Patent Publication Number: US-9422742-B2

Title: Systems, devices, and/or methods for managing swinging doors

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to, and incorporates by reference herein in its entirety, pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/810,167, filed 9 Apr. 2013. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A wide variety of potential practical and useful embodiments will be more readily understood through the following detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments, with reference to the accompanying exemplary drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  1000 ; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  2000 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  3000 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  4000 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  5000 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  6000 ; 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  7000 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  8000 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  9000 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  10000 ; 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  11000 ; 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  12000 ; 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  13000 ; 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  14000 ; 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  15000 ; 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  16000 ; 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  17000 ; 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  18000 ; 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  19000 ; 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  20000 ; 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  21000 ; 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  22000 ; 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  23000 ; 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  24000 ; 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  25000 ; 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  26000 ; 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  27000 ; 
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  28000 ; 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  29000 ; 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  30000 ; 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  31000 ; 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  32000 ; 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  33000 ; 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  34000 ; 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  35000 ; 
       FIG. 36  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  36000 ; 
       FIG. 37  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  37000 ; 
       FIG. 38  is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method  38000 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Certain exemplary embodiments can provide a strike plate adapted to receive bolts of latching and locking door hardware on a door. The strike plate can comprise a rigid material. The strike plate can have a lip on one side edge thereof. The strike plate can have a thickness such that, when installed, the strike plate protrudes from a plane of a rabbet of a door frame such that a clearance between the locking door hardware and the strike plate is reduced. 
     Certain exemplary embodiments provide a strike plate adapted for latching and/or locking door hardware devices. The strike plate can comprise a rigid material of a thickness sufficient to reduce the clearance between door hardware and the strike plate to within acceptable tolerances, such as an industry standard. The strike plate can be installed into a mortised pocket in a door jamb. The strike plate can define a cutout that is adapted to receive a door hardware bolt. The strike plate can comprise a lip that extends to one side edge, the surface of which is relieved to reduce friction between the door hardware bolts and the strike plate. The strike plate comprises screw holes for mounting the strike plate to the door jamb. 
     Certain exemplary embodiments are adapted to replace strike plates that were made from relatively thin flat sheets of brass or stainless steel that were cut to shape by a stamping die. Certain strike plates are designed to fit into a standardized pocket that is mortised in the rabbet of the door frame or in the vertical edge of one leaf of a pair of doors. The plane of the front surface of the strike plates can fit substantially flush with the plane of the rabbet of the door frame or the plane of the door edge when installed on the inactive leaf of a pair of doors. 
     Certain exemplary embodiments provide multiple sizes and shapes of strike plates. Certain exemplary embodiments are adapted to be mounted in doors and door frames that do not meet one or more industry standard tolerances. For example, certain door frames can be specified to be installed with lock and hinge jamb members plumb to a tolerance of approximately plus or minus one eighth of an inch. As another example, a head member of the door frame can be specified to be installed level to a tolerance of approximately plus or minus one sixteenth of inch across its length. As another example, the corners formed by the intersection of the hinge and lock jamb members with the head member can be specified to be substantially square. As still another example, a door leaf width can be specified to be undersized by no more than approximately one fourth of an inch from an actual width of a door frame opening. When the doors and frames are installed within the above mentioned tolerances and the door leaves are undersized in width as described, the clearance dimension between the edges of the door and the rabbet of the door frame can be approximately one eighth of an inch, certain exemplary strike plates can meet certain standards for performance. 
     In many circumstances, doors and door frames are not installed within specified tolerances for a number of reasons. On non-residential building construction projects, sometimes door frames are located in masonry walls to be installed by masons as the walls are being erected very early in the construction process. Sometimes, this phase of a construction project is rough work. In other words, masons might not be particularly concerned with the details of how to accurately install door frames or problems that might be created when the door frames are not properly installed. Door frames located in drywall partitions are sometimes set in place by the rough carpenters or drywall installers. Sometimes, rough carpenters and drywall installers might not accurately install certain door frames. Sometimes, lesser skilled installer personnel are charged with installing door leaves and hardware products near the completion of the construction. Sometimes, clearance between the edges of the door and the rabbet of the door frame, or the meeting stiles of pairs of doors, can be greater than approximately one eighth of an inch and even greater than approximately one quarter of an inch. 
