Abstract:
A door holder and a door closer and, in particular, and improvements in door holders and closers for use in screen doors, storm doors or any type of door which has the need for a device for maintaining the door in a particular orientation and/or for self-closing of the door.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to door holders and door closers and, in particular, to improvements in door holders and closers for use in screen doors, storm doors or any type of door which has the need for a device for maintaining the door in a particular orientation and/or for self-closing of the door. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Screen door and storm door closers are known in the art. Door holders, are utilized for holding side pivoted, i.e., hinged, doors open against the self-closing action of such a door closer. This self-closing action of the door closer is caused by a coil spring which is either elongated or compressed, depending on the type of mechanism, when the door is opened. 
     Such self-closing mechanisms usually consist of a cylinder connected at one end to the door frame, a spring loaded piston rectilinearly displaceable in the cylinder, and a piston rod fixed to the piston and extending from the second end of the cylinder. The free end of the piston rod is rotatably or pivotally connected to the door itself. 
     These types of self-closing mechanisms function as air enters the cylinder freely as the door is opened. The air escapes at a controlled rate through an orifice as the door is closed by the force of the spring, thus slowing the rate at which the door is closed by an air cushioning or damping action, much like a gas spring. 
     The more advanced of the known door closers have a mechanism for holding the door open after it has been manually swung open to a predefined position. This allows for a person carrying groceries or other objects to conveniently walk through a door without having to continuously overcome the force of the closing spring. One of the only complaints in the use of such door closers is the ease with which a person can set the door closer to stay open or conversely, the ease with which a door being held open can be released. 
     OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There is a need for a more convenient door closer and holder, which requires little effort from a person to enable the door to remain open or to close the door and which can even be retrofit to existing door closers without increasing the complexity and cost of manufacturing. The present invention is directed at further solutions to address this need, including the invention of a door-waiter for use as a door holder. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the door-waiter is used in conjunction with a spring loaded cylinder and piston rod assembly which provides the force to automatically close the door. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the door-waiter has a body including a stepped cylinder holding section which will automatically hold the spring loaded cylinder and the door in a desired open position. 
     In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a door closer has a kick-out assembly, which facilitates an ergonomic disengagement and respective self-closing of the door-waiter when the door is being held open. 
     In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the door holder has an automatic release response to prevent damage to the door or the door holder assembly. 
     The present invention also relates to a door closer ( 10 ) comprising a frame bracket ( 7 ) and a door bracket ( 4 ); a spring-loaded cylinder ( 12 ) and piston rod assembly ( 16 ) extendable between an open and a closed positions; a door-waiter ( 34 ) pivotably supported adjacent a first end ( 18 ) of the piston rod ( 16 ) connected to one of the frame bracket and the door bracket; and wherein the door-waiter ( 34 ) is capable of retaining the spring-loaded cylinder ( 12 ) and piston rod assembly ( 16 ) in the open position by rotating about its pivotal support adjacent the first end of the piston rod ( 16 ) and engaging a holding portion of the door-waiter ( 34 ) with an end surface of the cylinder ( 12 ). 
     The present invention also relates to a door closer ( 10 ) comprising a frame bracket ( 7 ) and a door bracket  4 ; a spring-loaded cylinder ( 12 ) and piston rod assembly ( 16 ) extending between the frame bracket and the door bracket; a cylinder housing ( 34 ) at least partially encompassing the cylinder and piston rod assembly and being pivotably supported adjacent a first end ( 18 ) of the piston rod ( 16 ). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a conventional screen door with a conventional door closer attached thereto in the closed position; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the conventional screen door with the door closer attached thereto in the open position; 
         FIG. 3  is a conventional door closer apparatus; 
         FIG. 4  is a top elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the door-waiter in an inoperative, door closed position; 
         FIG. 5  is a top elevational view of one embodiment of the present invention showing the door-waiter in an operative, door open position; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention including the door-waiter; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention in the open or extended position; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the kick-out assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a side elevational view of the present invention with the kick-out assembly; 
         FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of the kick-out assembly actuated to close the door; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective exploded view of the second embodiment of the present invention with the kick-out assembly; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of the present invention with a kick-out assembly in the locked position; and 
         FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the door-waiter unlocked to close the door without actuation of kick-out assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     As is known in the art, and referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a door  2  is shown equipped with a spring operated and pneumatically damped door closer  10  as known in the art. The door  2  is fixed by hinges  3  to one vertical side of a door frame  6 . The door frame  6  is set in an opening through a wall above a door sill  9 . The door  2  can accordingly be swung between the closed position shown in  FIG. 1  and the open position, illustrated in  FIG. 2 , by the handle of a latch  8 , which is employed to secure the door  2  in its closed,  FIG. 1  position. 
