Abstract:
A track and arm type door controller assembly. A channel member and a gripping member each having a toothed surface are provided, with the gripping member slidably disposed in the channel member. When the pin is retracted, the gripping member teeth are spaced from the channel member teeth, and the gripping member may freely slide along the track. When the pin is advanced, the teeth engage and the gripping member is in a fixed, non-sliding position. An elongated spring and a spring clip or a latch may be provided that releasably engage to hold the door open. A set screw may adjust the tightness of the engagement of the elongated spring and spring clip of latch. A friction assembly may be provided to slow the motion of the door.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to the field of door hardware, and more particularly concerns track and arm holder assemblies for doors. 
     Door motion controllers include track and arm door holder assemblies. Track and arm door holder assemblies are often used to hold open doors that have automatic door closers. An automatic door closer applies force to the door to push the door to the closed position. A door holder assembly holds the door open when the door is opened past a certain threshold point. The door holder must overcome the force exerted by the closer, and then release when additional force is provided to close the door. 
     A track and arm door holder includes a track assembly and an arm assembly. The track assembly attaches to the top of each door, either on the surface of the door or in a recessed area in the top edge of the door. The arm assembly is attached between the door frame header and the track assembly. An end of the arm assembly attaches to a sliding mechanism movably disposed in the track assembly. A trip lever holds the door open at a precise location which may be, for example, 85, 90, 95, 100, 105, or 110 degrees open. Such an arrangement requires the track assembly and the arm assembly to be mounted in precise locations in order to fix the desired angle of opening, and frequently the assembly cannot be adjusted once the mounting is performed. 
     Attempts have been made to provide an adjustable hold-open mechanism for a door holder assembly. Current designs may include an expandable block with a set screw that is lodged between the walls of the track, which may be a “C” shaped channel. The expandable block relies largely on friction to fix its position, but the momentum of doors that may weigh on the order of two to three hundred pounds can dislodge this type of device. The relatively low holding strength of the block and premature wear of the channel that can result from the friction action may cause poor performance. 
     There are also door motion controllers that slow the motion of the door as the door approaches the fully open position and as the door begins to return to the closed position. In this arrangement, the sliding mechanism of the track assembly may include a friction assembly with a surface that rubs along a raised portion of the track at the end of the mechanism&#39;s motion. A stop determines the fully open position of the door. However, the stop frequently cannot be adjusted within the track, must be carefully placed during installation to locate the fully open position as desired. 
     Accordingly, there exists a need for a new door controller assembly. Ideally, the new door controller assembly will be adjustable to allow door holding over a range of opening angles and provide holding strength to prevent movement of the door from the holding position. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a door motion controller assembly is provided for a door. The door includes a first major surface and a second major surface, and a hinged vertical edge, a free vertical edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge. The edges are between and interconnect the first major surface and the second major surface. The motion controller assembly includes an elongated channel member and a gripping member. The elongated channel member has a longitudinal axis and includes a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web, and defines an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. The gripping member includes a toothed surface and is slidably disposed in the channel member such that the toothed surface opposes the toothed side of the web. The gripping member has a first position spaced from the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is movable in the channel member, and a second position where the teeth of the gripping member engage the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is fixed relative to the channel member. 
