Abstract:
A door retaining structure is provided for limiting the path of a door pivotably mounted on a door frame. The door retaining structure includes a connection structure for interconnecting the door and the door frame. An inertial locking device is operatively connected to the connection structure for preventing movement of the door toward the open position in response to the predetermined force on the door.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to doors, and in particular, to a device for preventing uncontrolled movement of a door toward the open position in response to a predetermined force thereon. 
     Most homes have front and rear doors to allow access to the interior of the structure. Storm and/or screen doors are mounted within the corresponding door frames to overlap the front and rear doors. Storm doors are designed to protect the outer surface of the front and rear doors of a home from the elements such as rain, snow or the like. On the other hand, screen doors are designed to allow a home owner to open the front and rear doors of the home in order for fresh air to enter the same, as well as, to prevent flying insects and the like from entering the home therethrough. 
     Since storm and screen doors have large surface areas and are lightweight, the storm and screen doors tend to open quickly when subjected to high winds or other types of violent opening forces. Consequently, due to the tendency for the storm and screen doors to swing open violently during strong gusts of wind, the storm and screen doors may be damaged, or in extreme cases, torn away from the door frames in which they are mounted. 
     Therefore, it is a primary object and feature of the present invention to provide a device for limiting the movement of a door in response to a predetermined force thereon. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a device for limiting movement of a door in response to a predetermined force thereon, which is easily mountable to a conventional storm and screen door. 
     It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide a door restraining device for limiting movement of a door in response to a predetermined force thereon which is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     In accordance with the present invention, a door retaining device is provided. The door retaining device includes a connection structure for interconnecting the door and the door frame. An inertial locking structure is operatively connected the connection structure in order to prevent movement of the door toward the open position in response to a predetermined force on the door. 
     The connection structure includes a connector having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the connector is releaseably mounted to one of the door or the frame. A take-up mechanism is mounted to the other of the door or the frame and interconnected to the second end of the connector. The take-up mechanism urges the door toward the closed position. The connection structure also includes a quick release structure for releaseably interconnecting the first end of the connector to one of the door or the frame. The quick release structure has a manual release actuator moveable between the first non-release position and a second release position for disengaging the first end of the connector from the one of the door or the frame. 
     The door retaining device may also include an adjustment structure for varying the predetermined force necessary to prevent movement of the door toward the open position. 
     In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a door path limiting device is provided for limiting the movement of a door pivotably mounted in a frame. The door path limiting device includes a cable having first and second opposite ends. The first end of the cable is releaseably mounted to one of the door or the frame. A take-up reel is mounted to the other of the door or the frame and is interconnected to the second end of the cable. The take-up reel is rotatable in a first winding direction for winding the cable thereon and a second unwinding direction. A retracting structure generates a rotational force on the take-up reel in the winding direction so as to wind the cable on the take-up reel. An inertial locking structure prevents rotation of the take-up wheel in the unwinding direction in response to a predetermined rotational force on the take-up reel in the unwinding direction. 
     The inertial locking structure may include a first cam operatively connected to the take-up reel for rotational movement therewith and having a cam surface. A rotational locking cam rotates with the first cam and has a first engagement surface slidable along the cam surface of the first cam between an unlocked and a locked position in response to a rotational force thereon. A locking element extends from the rotatable locking cam for preventing rotation of the first cam when the locking cam is in a locked position. A biasing structure biases the rotatable locking cam toward the unlocked position. It is contemplated that an adjustment structure be provided for adjusting the predetermined force necessary to prevent the rotation of the take-up reel. 
     A housing is mounted to one of the door or frame for rotatably supporting the take-up reel. The housing includes a plurality of teeth projecting therefrom. The locking element includes a plurality of teeth projecting from the rotatable locking cam. The teeth of the rotatable locking cam mesh with the teeth projecting from the housing when the rotatable locking cam is in the locked position. 
     The door path limiting device may also include a quick release structure for releaseably interconnecting the first end of the cable to the one of the door or frame. The quick release structure includes a manual release actuator moveable between a first non-release position and a second release position for disengaging the first end of the cable from the one of the door or frame. 