     In order to correct door to door frame clearance problem, sometimes removal and reinstallation of existing doors and door frames, or replace existing doors and door frames with new doors and door frames, can be effective. Removing a door frame can disturb the finished wall materials and sometimes the finished floor materials. Removing and reinstalling the doors and door frames can be relatively costly. 
     When the clearance between the edges of the door and the rabbet of the door frame is greater than approximately one eighth of an inch, several problems can ensue. Certain exemplary embodiments can correct an installation of swinging fire doors with builders hardware. Installation of swinging fire doors with builders hardware can be subject to standards specified by the National Fire Protection Association&#39;s publication NFPA 80, Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives. In addition, the respective door, door frame, and hardware manufacturers&#39; individual published listings can be subject to standards specified by nationally recognized testing laboratories such as Underwriters Laboratories and Intertek/Warnock Hersey. NFPA 80 specifies a clearance between the edges of the door and rabbet of the door frame, and the meeting stiles of pairs of doors, to be no greater than approximately one eighth of an inch. NFPA 80 allows an over-tolerance of approximately one sixteenth of an inch for fire doors classified as hollow metal fire doors, which results in a maximum clearance dimension of approximately three sixteenths of an inch for this type of fire door. 
     The reason the clearance between the edges of a fire door and the rabbet of the door frame is specified in NFPA 80 concerns the engagement of door hardware bolts into the strike plates of the door hardware. When the clearance dimension between the door and door frame is greater than that specified in NFPA 80, the dimension of the door bolt projection into the cutouts in the strike plates is proportionally reduced; thereby reducing the door hardware&#39;s ability to hold the door closed under fire conditions. 
     NFPA 80 mandates annual safety inspections of swinging fire doors with builders hardware to be performed and deficiencies documented during these safety inspections are supposed to be corrected without delay. The clearance dimension between edges of the doors and the door frame, and the meeting stiles of pairs of doors, is one of the inspection points specified for NFPA 80&#39;s safety inspections. According to NFPA 80&#39;s requirements, deficiencies on fire door assemblies constitute noncompliance and void the fire rating of the affected door assemblies. 
     Locking door hardware devices are designed to be installed on certain doors, both fire rated and nonfire rated, with a clearance no greater than approximately three sixteenths of an inch between the door and the door frame. In this case, the locking door hardware devices can have a security feature called an auxiliary deadlatch; sometimes also referred to as a guard bolt. The purpose of the auxiliary deadlatch is to block the rearward motion of the latch bolt when the door is closed and latched into the strike plate. By blocking the rearward motion of the latch bolt, the auxiliary deadlatch prevents the latch bolt from being manipulated by a tool or otherwise being forced open. The auxiliary deadlatch function is engaged by a spring loaded bar or lever that extends from the face of the door hardware; pressing against the face of the strike plate. The auxiliary deadlatch bar or lever does not project into a cutout in the strike plate; it is held in the depressed position by the strike plate. When the clearance between the door and door frame is too great the auxiliary deadlatch function is not engaged, which allows the latch bolt to be forced open, thereby defeating the security of the locking door hardware. 
     Another problem with certain strike plates is that the surface of the strike that extends outward from the cutout in the center of the strike face to the edge of the lip that projects past the edge of the door frame is flat. Such a flat surface can result in considerable friction as a beveled face of a door hardware bolt contacts and moves across the strike plate. The friction between the door hardware bolts and strike plates is sometimes enough to retard the movement of the door to the point of preventing the door from closing completely. When this condition occurs, door closing devices can be adjusted to a point where they reliably close the doors, causing the door hardware to become latched into the strike plates. While door closing devices can be adjusted to overcome the friction of the door hardware bolts, doing so often creates a noncompliance issue with accessibility standards like ICC/ANSI A117.1 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities or the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG). Both A117.1 and ADDAG specify nonfire rated doors with door closing devices to have an opening force no greater than approximately 5 pound force (“lbf”). Adjusting the closing power of door closing devices to overcome the friction of the door hardware bolts increases their opening force to more than approximately 5 lbf, which is noncompliant with certain accessibility standards. 
     NFPA 80 specifies swinging fire doors with builders hardware to close and positively latch every time they are opened. The ability for the door closing devices to reliably close the fire doors is also one of the inspection points under NFPA 80&#39;s annual safety inspections. When the friction between the strike plate and the door hardware bolts is too great, the doors do not reliably close. 