     In accordance with another embodiment according to the present invention, a motion controller assembly for a door includes an elongated channel member having a longitudinal axis and including a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web, defining an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. A gripping member is slidably disposed in the channel member and includes a housing slidably disposed in the channel member and having a threaded opening opposite the channel member teeth, a toothed portion that is movably disposed in the housing with teeth that oppose the channel member teeth, and a pin including a first threaded end engaging the threaded opening of the housing and including a second end rotatably mounted to the toothed portion. An elongated clip is mounted to the gripping member, extends along the longitudinal axis, and includes a deformed end. A slide piece is slidably disposed in the channel member and is spaced from the housing. A spring clip or a latch is mounted to the slide piece. The toothed portion has a first position spaced from the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is movable in the channel member when the pin is retracted, and a second position where the teeth of the toothed portion engage the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is fixed relative to the channel member when the pin is advanced. When the spring clip or latch slides towards the gripping member, the spring clip or latch engages the deformed end of the elongated clip. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a motion controller assembly for a door includes an elongated channel member having a longitudinal axis and including a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web, defining an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. A gripping member is slidably disposed in the channel member and includes a housing slidably disposed in the channel member and having a threaded opening opposite the channel member teeth, a toothed portion that is movably disposed in the housing with teeth that oppose the channel member teeth, and a pin including a first threaded end engaging the threaded opening of the housing and including a second end rotatably mounted to the toothed portion. An elongated clip is mounted to the gripping member and extends along the longitudinal axis. The elongated clip includes a deformed end. A slide piece is slidably disposed in the channel member, is spaced from the housing, and has a threaded opening. A spring clip is mounted to the slide piece. A set screw extends through and engages the threaded opening in the slide piece. When the slide piece slides towards the housing, the spring clip and the deformed end of the elongated clip releasably engage, and when advanced the set screw urges the spring clip towards the web and increases the tightness of the engagement between the spring clip and the deformed end of the elongated clip. 
     In accordance with another embodiment according to the present invention, a motion controller assembly for a door includes an elongated channel member having a longitudinal axis and including a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web, defining an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. A gripping member is slidably disposed in the channel member and includes a housing slidably disposed in the channel member and having a threaded opening opposite the channel member teeth, a toothed portion that is movably disposed in the housing with teeth that oppose the channel member teeth, and a pin including a first threaded end engaging the threaded opening of the housing and including a second end rotatably mounted to the toothed portion. An elongated clip is mounted to the gripping member and extends along the longitudinal axis, and includes a deformed end. A slide piece is slidably disposed in the channel member, is spaced from the housing, and has a threaded opening. A latch is pivotally mounted to the slide piece, and a set screw extends through and engages the threaded opening in the slide piece. When the slide piece slides towards the housing, the latch and the elongated clip releasably engage, and when advanced the set screw limits the pivoting of the latch and controls the tightness of the engagement between the latch and the deformed end of the elongated clip. 
     In accordance with another embodiment according to the present invention, a motion controller assembly for a door includes an elongated channel member having a longitudinal axis and including a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web, defining an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. A gripping member is slidably disposed in the channel member and includes a housing slidably disposed in the channel member and having a threaded opening opposite the channel member teeth, a toothed portion that is movably disposed in the housing with teeth that oppose the channel member teeth, and a pin including a first threaded end engaging the threaded opening of the housing and including a second end rotatably mounted to the toothed portion. An elongated clip is mounted to the gripping member and extends along the longitudinal axis, and includes a deformed end. A slide piece is slidably disposed in the channel member and is spaced from the housing. A friction member mounted to the slide piece. The toothed portion has a first position spaced from the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is movable in the channel member when the pin is retracted, and a second position where the teeth of the toothed portion engage the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is fixed relative to the channel member when the pin is advanced. A major surface of the friction member contacts the channel member teeth. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a door assembly includes a door and a motion controller assembly mounted to the door. The motion controller assembly includes an elongated channel member and a gripping member. The elongated channel member has a longitudinal axis and includes a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web, and defines an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. The gripping member includes a toothed surface and is slidably disposed in the channel member such that the toothed surface opposes the toothed side of the web. The gripping member has a first position spaced from the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is movable in the channel member, and a second position where the teeth of the gripping member engage the channel member teeth such that the gripping member is fixed relative to the channel member. