion and a passage. The ball portion includes a spherical or rounded exterior surface. The passage passes through the ball portion. The passage is configured to receive the rod. The door check includes a support structure. The support structure includes an interior and a socket surface. The interior of the support structure is configured to receive the ball portion of the ball guide in a movable engagement against the socket surface.

In another aspect, a support structure is mounted to the cabinet or frame. The support structure provides a socket surface that is configured to receive a rounded surface of a guide structure. The guide structure is configured to receive a rod. The guide structure is held by the support structure in a movable engagement, and the guide structure is configured to move relative to the support structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A door check10will now be described with references toFIGS.1-11. The door check10connects to a cabinet30and a door50. The door50is typically hingedly engaged to the cabinet30. The door check10assists in controlling the opening and closing of the door50. The cabinet30may be installed on a truck body or a utility vehicle. The door check10may also be used in storage cabinets and doors of non-moving assemblies.

The door check10includes a rod70. A main spring120biases the door50to both an open position and a closed position. The rod70is inserted through an interior of the main spring120. In this aspect, the main spring120includes a first spring130and a second spring140. In other aspects, the door check10may include three or more springs.

The rod70includes a first end80and a second end90. The first end80secures to the door50. The first end80may include an end portion82that connects or engages with a bracket52positioned on an interior surface of the door50. During installation, the end portion82may be engaged to the bracket52to connect the door check10to the door50. The end portion82may include a hook shape or an angled portion that engages to an opening in the bracket52.

The first spring130and the second spring140cushion or slow the closing movement of the door50. The first spring130and the second spring140help to reduce the door50from slamming to the closed position. Further, the first spring130and the second spring140may provide a bias to assist in the opening movement of the door50.

In this aspect, the door check10further includes a rear spring150. The rear spring150absorbs energy from the door50as the door50moves to the fully open position. This saves wear and tear on the door50and the door check10. In this aspect, the rear spring150is a conical or helical spring, which provides increased resistance to compression. The conical or helical spring may provide a non-linear bias that progressively increases in bias as the conical or helical spring is compressed. This helps to prevent or reduce the bottoming-out of the door50and/or to prevent or reduce the door50from moving or flying to the open position in an uncontrolled manner. The first spring130and the second spring140may include a linear biasing spring, while the rear spring150may include a conical spring. In this aspect, the rear spring150is a different type or style than the first spring130and the second spring140.

In this aspect, the first spring130and the second spring140are separated by a middle guide180. The first spring130includes a first end132and a second end134. The first spring130includes an interior136. The second spring140includes a first end142and a second end144. The second spring140includes an interior146. The rear spring150includes a first end152and a second end154. The rear spring150includes an interior156.

The first spring130is positioned on the rod70between the middle guide180and the first end80of the rod70. The second spring140is positioned on the rod70between the middle guide180and the ball pivot200. The rear spring150is positioned on the rod70between the ball pivot200and the second end90of the rod70.

The door check10further includes the ball pivot200. An upper portion of the ball pivot200includes a connection member220that connects to a frame32of the cabinet30. The ball pivot200supports the rod70. The ball pivot200includes a spherical or rounded exterior surface210. A passage230passes through the ball pivot200. When the door check10is installed, the rod70passes through the passage230. The passage230includes a first opening233and a second opening236.

The connection member220may include a stud, bracket, or other mechanical attachment suitable to affix the ball pivot200to the cabinet30or the frame32of the cabinet30. In other aspects, the connection member220may be directly welded to the cabinet30or its frame32. The connection member220may include an opening that receives a bolt or other connection member to attach the connection member220to the cabinet30.

The rod70further includes a first guide300and a second guide320. The first guide300includes a socket end302and a first spring engagement end312. The socket end302includes a first opening304, while the first spring engagement end312includes a second opening314. A passage315passes through the first guide300and connects the first opening304and the second opening314. Similarly, the second guide320includes a socket end322and a second spring engagement end332. The socket end322includes a first opening324, while the second spring engagement end332includes a second opening334. A passage335passes through the second guide320and connects the first opening324and the second opening334. The passages315and335centers the first guide300and the second guide320, respectively, on the rod70. A passage186of the middle guide180further centers the middle guide180on the rod170. This helps to reduce contact from springs130,140, and150against the rod70.