     In general, the door closer  10  is affixed to the door frame  6  at one end by a door frame bracket  7  and at the opposing end to the door  2 , by a door bracket  4 . During use, the door  2  is automatically returned from an open position, such as that shown in  FIG. 2 , to the closed position of  FIG. 1  at a controlled rate via a coil spring  26  encased within the cylinder  12 , and a corresponding pneumatically controlled air damping action. The damping action controls the rate of return movement of the door  2  by regulating the escape of air from the cylinder  12  relative to the coil spring  26 , which continuously urges the piston rod  16  toward a retracted relationship in the cylinder  12 , as well known in the art. Alternatively, the door  2  may be maintained in the open position, as shown in  FIG. 2 , by a friction tab  14  on the cylinder piston being slid along the piston rod  16  to a point where the friction tab  14  contacts and frictionally interferes with the movement of the cylinder  12  along and relative to the piston. 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , the damping cylinder  12  is of common construction and has an opening O on a first end  18  to allow the piston rod  16  to enter into the cylinder  12 . The inner surface of the cylinder  12  is substantially smooth with no protrusions or indentations to permit the piston to slide therein and the interior compartment of the cylinder  12  is essentially divided into a spring compartment  11  and an air compartment  13  on opposing sides of the piston  24 . For example, in a closed position the coil spring  26  inside the spring compartment  11  of the cylinder  12  is expanded to push the piston  24  into the air component  13  of the cylinder  12 . The air compartment  13  is maximized thus shortening the length of the door closer  10  and closing the door  2 . When a force is applied to open the door  2 , the piston  24  compresses the spring and ambient air is permitted to flow through an orifice  27  past an adjustable air stop  25  and into the air compartment  13 , and the overall length of the door closer  10  increases until the point at which the force is removed. Subsequently, the spring bias causes the piston  24  to extend and close the door  2 . As the general structure and operation of such a gas/spring cylinder is well known in the art, no further discussion is believed necessary. 
       FIG. 4  shows a first embodiment of the present invention, a door closer  10  of the present invention is shown defined substantially about a central axis A extending the length of the door closer  10  between a door frame pivot  5  on door frame bracket  7  to opposing protruding arms  17  located on a door bracket  4 . The door frame bracket  7  is generally attached to the inner part of a door frame  6 , substantially aligned with the vertical positioning of the door hinges  3 . The door bracket  4  is generally attached to the inside surface of a door  2  (i.e., the side of a door which faces the inside of the home, garage, shed, or the like). The door bracket  4  is mounted on the door  2  at a vertical height relative to the floor or door sill  9 , substantially the same as the door frame bracket  7 , such that the central axis A of the door closer  10  remains essentially horizontal relative to the floor. Each of the door bracket  4  and door frame bracket  7  are held in place by screws, nails, or any other mounting means known in the art, through respective mounting plates as also known in the art. 