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of making a motion controller assembly for a door is provided. The method includes providing an elongated channel member having a longitudinal axis and including a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web and defining an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. A gripping member is provided including a toothed portion. The gripping member is slidably disposed in the channel member such that the toothed portion of the gripping member opposes the channel member teeth. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of installing a motion controller assembly for a door is provided. The method includes mounting a track assembly to the door. The track assembly includes an elongated channel member having a longitudinal axis and including a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web, defining an elongated channel. The channel member further includes teeth extending from a side of the web and into the channel, and is adapted to be mounted to the door. A gripping member is slidably disposed in the channel member and includes a housing slidably disposed in the channel member and having a threaded opening opposite the channel member teeth, a toothed portion that is movably disposed in the housing with teeth that oppose the channel member teeth, and a pin including a first threaded end engaging the threaded opening of the housing and including a second end rotatably mounted to the toothed portion. The position of the gripping member is adjusted by sliding the gripping member along the channel member. The pin is advanced to cause the teeth of the gripping member to engage the channel member teeth, fixing the position of the housing. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of installing a holder assembly for a door is provided. The method includes mounting a track assembly to the door, with the track assembly including an elongated channel member, a housing, an elongated clip, a slide piece, a spring clip, and a set screw. The channel member has a longitudinal axis and includes a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web. The housing is slidably disposed in the channel member. The elongated clip is mounted to the housing and extends along the longitudinal axis, and includes a deformed end. The slide piece is movably disposed in the channel member, is spaced from the housing, and has a threaded opening. The spring clip is mounted to the slide piece. The set screw extends through and engages the threaded opening in the slide piece. The set screw is advanced to urge the spring clip towards the web, increasing the tightness of the engagement between the spring clip and the deformed end of the elongated clip. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method of installing a holder assembly for a door is provided. The method includes mounting a track assembly to the door, with the track assembly including an elongated channel member, a housing, an elongated clip, a slide piece, a latch, and a set screw. The channel member has a longitudinal axis and includes a web and two side walls extending in the same direction from the web. The housing is slidably disposed in the channel member. The elongated clip is mounted to the housing and extends along the longitudinal axis, and includes a deformed end. The slide piece is movably disposed in the channel member, is spaced from the housing, and has a threaded opening. The latch is pivotally mounted to the slide piece. The set screw extends through and engages the threaded opening in the slide piece. The set screw is advanced to limit the pivoting of the latch and control the tightness of the engagement between the latch and the deformed end of the elongated clip. 
     Features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of some embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying figures. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various respects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a door motion controller assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a door motion controller assembly according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a door holder assembly in the concealed configuration of the door motion controller assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the door holder assembly of  FIG. 3  in a first position. 
         FIG. 5  is a partial section view of the door holder assembly of  FIG. 3  taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a section view of the door holder assembly of  FIG. 3  in adjustable mode and in a first position taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a section view of the door holder assembly of  FIG. 6  in fixed mode and in a first position taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a section view of a portion of the door holder assembly of  FIG. 3  in a second position. 
         FIG. 9  is a top plan view of another embodiment of a door holder assembly in the surface mounted configuration of the door motion controller assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  is a partial section view of the door holder assembly of  FIG. 9  taken along line  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
         FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a slide mechanism in addition to the one shown in  FIGS. 3-10 , according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a section view of a door holder assembly in a first position including the slide mechanism of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  is a section view of the door holder assembly of  FIG. 12  in a second position. 
         FIG. 14  is an exploded view of a third embodiment of a slide mechanism according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a section view of an embodiment of a door motion controller assembly that is a door slower assembly including the slide mechanism of  FIG. 14 , according to the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     In the Figures herein, unique features receive unique reference numerals, while features that are the same in more than one drawing receive the same reference numerals throughout. Where a feature is modified between figures or is modified only by a change in location, a letter may be added or changed after the feature reference numeral to distinguish that feature from a similar feature in a previous figure or the same feature in an alternate location. Further, certain terms of orientation may be used, such as “horizontal,” “vertical,” “upper,” “lower,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “inside,” “outside,” “inner,” and “outer.” These terms are generally for convenience of reference, and should be so understood unless a particular embodiment requires otherwise. Where the terms “horizontal” and “vertical” are used, they should be understood to mean “approximately horizontal” and “approximately vertical,” respectively. 