     In accordance with a still further aspect of the present invention, a door retaining structure is provided for limiting the path of a door pivotably mounted on a door frame. The door retaining structure includes a take-up mechanism operatively connected to the door frame. The take-up mechanism is rotatable in a first unwinding direction and a second winding direction. A biasing structure biases the take-up mechanism in the winding direction. A door connection element has a first end releaseably mounted to the door and a second end interconnected to the take-up mechanism wherein the door connection element winds onto the take-up mechanism in response to rotation of the take-up mechanism in the winding direction. An inertial locking structure prevents rotation of the take-up wheel in the unwinding direction in response to a predetermined rotational force on the take-up reel in the unwinding direction. 
     The inertial locking structure may include a rotatable locking cam rotatable with the take-up mechanism and moveable between an unlocked and a locked position in response to a predetermined rotatational force on a take-up mechanism. A locking element extends from the rotatable locking cam and prevents rotation of the take-up mechanism when the locking cam is in the locked position. The inertial locking structure also includes an adjustment structure for adjusting the predetermined force necessary to move the locking cam from the locked to the unlocked position. Biasing structure biases the rotatable locking cam toward the unlocking structure. 
     The door retaining structure also includes a housing mounted to the frame for rotatably supporting the take-up mechanism. The housing includes a plurality of teeth projecting from the rotatable locking cam. The teeth of the rotatable locking cam mesh with the teeth projecting from the housing when the rotatable locking cam is in the locked position. A quick release structure is provided for releaseably interconnecting the first end of the cable to the door. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The drawings furnished herewith illustrate a preferred construction of the present invention in which the above advantages and features are clearly disclosed as well as others which will be readily understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment. 
     In the drawings: 
     FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a door retaining device in accordance with the present invention interconnecting a door jam and a door depicted in a closed position; 
     FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the door retaining device of the present invention interconnecting the door jam and the door depicting the door in an open position; 
     FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the door retaining device of the present invention interconnecting the door jam and the door depicting the door in an intermediate, partially opened position; 
     FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 1 taken along line  4 — 4 ; 
     FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the door retaining device of the present invention taken along line  5 — 5  of FIG. 4; 
     FIG. 6 is a top plan view, partially in section, showing the door retaining device of the present invention with the door in a partially opened position; 
     FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the door retaining device of the present invention taken along line  7 — 7 ; 
     FIG. 8 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing the door retaining device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 9 is a side elevational view, similar to FIG. 8, showing an alternate embodiment of the door retaining device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is an exploded, isometric view of the door retaining device of the present invention; 
     FIG. 11 is a side elevational view, partially in section, showing an alternate mounting arrangement for the door retaining device of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 12 is an enlraged, cross-sectional view showing a portion of the door retaining device of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring to FIG. 10, a door retaining device in accordance with the present invention is generally designated by the reference numeral  10 . The door retaining device  10  includes a generally U-shaped housing  12  having a generally flat base plate  14  with first and second spaced sidewalls  16  and  18 , respectively, projecting therefrom. The outer surface  16  of base plate  14  includes a disc-shaped spacer element  18  projecting therefrom. Disc-shaped spacer element  18  includes a passageway  20  therethrough which is aligned with and in communication with an aperature (not shown) in base plate  14  for accommodating a fastening bolt,  22 , FIGS. 7-9, therethrough, for reasons hereinafter described. 
     Inner surface  24  of base plate  14  and inner surfaces  26  and  28  of sidewall  16  and  18 , respectively, of housing  12  define a spool receiving cavity  30  therebetween. Spool receipt cavity  30 , as defined by housing  12 , is adapted for receiving a spool  32  therein. In a first embodiment, FIGS. 7-8 and  10 , spool  32  includes a generally cylindrical body portion  34  having heads  36  and  38 , respectively, on opposite ends thereof. The outer cylindrical surface  40  of cylindrical portion  34  and the inner surfaces  42  and  44  of heads  36  and  38 , respectively, define a strap receiving cavity  46 . A strap  48  is mounted on cylinder portion  34  of spool  32 . Strap  48  includes a first end (not picture) connected to cylindrical portion  34  and a second opposite end having a conventional seat belt buckle  49 , FIG. 5, connected thereto. Spool  32  further includes a recoil spring receipt cavity  50  extending into the outer surface  52  of head  38 . Recoil spring receipt cavity  50  communicates with a spindle receipt passageway  54  which extends along the longitudinal axis of cylindrical body portion  34  of spool  32 . Spindle receipt passageway  54  is defined by generally cylindrical inner surface  56  of cylindrical body portion  34  of spool  32 . Inner surface  56  of cylindrical body portion  34  includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced splines  58  extending therealong which are received within corresponding circumferentially spaced grooves  76  in spindle  60 , as hereinafter described. 