     The door frame bracket  7  has a pair of opposing parallel, identical protruding arms  17  extending perpendicular to the mounting plate and horizontally away from the door frame  6 . Each opposing arm  17  has a pin hole  21  which is aligned with a corresponding pin hole  22  through the free end  18  of the piston rod  16  when the free end of the piston rod  18  is placed in between the two opposing arms  17  of the door frame bracket  7 . The free end  18  of the piston rod  16  is shaped to fit horizontally, rotatably but vertically secured between the two opposing arms  17  of the door frame bracket  7  when the free end  18  of the piston rod  16  is inserted in between the two opposing arms  17 . A pin is vertically inserted through the corresponding pin holes  21 ,  22  to secure the piston rod  16  to the door frame bracket  7 . The pin is generally maintained in positioning securing these components by gravity, where a larger head of the pin keeps the pin from falling though the pin holes  21 ,  22  in the door frame bracket  7  and piston rod  16 . 
     The opposing end of the piston rod  16  is fixed to the slidable piston  24  which is slidably secured within the cylinder  12  as described above. The second end  23  of the cylinder  12 , opposite from the first end  15  through which the piston rod  16  passes, has a small tab  19  extending away from the cylinder  12  generally along the central axis A of the door closer  10 , although the tab  19  could be offset as well. This tab  19  is provided with a door bracket pin hole  28  through which the second end  23  of the damping cylinder  12  is rotatably affixed to the door bracket  4  by a door bracket pin substantially similar in nature to the attachment described above relative to the door frame bracket  7 . 
     The door bracket  4  also has a pair of opposing identical horizontally protruding arms  29  extending perpendicular to and away from the door  2 . These arms  29  have aligning holes  30 , similar to the pin holes  21  of the door frame bracket  7 , which provide horizontal pivoting support when the cylinder tab  19  is inserted between the arms  29  and a door bracket pin is passed through the corresponding aligning holes  30  and the door bracket pin hole  28  in the tab  19  on the damping cylinder  12 . 
     The embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 4-7 , provides the conventional door closer with a door-waiter  34  as a means for retaining the door  2  in the open position. The door-waiter  34  is a substantially hollow, cylindrical tube  36  defined by a cylindrical sidewall  37  positioned around the cylinder  12  and the piston rod  16 . The door-waiter  34  is connected at a first end  38  in some manner to the door frame bracket  7 , and a second end  40  of the door-waiter  34  is essentially free and includes a cylinder engaging portion. Slots or windows  42  can be formed though the sidewall  37  of the door-waiter  34  to provide access to the damping cylinder  12  and to facilitate the relative longitudinal axial movement between the door-waiter  34  and the damping cylinder  12 . 
     In the present embodiment as seen in  FIGS. 4-7 , the first end  38  of the door-waiter  34  is connected to a pin block  50  which connects both the door-waiter  34  and the free end of the piston rod  16  to the door frame bracket  7 . The pin block  50  is an intermediate feature which has both a first passage  52  and a second passage  54  defined about axes P and R respectively as seen in  FIG. 6  which are generally perpendicular to one another so as to permit rotation of the pin block about a vertical axis P with the pin holes  21  in the door bracket arms  17 , and horizontal rotation of the door-waiter  34  and piston rod  16  about axis R. This horizontal rotation of the door-waiter  34  and piston rod  16  is necessary for the door holding function of the door-waiter  34 , explained in detail below. 
     The first end  38  of the door-waiter  34  has two support flanges  44  having flange holes  46  defining the door-waiter rotation axis R there between. The flanges  44  are aligned with one of the passage of the pin block  50 , as well as the pin hole  22  in the free end  18  of the piston rod  16  and a door-waiter pin  43  is then passed through the flanges  44  on the first end  38  of the door-waiter  34 , the pin block  50  and also the pin hole  22  in the free end  18  of the piston rod  16  along the axis R to define rotation for the door-waiter  34  about the substantially horizontal door-waiter axis R. 
     The first passage  52  in the pin block  50  is connected to the door frame bracket  7  along the axis P defined by the pin holes  21  in the arms  17  of the door frame bracket  7 . Thus, the separate door-waiter rotation axis R and the vertical axis P of the door bracket  7  connection are separate axis of rotation which allow substantially  360  degree freedom of rotation to the door closer  10  and the door-waiter  34  within a desired range. 