     The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited by specific materials, but may be carried out using any materials that allow construction and operation. Materials and dimensions depend on the particular application. In general the materials of the components may be metal, and selectively may be plastic, as known by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Referring now to the drawings, an embodiment of a door motion controller assembly  40  according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 1 . The door  48  has a top edge  52 , a free edge  54 , a hinged edge  56 , a first major surface  58 , and a second major surface (not shown) on the opposite side of the door  48  from the first major surface  58 . The door motion controller assembly  40  includes a track assembly  42  and an arm assembly  44 . The track assembly  42  includes a channel member  46  mounted in a recess in the top edge  52  of the door  48  with a sliding piece  50  disposed in the channel member  46 . One end  60  of the channel  46  is proximate to the hinged edge  56  of the door  48  and the other end  62  of the channel  46  is proximate to the free edge  54  of the door  48 . 
     The arm assembly  44  includes an arm  64  and a mounting plate  66 . The mounting plate  66  is mounted to the door frame  68 . The arm  64  has one end pivotally mounted to the sliding piece  50  of the track assembly  42  and one end pivotally mounted to the mounting plate  66 . 
       FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of an installed door motion controller assembly  70  according to the present invention. In this configuration, the door motion controller  70  includes a surface mounted track assembly  42  is otherwise similar to the door motion controller assembly of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIGS. 3-5  show a door holder assembly  74  that is an embodiment of the door motion controller assemblies  40 ,  70  described above. The channel  46  is “C” shaped and includes a web  80 , two side walls  82  extending in the same direction perpendicularly from the web  80 , and two lips  84  along the side walls  82  that extend inward towards each other. 
     Parts that complete the track assembly  42  go inside the channel  46 . A track  90  is fastened to the web  80 . The track  90  includes a section that has teeth  92  on the upward side, away from the web  80 . An adjustable stop  100  is slidably disposed in the channel member  46  on the track  90 . The adjustable stop  100  includes a slide lock housing  94 , a slide lock  96 , and a slotted pin  99 . Openings  90 ,  91  in the track may be used to fasten the track  90  to the web  80 . The slidelock housing  94  is generally “U” shaped in cross-section including a base portion and opposed parallel leg portions. The track  90  is received between the leg portions. A slidelock  96  is disposed on the track  90  and at least partly within the slidelock housing  94 . The slidelock  96  has teeth  98  on its bottom side proximate to the teeth  92  on the track  90  and in one embodiment is a machined plate or block. A slotted pin  99  extends through a threaded opening  102  in the housing  94  to a slot  104  in the slidelock  96  for control of the slidelock  96 . A coil spring  106  is mounted to one end of the housing  94  and extends towards the end  62  of the channel  46 . An elongated lock clip  108  is mounted to the bottom of the housing  94  in a slot  110  and also extends towards the end of the channel  46 . 
     A first embodiment of a slide mechanism  120  is slibably disposed in the channel  46  between the adjustable stop  100  and end  62 . The slide mechanism  120  includes the slide piece  50 , a spring clip  122  and first and second set screws  126 ,  128 . The spring clip  122  is mounted to the slide piece  50  in a slot  124  and is held into place with the first set screw  126 . The second set screw  128 , oriented vertically, passes through the slide piece  50  through an opening  129  to contact the spring clip  122 . 
     End blocks  130  enclose the ends of the channel  46 . Set screws  132  pass through openings  134  in the end blocks  130  and apply pressure to the track  90  to hold the track in place. Openings, not visible, through the channel web  80 , openings  136  through the end blocks  130 , and openings  131  through the track  90  receive fasteners for securing the channel member  46  in the recess at the top edge  52  of the door  48  for a concealed track assembly installation. If the track assembly  42  is to be mounted on the surface  58  of the door  48 , openings  140  for fasteners may be provided through the side walls  82  of the channel  46  resulting a surface mounted track assembly installation as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . Openings  142  may be provided in the end blocks  130  to accept the set screws  132  when the end blocks  130  are rotated ninety degrees for a surface mounted door holder. 