     A recoil spring  62  is positioned within recoil spring receipt seat cavity  50  in spool  32 . Recoil spring  62  includes a first outer end  64  interconnected to pin  65 , FIG. 7, extending from inner surface  28  of sidewall  18  of housing  12  into spool receiving cavity  30  so as to rigidly maintain recoil spring  62  in a fixed relationship with housing  12 . A second end  68  of recoil spring  62  is received within slot  70  in spindle  60  so as to urge spindle  60  toward a first, fully wound portion. 
     Spindle  60  is generally cylindrical in shape and extends a longitudinal axis which is coincident with the longitudinal axis of spool  32 . Spindle  60  includes a first end  72  and an enlarged, opposite second end  74 . First end  60  of spindle  74  includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced grooves  76  extending along the outer surface  78  of spindle  60  in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . Grooves  76  are adapted for receiving corresponding splines  58  extending along inner surface  56  of spool  32  in a mating relationship such that spindle  60  and spool  32  rotates in unison about the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . 
     Spindle  60  further includes a generally cylindrical, rotational bearing surface  79  which defines a passageway  80  between the first and second ends  72  and  74 , respectively, of spindle  60 . Passageway  80  through spindle  60  has a diameter approximating the diameter of shaft  82  of bolt  84 . Bolt  84  extends through passageway  80  in spindle  60  and through opening  85  in sidewall  16  of housing  12 . A locking washer  87  is positioned within a circumferentially extending groove  89  in shaft  82  of bolt  84  so as to retain bolt  84  in position  12  and to capture spindle  60  on bolt  84  between locking washer  87  and bolt head  89 . As described, bearing surface  79  of spindle  60  forms a rotational interface with the outer surface of shaft  82  of bolt  84 . 
     Second end  74  of spindle  60  includes a plurality of ears  86  which are circumferentially spaced about the longitudinal axis of spindle  60  and which project from inwardly directed surfaces  77  in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. Referring to FIGS. 7-10, each ear  86  includes a first angled surface  88  which extends from the inwardly directed surface  90  of second end  74  of spindle  60  at a predetermined angle to the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . Each ear  86  further includes a longitudinally extending guide surface  96  which extends from a corresponding angled surface  88  and terminates at a generally planar end surface  98  perpendicular thereto. 
     Each ear  86  is further defined by a second longitudinally extending guide surface  100  which extends from the inner surface  90  of second end  74  of spindle  60 . Each second guide surface  100  is interconnected to its corresponding end surface  98  by a second angled surface  102 . As best seen in FIG. 10, surfaces  88  and  96  of ear  86  and surfaces  100  and  102  of an adjacent ear  86   a  define a flywheel ear receipt cavity  104 , FIG. 10, therebetween which is dimensioned for receiving a corresponding flywheel ear  106  projecting from flywheel  108 , as hereinafter described. 
     Flywheel  108  is generally ring-shaped and includes a generally circular opening  110  therethrough dimensioned such that flywheel  108  may be positioned about spindle  60 . Flywheel  108  is defined by inwardly directed surface  112  having a plurality of teeth  114  which are circumferentially spaced about opening  110 . Each tooth  114  includes a stopping surface  116  which extends from the inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108  in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . Stopping surface  116  terminates at an outer edge  118 . A ramped surface  120  extends between from the inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108  and outer edge  118  of stopping surface  116 . 