     A cross-section of the door-waiter  34 , shown in  FIG. 7 , shows the door-waiter  34  as it is engaged with the first end  15  of the damping cylinder  12  when it is desired that the door  2  be maintained in an open position. The second free end  40  of the door-waiter  34  is provided with a partially stepped profile where the first end opening is defined by a rim  60  of a first sidewall portion  64  which has a desired axial length. A first step  66  is defined by a radial ledge having a desired step length extending radially inward towards the damping cylinder  12 . From the first step  66 , a second axial sidewall  68  extends axially to a second step  70  defined by another radial ledge extending inwardly towards the damping cylinder  12 . From the second step  70 , the inner sidewalls of the door-waiter  34  extend axially to the first end  38  of the door-waiter  34 . It is to be appreciated that there could be more than a first and second step in the stepped portion profile of the door-waiter  34 . 
     As described above, the second free end  40  of the door-waiter  34  is a two tiered step-profile formed generally in a top-most, circumferential portion of the door-waiter  34 . In other words, in this embodiment the stepped profile only extends partially around the circumference of the door-waiter  34 . As seen in  FIG. 7 , the stepped profile is not formed on a bottom portion of the door-waiter  34 . It is conceivable that the stepped profile could extend completely circumferentially around the door-waiter  34  or be located on a portion besides the top-most portion as well. 
     The stepped profile is formed generally on the top portion of the door-waiter  34  so that gravity will facilitate the functioning of the device to hold the door  2  open as follows. When the door  2  is in the closed position, the piston  24  and most of the piston rod  16  are collapsed within the damping cylinder  12  as seen in  FIG. 4 . In this position, the first end  15  of the cylinder  12  rests at the first closed end  38  of the door-waiter  34 . 
     As the door  2  is opened, the damping cylinder  12 , which is of course, attached at the second end  23  to the door bracket  7 , is extended away from the first end  38  of the door-waiter  34  and exposes the piston rod  16 . When the door  2  is open in  FIGS. 5-7 , the piston rod  16  is nearly extended fully and the first end  15  of the cylinder  12  approaches the stepped portion of the door-waiter  34 . If the door  2  is extended to a slightly greater extent, the first end  15  of the cylinder  12  passes into the second step  70  of the door-waiter  34 . The weight of the door-waiter  34  itself causes the door-waiter  34  to rotate slightly about the axis R defined by the flange holes  44  and the respective passage in the pin block  50 , and the second step  70  thus falls down onto the cylinder  12  as seen in  FIG. 7 . When the door-waiter  34  is in this position, it is said to be in a “locked” position. 
     While in the locked position, the second radial step  70  engages a portion of the end surface of the cylinder  12  to prevent the door  2  from closing. The end surface of the cylinder  12  remains engaged with the second step  70  by the force of the spring  26  in the cylinder  12  which maintains a tensile force between the damping cylinder  12  and the piston rod  16 , thus resulting in a net compressive force between the cylinder  12  and the door-waiter  34 . 
     If the door  2  is opened slightly farther, the first end  15  of the damping cylinder  12  is moved axially farther along the second sidewall portion  68  until reaching the first radial step  66  which permits the door-waiter  34  to fall even slightly lower relative to the cylinder  12 , thus allowing the radially aligned first step  66  to engage the end wall of the first end  15  of the cylinder  12  and thus maintain the door  2  locked in an even more open position. 
     In order to “unlock” the door closer  10 , and allow the door  2  to close, a user must simply apply an upward force on the lower-most portion of the door-waiter  34 , i.e., opposite to the stepped profile in the top-most portion of the door-waiter  34 . Such an upward force on the door-waiter  34  will cause the door-waiter  34  to rotate upwards about the door-waiter rotation axis R and realign the damping cylinder  12  with the interior of the door-waiter  34  and permit the spring  26  and air chamber  13  to allow the door closer  10  to return to its closed position. The force required to realign the cylinder  12  with the door-waiter  34  is equal to the friction force created by the contact of the end surface of the cylinder  12  with the stepped portion of the door-waiter  34  while considering the compressive force provided by the spring  26 . Such a restoring force can be lessened by slightly opening the door  2  to lessen the friction force while realigning the inner walls of the door-waiter  34  with the damping cylinder  12 . 