     With respect to the arm assembly  44 , a cam pivot  150 , which is a shouldered rivet, passes through an opening  152  at one end of the arm  64 , then through a washer  154  and attaches to the slide piece  50 , in an opening  155 , and is spun riveted in place. At the other end of the arm  64 , another cam pivot  156  extends through an opening  158  in the arm  64  and into an opening  160  in the mounting plate  66  where it attaches to the mounting plate  66 . Smaller openings  162  in the mounting plate  66  are used to fasten the mounting plate  66  to the door frame  68 . 
       FIGS. 4 ,  5 ,  6 , and  7  show the door holder assembly  74  in a concealed installation and in a position that is not a hold-open position. The arm  64  is shown aligned with the channel  46  for illustration purposes. The top plan view of  FIG. 4  shows the arm  64 , the channel member  46 , the mounting plate  66 , the end of the slide piece  50 , the cam pivot  150  connected to the slide piece  50 , the cam pivot  156  connected to the mounting plate  66 , and the openings  160 ,  162  through the mounting plate  66 . End blocks  130  are at each end of the channel member  46 , with openings  134  through the end blocks  130  for set screws  132  to secure the end blocks  130  in place. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the slidelock housing  94  is disposed in the channel member  46 . Three components are mounted to the slidelock housing  94 : the slidelock  96 , the coil spring  106  and the lock clip  108 . The slidelock  96  extends from the bottom of the housing  94  and is shown in a fixed position with its teeth  98  meshing with the teeth  92  of the track  90 . The coil spring  106  is mounted to the right side of the housing  94  (as seen in  FIG. 5 ) around a protrusion  95 , and is uncompressed with a free end extending towards the slide piece  50 . The left, bent end of the lock clip  108  is mounted to the housing  94  in a slot  110  in the slidelock housing  94 . The position of the slidelock  96  determines the degree of opening of the door  48  at which the holder  40  engages. The slide piece  50  is also disposed in the channel member  46 , and includes a slot  124  in which the right, bent end of the spring clip  122  (shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 ) is located. The slide piece  50  slides  164  relative to the channel  46  with the movement of the end of the arm  64  to which the slide piece  50  is mounted. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , adjustment and securing of the slidelock  96  will be described. In  FIG. 6 , the slidelock housing  94  is in a free movement mode and can slide horizontally, as indicated by arrow  166 , along the track  90  carrying the slidelock  96 . The pin  99  through the slidelock housing  94  and the slidelock  96  controls the vertical position of the slidelock  96  relative to the housing  94 . The pin  99  is threaded on its upper portion  168 , located in the threaded opening  102  in the housing  94 , and has a lip  170  at the bottom that secured the pin  99  to the slidelock  96 . The pin  99  may be positioned in and removed from the slidelock  96  by sliding in the slot  104 . Rotation of the threaded pin  99  lifts the slidelock  96  when the pin  99  is in an upward position as shown. The teeth  98  of the slidelock  96  are disengaged from the teeth  92  of the track  90 , permitting adjustment of to a desired set horizontal position within the channel. 
     The securing and adjustment of the spring clip  122  is also shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 . The spring clip  122  is secured in the slot  124  by the horizontal set screw  126  in an opening  127  in the slide piece  50 . The vertical set screw  128  through the vertical opening  129  in the slide piece  50  is in contact with the spring clip  122 , and may be tightened to press the spring clip  122  downward, increasing the force the spring clip  122  will apply to pass over the lock clip  108  as discussed below, and consequently will increase the force required to overcome the force that must be applied to engage or disengage the lock clip  108  and spring clip  122 , and thus cause the door  48  to engage and release the concealed holder  74 . 