     Flywheel  108  further includes an outwardly directed surface  122 . As best seen in FIG. 8, ears  106  extend from outwardly directed surface  122  of flywheel  108  towards second end  74  of spindle  60  in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . Each ear  106  of flywheel  108  is defined by a first ear engaging surface  126  extending from outwardly directed surface  122  thereof. An angled guide surface  128  interconnects ear engaging surface  126  with end surface  130  of ear  106 . Each ear  106  of flywheel  108  is further defined by a second ear engaging surface  132  which extends from end surface  130  towards outwardly directed surface  122  of flywheel  108  in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . A ramped surface  134  interconnects each outwardly facing surface  122  to its corresponding second ear engaging surface  132  of flywheel  108 . 
     First ear engaging surface  122  and guide surface  128  of ear  106  along with second ear engaging surface  132  and ramped surface  134  of an adjacent ear  106   a  define a spindle ear receipt cavity  136  therebetween, FIG.  10 . Spindle ear receipt cavity  136  of flywheel  108  is adapted to receive a corresponding ear  86  projecting from second end  74  of spindle  60  therein. 
     Inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108  faces the outer surface  140  of sidewall  18  of housing  12  such that teeth  114  of flywheel  108  are axially aligned with corresponding teeth  142  projecting from outer surface  140  of sidewall  18 . As best seen in FIG. 10, teeth  142  of housing  12  are circumferentially spaced about a threaded opening  144  in sidewall  18 . Opening  144  in sidewall  18  of housing  12  has a center which lies on the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . Each tooth  142  of sidewall  18  of housing  12  includes a stop surface  146  projecting outwardly from outer surface  140  of sidewall  18  of housing  12  in a direction parallel to longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . An angled surface  148  extends between outer surface  140  of sidewall  18  and terminal edge  150  of stop surface  146 . As best seen in FIG. 8, it is contemplated that teeth  114  of flywheel  108  and teeth  142  of housing  12  may mesh such that stopping surfaces  116  of teeth  114  of flywheel  108  engage and abut corresponding stopping surfaces  146  on teeth  142  of housing  12 . 
     Referring to FIGS. 10 and 12, a spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  is positioned about spindle  60 , at a location adjacent recoil spring  62 . Spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  is defined by a generally cylindrical outer surface  156  having a projection  158  extending radially therefrom. Spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  further includes a generally cylindrical inner surface  160  defining a passageway  161  between the first and second ends  162  and  164  thereof. Passageway  161  within spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  is dimensioned so as to allow spindle  60  to pass therethrough. The outer surface  156  of spring tension adjustment mechanism  152  includes threads  166  adjacent the first end  162  thereof. Threads  166  are adapted for receipt in threaded opening  144  in sidewall  18  of housing  12 . 
     Spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  further includes a first end surface  168  directed towards recoil spring  162  and a second end surface  170  directed towards flywheel  108 . A spring adjustment handle  172  is provided for threading spring tension adjustment mechanism  152  into and out of threaded opening  144  and sidewall  18  of housing  12 . Handle  172  includes a body portion  174  having an opening  176  therein. Opening  176  in body portion  174  is generally circular in shape and includes a projection receiving depression  178  therein. Body portion  174  is positioned about the outer surface  156  of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  such that projection  158  extending from the outer surface  156  of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  is seated within spring receipt depression  178  in order for handle  172  and spring tension adjustment mechanism  152  to rotate in unison about the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . Gripping portion  180  extends from body portion  174  of handle  172  and allows a user to thread spring tension adjustment mechanism into and out of threaded opening  144  in sidewall  18  of housing  12  by simply rotating handle  172  about the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . 
     A coil spring  184  is positioned between the second end surface  170  of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  and inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108  so as to bias flywheel  108  away from the outer surface  140  of sidewall  18  of housing  12 , from left to right in FIGS. 7-8. The biasing force on flywheel  108  may be adjusted by threading spring tension adjustment member  152  into and out of threaded opening  144  in sidewall  18  of housing  12 . By way of example, by reducing the axial distance X between end surface  170  of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  and the inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108 , the biasing force generated by coil spring  184  will increase. As is known, the biasing force generated by coil spring  184  will increase as the axial distance X between end surface  170  of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  and inwardly directed surfaces  112  of flywheel  108  is reduced. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4-6, in order to interconnect housing  12  to a conventional door jam  192 , fastening bolt  22  is inserted through the aperture (not shown) in base plate  14  of housing  12 , through spacer element  18 , and into the upper cross tie or header  190  of door jam  192  such that housing  12  is pivotable about the longitudinal axis of fastening bolt  22 , FIGS. 5-6. As is conventional, a screen door  194  is interconnected to doorjam  192  by a plurality of hinges (not shown) such that screen door  194  is pivotable between a first closed position, FIG. 1, wherein screen door  194  is seated within opening  196  defined by door jam  192  and a second opened position, FIG. 2, wherein screen door  194  is removed from opening  196  so as to allow for the ingress and egress of individuals through opening  196 . A stop  197  may affixed to the door jam  192  to prevent screen door  174  from pivoting beyond the closed portion. 