     In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in  FIGS. 8-13 , the door-waiter  34  is further provided with a kick-out assembly  80  for facilitating the unlocking of the door closer  10  and permitting the door  2  to close. The construction of the door-waiter  34  in this embodiment is substantially the same as the previous embodiment notwithstanding the additional kick-out assembly  80 . Viewing  FIG. 9 , the kick-out assembly  80  can be seen as being incorporated into the structure of the door-waiter  34  and door closer  10  of the previous embodiment to provide two important functions. First, direct actuation of the kick-out assembly  80  unlocks the door closer  10  and permits the damping cylinder  12  and piston rod  16  to compress and close the door  2 ; second, if the door  2  is pulled shut without actuating the kick-out assembly  80 , the kick-out assembly  80  will ensure that the door closer  10  unlocks and is permitted to close. A further discussion of the structure and function of this embodiment is provided below. 
     Returning to  FIG. 8 , the kick-out assembly  80  comprises three main parts: a release lever  82 , the push rod  84  and the pivot body  86 . The release lever  82  extends from a intermediate pivot point  88  with the pivot body  86  within the door-waiter  34  through an opening in the sidewall  37  of the door-waiter  34  to a point outside the door-waiter  34  where a user may easily access and operate the release lever  82 . The purpose of the release lever  82  and, in essence the entire kick-out assembly  80 , is to provide a user an easy means of disengaging the door-waiter  34  from the cylinder  12  when the door  2  is being held open. The release lever  82 , extends from the opening in the door-waiter  34  to a position providing adequate leverage for unlocking the door closer  10  when actuated by a user. 
     The release lever  82  is connected at the intermediate pivot point  88  with the pivot body  86  and the door-waiter  34 . The release lever  82  is thus permitted to rotate about this intermediate pivot point  88  relative to the pivot body  66 , the door-waiter  34  and the door closer  10  and unlock the door closer  10  as explained below. A push rod pivot  90  is spaced from the intermediate pivot point  88  and arranged on a second end of the release lever  82  opposite from the contact end of the release lever  82 . When the release lever  82  is actuated by a user, the release lever  82  rotates about the intermediate pivot point  88  and pushes the push rod pivot  90 , and hence the push rod  84  axially in the direction of the free end  40  of the door-waiter  34 , i.e., towards the door bracket  4 . 
     The push rod  84  is a rigid, flat, rod which substantially follows the inner sidewall profile of the door-waiter  34 . The push rod  84  has a pivot end attached to the push rod pivot  90  and a substantially straight portion  91  extending therefrom to an angled portion  92  for engaging the first end  15  of the damping cylinder  12 . As seen in  FIG. 10 , when the release lever  82  is actuated, the push rod pivot  90  forces the push rod  84  axially in the direction of the first end  15  of the damping cylinder  12  so that the axially displaced angled portion  92  of the push rod  84  forces the damping cylinder  12  out of contact with the first  66  or second step  70  formed in the door-waiter  34 . The damping cylinder  12  is thus disengaged from the second free end  40  of the door-waiter  34  and is hence permitted to retract into the door-waiter  34  and close the door  2 . 
     In order to accommodate the angled portion  92  of the push rod  84  the stepped profile of the door-waiter  34  is provided with a channel  94  formed in or adjacent the stepped portion of the door-waiter  34  which accepts and maintains the angled portion  92  of the push rod  84  out of contact with the damping cylinder  12  when the door  2  is in the locked position, but permits axial displacement of the angled portion  92  to force the damping cylinder  12  out of engagement with the steps  66 ,  70  in the second free end  40  of the door-waiter  34 . When the user wishes to close the door  2 , the user need only provide a slight force against the handle of the release lever  82  by arrow F as indicated in  FIG. 10 . As the release lever  82  rotates about the intermediate pivot  88 , the push rod  84  is moved axially in the direction towards the damping cylinder  12  and causes the angled portion  92  of the push rod  84  to contact the first end  15  of the damping cylinder  12  and push the damping cylinder  12  out of contact with the first step  66  as shown in the Figures. The angled portion  92  of the push rod  83  directs the damping cylinder  12 , biased by its inherent compression forces, into the door-waiter  34  closing the door  2 . 