     In  FIG. 7  the slidelock housing  94  is in a fixed position. This occurs by advancing the pin  99  into the slidelock housing  94 . The slidelock  96  is lowered and then is pressed downward by the shoulder  172  of the pin  99  so that the slidelock teeth  98  mate with the track teeth  92 . As the pin  99  is advanced, the housing  94  is forced upward until it is biased against the lips  84  of the channel  46 . The housing  94  thus bears against the top of the channel  46 , and the resulting downward force is applied to the slidelock teeth  98 . The mated teeth  92 ,  98  provide resisting force to hold the slidelock housing  94  in place, preventing sliding of the slidelock  96  and the slidelock housing  94  along the track  90 . The slidelock housing  94  and slidelock  96  positions are set based on the desired degree of opening of the door  48 , as described below. 
     The lock clip  108  and the spring clip  122  are separated when not in a hold-open position. When the slide piece  50  is moved by opening the door  48 , the arm  64  is extended to the left (as seen in  FIGS. 6-8 ), causing the slide piece  50  to move to the left. Consequently the spring clip  122  moves to the left past the desired and set hold-open point, as determined by the location of the right end of the lock clip  108 , with a force adequate to depress one or both of the clips  108 ,  122 . The spring clip  122  and the lock clip  108 ,  122  engage as shown in  FIG. 8 . The end of the lock clip  108  is curved and concave down, while the end of the spring clip  122  is bent more at an angle and is concave up, permitting the clips  108 ,  122  to releasably latch when they cross each other. As seen in  FIG. 8 , the slide piece  50  may abut and compress the coil spring  106 , which absorbs the force of the door  48  when the door  48  carries past the hold-open point. To release the door holder  74 , a force is applied to the door  48  that overcomes the force required to depress one or both of the clips  108 ,  122  and then disengage them. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are top plan and partial section views, respectively, that show a surface mounted door holder  190  in the configuration of the door motion controller  70  of  FIG. 2  in other than a hold-open position. As discussed above with respect to  FIG. 3 , the surface mounted door holder embodiment  190  differs from the concealed door holder  74  in the treatment of the end of the track assembly  42  for mounting to the door  48 . From the concealed door holder orientation, the end blocks  130  are rotated ninety degrees such that the openings  134  through the end blocks  130  and openings  140  in the sides of the channel  46  align as shown in  FIG. 10 . The other components and operation of the surface mounted door holder embodiment  190  are the same as the concealed holder embodiment  74  and are as appears in  FIGS. 6  (adjustable configuration),  7  (operating position), and  8  (hold-open position). 
       FIG. 11  shows a second embodiment of a sliding mechanism  200  that may be substituted for the sliding mechanism  120  shown in  FIG. 3 . The sliding mechanism  200  shown in  FIG. 11  includes a sliding piece  202  and a latch  204 . The sliding piece  202  is generally U shaped, including a base portion and two downwardly depending leg portions. An opening  225  in the base portion accepts the cam pivot  150  from the arm  64 . The upper edges of the slide piece  202  have external longitudinal grooves  226  that slidingly accept the lips  84  of the channel  46 , along which the slide piece  202  rides. The latch  204  is received the leg portions of the sliding piece  202 . A pivot pin  208  is placed in a U-shaped slot in the sliding piece  202  and passes through an opening  210  in the latch  204  for pivotally holding the latch  204  in place. The U-shaped slot extends across the width of the sliding piece  202 . A threaded transverse opening  212  in the latch  204  holds a set screw  214  which provides a tight fit for the latch  204  within the channel  216  of the slide piece  202 . A vertically oriented second set screw  218  extends into an opening (not visible) in the lower surface of the latch  204  and interferes with the pivot pin opening  210  such that the set screw  218  holds the pivot pin  208  in place. A third set screw  220  passes through a vertical opening  222  in the base portion of the slide piece  202  and is received in a hollow, threaded sleeve  224  disposed in the channel  216  of the slide piece  202 . The end of the third set screw  220 , which extends through the sleeve  224 , may selectively contact the free end of the latch  204 . 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show an embodiment of a door holder  240  including the sliding mechanism  200  with the latch  204  shown in  FIG. 11 .  FIG. 12  shows the door holder  240  in an operating position where the door  48  is not held open. The adjustable stop  100 , coil spring  106 , and lock clip  108  may be the same as in the door holders  74 ,  190  of  FIGS. 3-10 . The sliding mechanism  200  is oriented such that the latch  204  will engage the lock clip  108  when the sliding mechanism  200  slides toward the adjustable stop  100 . The latch  204  and pivot pin  208  the axis of the pivot pin  208  rotate around. When the free end of the latch  204  contacts the lock clip  108 , the free end of the latch  204  deflects upward until the free end contacts the third set screw  220 . The vertical position of set screw  220  controls the height of the free end of the latch  204 , and accordingly controls the force required to deflect the lock clip  108  downwardly so that the free end of the latch  204  may pass over the lock clip  108 .  FIG. 13  shows the door holder  240  in the hold-open position, with the latch  204  and lock clip  108  engaged. 