A stop guide190is further positioned on the rod70. The first end132of the first spring130abuts or biases against the stop guide190. The rod70passes through a passage192of the stop guide190. The stop guide190is generally not permitted to move laterally toward the first end80of the rod70by a widened portion72formed in the rod70. The passage192may catch against the widened portion72and be prevented from moving along the rod70toward the first end80of the rod70.

When assembled, the rod70passes through the interior136of the first spring130, the interior146of the second spring140, and the interior156of the rear spring150. The first end132of the first spring130abuts or biases against the stop guide190. The second end134of the first spring130abuts or biases against a first side182of the middle guide180. The first end142of the second spring140abuts or biases against a second side184of the middle guide180. The second end144of the second spring140abuts or biases against the first spring engagement end312of the first guide300. The first end152of the rear spring150abuts or biases against the second spring engagement end332of the second guide320. In this aspect, the first spring130and the second spring140are two separate spring structures. In this aspect, the first spring130and the second spring140are two separate spring structures that are positioned on opposite sides of the middle guide180. With reference toFIG.9, in this aspect, the first spring engagement end312and the second spring engagement end332include conical surfaces that assist in centering the respective springs ends144and152to the first spring engagement end312and the second spring engagement end332. The conical surfaces wedge into the spring ends144and152and assist in centering the springs140and150on the rod70. The first spring engagement end312may include a flange or catch portion318that is generally perpendicular to the bias of the of second end144of the second spring140. Similarly, the second spring engagement end332may include a flange or catch portion338that is generally perpendicular to the bias of the of the first end152of the rear spring150. The spring ends144and152may abut or press against the flange or catch portions318and338.

With respect toFIGS.8and9, the rod70passes through the passage315of the first guide300, the passage230of the ball pivot200and the passage335of the second guide320. The socket ends302and322include a concave or cup-like shape that partially receives the spherical exterior surface210of the ball pivot200. The spherical exterior surface210of the ball pivot200fits or partially fits into the cup-like structure of the socket ends302and322. The socket ends302and322articulate against the spherical exterior surface210of the ball pivot200as the door50moves to and from the open and closed positions. The spherical or rounded exterior surface210may include a convex surface that receives a concave exterior of the socket ends302and322. The spherical or rounded exterior surface210may wholly or partially fit into or within the socket ends302and322. In certain aspects, the socket end302of the first guide300and the socket end322of the second guide320are configured to move or slide against opposite sides of the spherical or rounded exterior surface210of the ball pivot200. In certain aspects, the spherical exterior surface210of the ball pivot200may include two spherical or rounded surfaces separated by a flatter or less curved central portion.

The ball pivot200is generally fixed in position at the frame32or perimeter of the cabinet30. The ball pivot200does not rotate or spin relative to the cabinet30. Instead, the socket ends302and322and the rod70move relative to the ball pivot200. Further, the rod70may slide through and back through the passage230of the ball pivot200as the door50moves between the open and closed positions.

A combination of the ball pivot200, the first guide300, and the second guide320provide for flexibility and increased range of motion for the door check10. This makes installation of the door check10easier, as installation tolerances are broadened or cased. Further, the flexibility and increased range of motion for the door check10is helpful in instances when the cabinet30or door the door50is not square or is misaligned. With respect toFIG.11, the passage230of the ball pivot200may include an elongate shape, such as a stadium or oval rectangle, to provide for range of motion. For example, the rod70may pivot or tilt approximately 2 degrees to approximately 12 degrees in a vertical direction relative to the ball pivot200, and the rod70may pivot or tilt approximately 20 degrees to approximately 50 degrees in a horizontal direction relative to the ball pivot200. As the rod70moves vertically and/or horizontally, the socket ends302and322slide or move against the spherical exterior surface210of the ball pivot200.