     It is contemplated that a pneumatic cylinder  198  connect screen door  194  to door jam  192 . Pneumatic cylinder  198  includes a shaft  200  received within a cylinder  202 . Shaft  200  has a terminal end  204  pivotably mounted to the inner surface  206  of screen door  194 . End  208  of sleeve  202  is pivotably connected to jam  192  by a connection element  210 , as is conventional. Pneumatic cylinder  198  limits the travel of screen door  194  and draws screen door  194  towards the closed position, FIG. 2, as is conventional. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4-6, a generally L-shaped strap guide bracket  220  is interconnected to screen door  194 . The guide bracket  220  includes a first leg  222  having an enlarged stop  224  projecting radially therefrom. First leg  222  of guide bracket  220  extends through screen door  194  such that stop  224  engages and abuts the inner surface of screen door  194 . A washer  226  is positioned on the first leg  222  of guide bracket  220  so as to abut the outer surface  228  of screen door  194 . A nut  230  is threaded onto a threaded end  232  of first leg  222  of guide bracket  220  so as to interconnect guide bracket  220  to screen door  194  and to capture screen door  194  between washer  226  and stop  224 . 
     Second leg  234  of guide bracket  220  is generally perpendicular to first leg  234 . Second leg  234  of guide bracket  220  includes a curved, terminal end  236  which terminates at a predetermined distance from the inner surface  206  of screen door  194  greater than the thickness of strap  48  so as to allow strap  48  to pass therebetween. The intersection  238  of first and second legs  222  and  234 , respectively, of guide bracket  220  and terminal end  236  of second leg  234  define a strap guiding portion  240  therebetween. 
     A quick release mechanism generally designated by the reference numeral  250  is also interconnected to the inner surface  206  of screen door  194 . It is contemplated that quick release mechanism  250  take the form of a standard locking clip  252  for receiving the buckle  49  of a seat belt in a conventional manner. Locking clip  252  is positioned adjacent to inner surface  206  of screen door  194  and includes a mounting portion  256  depending therefrom. A bolt  260  extends through an aperture  258  in mounting portion  256  of release mechanism  250  and through screen door  194 . A nut  262  is threaded onto the threaded end  264  of bolt  260  in order to maintain release mechanism  250  on screen door  194 . It is contemplated to provide a washer  266  between head  268  of bolt  260  and mounting portion  256  of release mechanism  250 . Similarly, a washer  270  may be provided between nut  262  and the outer surface  228  of screen door  194 . 
     In operation, strap  48  is drawn from spool  32  against the bias of recoil spring  62 . If released, strap  48  will be recoiled on spool  32  since recoil spring  62  will urge spindle  60 , and hence spool  32 , to the wound position heretofore described. Strap  48  is positioned over guide bracket  220  such that the inner surface  48   a  of strap  48  engages the second leg  234  of connection bracket  220  within strap guiding portion  240  of guide bracket  220 . Terminal end  236  of second leg  234  of guide bracket  220  and intersection  238  of first and second legs  224  and  234 , respectively, of guide bracket  220  guide strap  48  as strap  48  travels through strap guiding portion  240 . Buckle  49  of strap  48  is inserted into buckle receipt cavity  254  in locking clip  252  in a conventional manner such that locking clip  252  retains buckle  49  therein. 