       FIG. 14  shows a third embodiment of a sliding mechanism  250  that may be substituted for the first and second embodiments of sliding mechanisms  120 ,  200  shown in  FIGS. 3 and 11 . This sliding mechanism  250  is a friction assembly that slows the movement of the door  48 , rather than holding the door  48  open. The sliding mechanism  250  includes a slide piece  252 , a friction spring  254 , and a friction plate  256 . The friction spring  254  has openings  260 ,  262  at each end of the spring  254  is mounted to the slide piece  252  in the slide piece channel  258  using a socket head screw  264  and an adjustment screw  270 . The third slidepiece  252  is nearly identical to the second slide piece  200 . The socket head screw  264  passes through the opening  260  at one end of the spring  254 , and then through a sleeve  266  and into an opening  268  in the slide piece  252 . At the other end of the spring  254 , the adjustment screw  270  passes through the opening  262 , and has a slotted end that may be accessed through an opening  271  in the base portion of the slide piece  252 . An adjustment nut  272  is on the adjustment screw  270 . Beneath the friction spring  254 , the bent friction plate  256  has a flange at one end that is placed in a slot  274  in the slide piece  252 . A friction pad  276  is mounted to the underside of the friction plate  256 . This mounting may be done with adhesive or other means as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. The pad  276  may be, for example, a relatively hard plastic such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, or Teflon, a registered trademark of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company), or other materials as selected by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
       FIG. 15  shows an embodiment of a door motion controller that is a motion slowing device or door slower  290  that includes the friction assembly sliding mechanism  250 . In the position shown in  FIG. 15 , the door  48  is less than fully opened. The lock clip  108 , however, may be omitted since the hold-open function is not performed by this embodiment. With respect to the sliding mechanism  250 , the friction pad  276  rubs along the teeth  92  of the track  90  as the sliding mechanism  250  slides  164  along the track  90 . The friction between the friction pad  276  and the teeth  92  causes the door  48  to slow. The sliding mechanism moves to the left until it compresses the spring  106  and then may move to the right to close. Adjusting the force the friction pad  276  applies to the teeth  92  is accomplished by tightening or loosening the friction adjustment screw  270  which changes the force applied to the friction spring  254 . The greater the force, the greater the friction, and the slower the door  48  will move. Specific embodiments of an invention are described herein. One of ordinary skill in the door hardware arts will recognize that the invention has other applications in other environments. In fact, many embodiments and implementations are possible. For example, the door motion controller could be applied to articles other than doors, such as windows or furniture, for example, couches or tables with moving parts. In addition, the recitation “means for” is intended to evoke a means-plus-function reading of an element in a claim, whereas, any elements that do not specifically use the recitation “means for,” are not intended to be read as means-plus-function elements, even if they otherwise include the word “means.” The following claims are in no way intended to limit the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments described.