As the door50moves to and from the open and closed positions, the socket ends302and322of the first guide300and the second guide320articulate against the spherical exterior surface210of the ball pivot200and the rod70slides through the passage230of the ball pivot200. The combination of the ball pivot200, the first guide300, and the second guide320provides a spherical capture arrangement. During articulation and strokes of the door check10, a central axis71of the rod70remains coincident to a centroid201of the ball pivot200. This allows the second spring140and the rear spring150to generally stay coaxial to the center axis of the rod70. The spherical capture arrangement allows the socket ends302and322, the second spring140and the rear spring150, and the rod70to rotate through the centroid201of the ball pivot200. There are no side forces between the ball pivot200, which is fixed, and the moving door check10. This reduces or prevents the second spring140and the rear spring150from bending and then rubbing against the rod70.

As shown inFIG.9, the central axis71of the rod70and central axis of the passages315and335of the first guide300and the second guide320are coincident. Also, the concave exterior of the socket ends302and322shares or forms a centroid that is the same as the centroid201of the ball pivot200. This arrangement permits the rod70to move in multiple planes and still remain coincident to the centroid201of the ball pivot200.

The socket ends302and322of the first guide300and the second guide320hold or maintain the rod70passing through the centroid201of the ball pivot200. The passages315and335of the first guide300and the second guide320are coincident to the central axis71of the rod70. The socket ends302and322of the first guide300and the second guide320are also coincident to the spherical exterior surface210. As the rod70moves relative to the ball pivot200, the interaction of the socket ends302and322of the first guide300and the second guide320about the spherical exterior surface210maintains the rod70in alignment or passing through the centroid201of the ball pivot200. This prevents the rod70from rubbing against an interior of the passage230of the ball pivot200.

The door check10utilizes the first spring130and the second spring140, which reduces squeaking or rubbing of the first spring130and the second spring140against the rod70. By using two shorter springs, the first spring130and the second spring140are less likely to bow, buckle, and/or bend and contact or rub against the rod70. The individual coils of the first spring130and the second spring140generally do not touch against an exterior surface of the rod70. This reduces the likelihood of the door check10to squeak or make noises as the door50moves between the open and closed positions. This provides for quieter operation of the door check10.

In other aspects, door checks may employ the first spring130and the second spring140, which reduces squeaking or rubbing of the first spring130and the second spring140against the rod70. In other aspects, a standard door check with a conventional rod support may employ the first spring130and the second spring140. For example, the rod70is configured to pass through the interior of the first spring130, the interior of the second spring140, a passage of the rod support, and the interior of the rear spring150. The first spring130is configured to bias or abut against the second spring140. The second spring140is configured to bias or abut against a first side of the rod support. The rear spring150is configured to bias against a second side of the rod support. The rod support may include flat, rounded, or curved contact surfaces or sides for the second spring140and the rear spring150to bias against.

In other aspects, door checks may employ the rear spring150in the form of the conical or helical spring. The conical or helical spring may provide a non-linear bias that progressively increases in bias as the conical or helical spring is compressed. This helps to prevent or reduce the bottoming-out of a door and/or to prevent or reduce the door from moving or flying to the open position in an uncontrolled manner. In this aspect, the rear spring150may be different type or style than the first spring130and the second spring140. In other aspects, a standard door check may employ the rear spring150in the form of the conical or helical spring. In other aspects, a standard door check may employ the rear spring150in the form of the conical or helical spring along with a single, main spring.

In another aspect, with respect toFIGS.12-17, a door check11is illustrated. The door check11reverses the configuration of the ball and socket arrangement of the door check10. The door check11functions in a similar manner as the door check10, and some similar components may be utilized as described below.

The door check11includes a support structure400and a ball guide500. As shown inFIGS.12-17, the support structure400attaches or connects to the cabinet30or its frame32. The support structure400holds a ball portion510of the ball guide500in a movable engagement.

The support structure400includes an interior401to receive the ball portion510of the ball guide500. A first lateral opening402and a second lateral opening405of the support structure400lead to the interior401. The support structure400forms or defines a socket surface410in the interior401that receives the ball portion510of the ball guide500in a movable engagement.

The ball guide500includes an internal passage507passing through the ball guide500. The internal passage507passes through the ball portion510of the ball guide500. The internal passage507receives the rod70. The ball guide500includes a first lateral opening502and a second lateral opening505, which open or connect to the internal passage507. The internal passage507is linear through the ball guide500. During installation of the door check11, the rod70is passed through the internal passage507via the first lateral opening502and the second lateral opening505.