     The pivot body  86  which supports the release lever  82  is shown in  FIG. 11  achieves two main functions. First, the pivot body  86  provides a substantially static base about which the release lever  82  can rotate about the intermediate pivot  88 ; second, the pivot body  86  provides an automatic release response if an excessive amount of force is applied when closing the door  2 , for example, without actuating the release lever  82 . The pivot body  86  is connected to the frame bracket  7  by inserting a connecting pin  96  through one of three possible connecting holes  98  formed in the pivot body  86  and through the holes  98  in the arms  17  of the door frame bracket  7  as seen in  FIG. 8 . A piston rod passageway  100  is also provided perpendicular to and communicating with the connecting holes  98  so that the piston rod  16  can be inserted therethrough and the free end  18  of the piston rod  16 , and the pin hole  22  therein is aligned with the connecting hole  98  and the connecting pin  96  to secure the piston rod  16  to the door frame bracket  7 . 
     The pivot body  86  also includes a pair of tension springs  102  set in a pin slot  106  formed in the pivot body  86 . The pin slot  106  is a substantially horizontal slot through the pivot body  86  which accepts a securing pin  104  for securing the pivot body  86  to the sidewalls  37  of the body and the pin slot  106 . The pin slot  106  is provided with a substantially horizontal space permitting a desired horizontal freedom of movement of the securing pin therein. In other words, where the securing pin  104  is held vertically fixed by the attachment to the sidewalls  37  of the door-waiter  34 , the horizontal space in the pin slot  106  permits a specified relative movement of the door-waiter  34  relative to the pivot body  86 . The springs  102  in the pin slot  106  push perpendicularly on the securing pin  104  to bias the door-waiter  34  into a certain position relative to the pivot body  86  which is essentially axially fixed (although relatively rotatable) to the door bracket  7 . This spring bias can be overcome by certain applied forces, as described below, which may force the door-waiter  34  to move relative to the pivot body  86 . A pair of set screws  108  may be provided to connect with the springs  102  to compress or extend the springs  26  in order to regulate the spring tension on the securing pin  104 . 
     Turning to  FIG. 12 , the door  2  is being held in the open and locked position with the door-waiter  34  engaging the first end  15  of the damping cylinder  12  as previously described. 
     The secondary aspects of the kick-out assembly  80 , the automatic release response occurs when an excessive force is used to close the door  2  without physically actuating the release lever  82  of the kick-out assembly  80 . Where the door  2  is being held open by the door-waiter  34 , as in  FIG. 12 , and a force is applied to close the door  2  directly without actuation of the release lever  82 . In this case, the cylinder  12  presses against the first step  66  of the door-waiter  34  which transmits this force to the securing pin  104  connecting the door-waiter  34  to the pivot body  86 . The securing pin  104  presses against the inherent bias of the preloaded springs  102 , moving the pin  104  to the far end of the slot as seen in  FIG. 13 . 
     In this manner, the door-waiter  34  is permitted to move relative to the pivot body  86  against the bias of the springs  102 , the pivot body  86  substantially maintains the push rod  84  in a static position relative to the moving door-waiter  34 . As the door-waiter  34  moves axially away from engagement with the damping cylinder  12 , the push rod  84 , which is remaining somewhat axially immovable, forces the first end  15  of the damping cylinder  12  off the radial first step  66  and guides it down into the door-waiter  34  permitting the door  2  to close. 
     Since certain changes may be made in the above described improved door closer and door holder, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be construed as limiting the invention.