     As strap  48  is uncoiled from spool  32 , the biasing force of spring  184  urges flywheel  108  towards second end  74  of spindle  60  such that the terminal face  130  of each ear  106  of flywheel  108  engages inwardly directed surface  77  of second end  74  of spindle  60 . If strap  48  is uncoiled from spool  32  above a predetermined rotational velocity, the centrifugal force acting on flywheel  108  will urge flywheel  108  against the bias of coil spring  184  which, in turn, causes flywheel  108  to be urged from right to left in FIGS. 7 and 8. 
     As flywheel  108  is urged from right to left of FIGS. 7 and 8, teeth  114  projecting from the inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108  engage and mesh with teeth  142  projecting from the outer surface  140  of sidewall  18  of housing  12 . Stopping surfaces  116  of teeth  114  extending from flywheel  108  engage corresponding stop surfaces  146  of teeth  142  extending from housing  12  so as to prevent further rotation of flywheel  108  about the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . 
     As flywheel  108  is urged from right to left in FIGS. 7 and 8, angled surfaces  88  of ears  86  slide along corresponding guide surfaces  128  of ears  106  such that guide surfaces  98  of ears  86  engage corresponding ear engaging surface  126  of ears  106 . With flywheel  108  fixed with respect to housing  12  and ears  86  of spindle  60  engaging ears  106  of flywheel  108 , spindle  60 , and hence, spool  32 , is prevented from further rotation about the longitudinal axis of spindle  60 . As a result, strap  48  cannot be uncoiled from spool  32 . 
     The rotational velocity at which point the further unwinding of strap  48  from spool  32  is prevented may be adjusted by threading spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  into and out of threaded opening  144  in sidewall  18  of housing  12 . By decreasing the axial distance X between end surface  170  of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  and the inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108 , the biasing force of spring  184  increases. As a result, a greater centrifugal force must be generated on flywheel  108  in order for flywheel  108  will move from right to left in FIGS. 7 and 8. Consequently, the rotational velocity for unwinding the strap  48  from spool  32  will necessarily be greater than at the initial setting of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152 . It can be appreciated that the user may reduce the rotational velocity necessary to prevent further unwinding of strap  45  from spool  32  by simply increasing the axial distance between end surface  170  of spring tension adjustment sleeve  152  and the inwardly directed surface  112  of flywheel  108 . 
     Referring to FIG. 1, screen door  194  is in the closed position with buckle  49  of strap  48  received within corresponding locking clip  252 . As screen door  194  is opened, FIG. 2, housing  12  pivots on fastening bolts, FIG. 6, in order to prevent binding of strap  48  as it is wound onto and unwound off of spool  32 . If strap  48  is unwound from spool  32  above a predetermined rotational velocity, as heretofore described, teeth  114  of flywheel  108  will engage corresponding teeth  142  of housing  12  and the unwinding of strap  32  will cease as heretofore described. As a result, strap  48 , interconnected to screen door  194 , will prevent the further opening of screen door  194 , FIG.  3 . 
     Referring to FIG. 9, an alternate spool  280  is provided for use in connection with door having heads  284  and  286  on opposite sides thereof. A cord receiving cavity  288  is defined between heads  284  and  286  of spool  280  for receiving cord  290  therein. Cord  290  has a first end retained to the body portion  282  of spool  280  and a second end which is releasably interconnected to screen door  194 . The remaining components of the door retaining device  10  disclosed in FIG. 9 are substantially identical to heretofore described with respect to FIG. 10, and as such, the description of the door retaining device  10  with respect to FIG. 10 is understood to describe the structure and operation of the door retaining device shown in FIG.  9 . 
     FIG. 11 discloses an alternate mounting arrangement for the door retaining device of the present invention. As best seen in FIG. 11, door retaining device  10  is mounted above header  190  of door jam  192 . Header  90  includes an opening  292  therein so as to allow strap  48  to pass therethrough. Screen door  194  includes an opening  294  therein to allow for buckle  49  to be inserted through opening  294  into the interior  296  of screen door  194 . Buckle  49  is affixed within the interior  296  of screen door  194  in any known matter. It is contemplated that a guide bracket  298  depend from the lower surface  300  of header  190  of door jam  192  so as to guide the travel of strap  48  during the opening and closing of screen door  192 , in a manner heretofore described. 
     Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.