The support structure400receives the ball portion510of the ball guide500in a movable engagement. The ball portion510swivels, moves, rotates, etc. with respect to the socket surface410. The support structure400remains generally stationary or fixed in position relative to the cabinet30or its frame32. The support structure400provides support to the door check11, while permitting the ball portion510and the rod70to move relative to the support structure400.

In this aspect, the support structure400includes an upper portion420and a lower portion450. The upper portion420may include a connection member425such as a stud, bracket, weldment, or other mechanical attachment suitable to affix the support structure400to the cabinet30or the frame32of the cabinet30. In this aspect, the connection member425extends upward from the upper portion420. In other aspects, the support structure400may include additional bearing surfaces, socket surfaces, or supports to hold or receive the ball portion510in a movable engagement. In other aspects, the support structure400may receive a bearing or socket structure that fits around or holds the ball portion510in a movable engagement. In other aspects, the support structure400may include an additional middle portion.

In this aspect, the support structure400includes the upper portion420and the lower portion450to hold or receive the ball portion510of the ball guide500in a movable engagement. The upper portion420and the lower portion450join together and form the first lateral opening402and the second lateral opening405.

The upper portion420forms an upper socket surface422. The lower portion450forms a lower socket surface452. In this aspect, the upper portion420and the lower portion450clip or snap together to hold the ball portion510. As shown inFIGS.15-17, sidewalls455of the lower portion450include arms460with barbs462that fit into openings430of sidewalls435of the upper portion420. The arms460are resiliently flexible to bias the barbs462into the openings430. In other aspects, the upper portion420and the lower portion450may be joined with fasteners, hinges, or other connection members.

The upper socket surface422and the lower socket surface452include a concave or cup-like shape that partially receives a spherical exterior surface512of the ball portion510. The spherical exterior surface512of the ball portion510fits or partially fits into the cup-like structure of the socket surfaces422and452. The ball portion510articulates against the socket surfaces422and452of the support structure400as the door50moves to and from the open and closed positions.

In this aspect, as shown inFIG.14, the ball guide500includes a first narrow portion525between the ball portion510and the first spring engagement end520, and the ball guide500includes a second narrow portion555between the ball portion510and the second spring engagement end550. When the upper portion420and the lower portion450are joined, the ball portion510is held inside of the support structure400with the first narrow portion525and the second narrow portion555extending out of the support structure400. The first narrow portion525extends through the first lateral opening402of the support structure400, and the second narrow portion555extends through the second lateral opening405of the support structure400. The ball portion510is too large to pass through either of the first lateral opening402or the second lateral opening405. The ball portion510is trapped in the interior401of the support structure400.

As shown inFIG.14, The first spring engagement end520includes a flange or catch portion528that is generally perpendicular to the bias of the of second end144of the second spring140. Similarly, the second spring engagement end550may include a flange or catch portion588that is generally perpendicular to the bias of the of the first end152of the rear spring150. The spring ends144and152may abut or press against the flange or catch portions528and588.

The first spring engagement end520includes a first lateral portion530with an outer diameter just less than an internal diameter of the second end144of the second spring140. The first lateral portion530leads to the first lateral opening502. The first lateral portion530assists in supporting the second spring140. Similarly, the second spring engagement end550includes a second lateral portion560with an outer diameter just less than an internal diameter of the first end152of the rear spring150. The second lateral portion560leads to the second lateral opening505. The second lateral portion560assists in supporting the rear spring150.

In this aspect, the socket surface410is formed by the upper socket surface422and the lower socket surface452. The socket surface410allows the ball guide500to move vertically and/or horizontally with respect to the support structure400. The socket surface410of the support structure400generally constrains or holds the ball portion510of the ball guide500such that the ball guide500is not removable or separable from the socket surface410, while allowing the ball portion510to articulate with respect to the support structure400.

As such, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the particular aspects described herein, but that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this novel concept as defined by the following claims. Further, many other advantages of applicant's disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the claims below.