     Certain exemplary strike plates have oversized cutouts, or extra cutouts, in the center area of the strike front that allow a single strike plate to accommodate multiple door hardware devices with one or two bolts, which can be installed on doors of any hand; hand refers to the direction the door leaf swings. Certain exemplary strike plates can be designed with the correctly sized cutouts and without extra cutouts that are handed appropriately. NFPA 80 specifies that there be no unfilled holes in the doors, door frames, or hardware installed on fire rated doors. Consequently, certain strike plates on some fire doors can result in noncompliance with NFPA 80&#39;s requirements for those doors. 
     Certain exemplary strike plates define screw holes used to mount the strike plate to a door frame. The screw holes can be intentionally oversized in diameter, which reduces the perimeter surface of the screw hole that fits under the head of a corresponding screw. Such oversized screw holes can result in the strike plates becoming loose over time as there is little area under the head of the screw to form a proper purchase. Loose strike plates can affect operation of door hardware bolts, sometimes causing doors to not latch when closed or causing door hardware bolts to bind when a user attempts to open the door. 
     Certain exemplary strike plates will fit older brands and models of latching and locking door hardware that are no longer in production. Owners of such older latching and locking door hardware devices might have very few sources for purchasing replacement parts such as strike plates. 
     Certain exemplary strike plates have thicknesses that reduce clearances between door hardware or door edges and strike plates to within acceptable tolerances. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various thicknesses of materials can be used to fabricate strike plates. Accordingly, exemplary strike plates described herein can have any thickness. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, a strike plate is formed from fire resistant material, which is necessary for installation on fire rated door assemblies. In accordance with one embodiment, the strike plate of the strike plate is formed from material that is not fire resistant, which is appropriate for installation on nonfire rate door assemblies. In certain exemplary embodiments, strike plates can be formed from such materials as wrought stainless steel, which is fire resistant and can be machined, such as via computer numerical control (“CNC”), to a final shape and size. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are other materials and fabrication methods suitable to fabricate strike plates such as, but not limited to, brass, steel, and stainless steel that is cold-rolled, cast, wrought, extruded, or forged and shaped by stamping or milling or a combination thereof. Therefore, embodiments described herein are not limited to the materials or methods of fabrication to only CNC machined stainless steel as other materials and fabrication methods can be used. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the lip of the strike plate can extend beyond an edge of a mortised pocket in a door frame. In accordance with certain embodiments, the lip of the strike plate can extend partially along substantially the full height of the mortised pocket in the door frame. In accordance with certain embodiments, the front edge of the lip can fit substantially flush with the face of the door frame. In accordance with certain embodiments, the strike plate will not have a lip. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, on doors where the friction of the door hardware bolts and the strike plate inhibit the closing of the doors, the strike plate can define a relieved portion in the surface area of the lip, which can be a series of grooves. The series of grooves can reduce friction between the door hardware bolts and the strike plate; thereby causing doors to close more easily. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that other means could be used to relieve the surface of the strike lip such as, but not limited to, boring a series of blind or through holes, by dimpling (convex or concave), and/or by cutting out portions of the lip, etc. The embodiments shown with a series of grooves can accomplish this function, but it should be understood that such embodiments are not limited to only using a series of grooves to reduce the surface area of the strike lip, as other means can be used in other embodiments. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the strike plate can have a correct number of cutouts that are appropriately sized and shaped for a specific brand and model of latching and locking door hardware devices with which it is used. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are a multitude of cutout patterns that include one or two cutouts of varying sizes and shapes that could be used for fabricating such strike plates. Therefore, the number, size, and/or shape of the cutouts in the embodiments shown herein are not limiting to this disclosure. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, screw holes in the strike plate can be precisely sized to minimally fit the major diameter of screws and provide proper support when the screws are tightened securely. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, a strike plate can have a thickness that causes a plane of a front surface of the strike plate to fit substantially flush with a plane of a door rabbet in a door frame or a plane of an edge of an inactive door leaf when strike plates are installed on pairs of doors. In certain exemplary embodiments; the strike plate can define grooves on a lip to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and the strike plate. 
     In certain exemplary embodiments, the strike plate can be formed in any one of a variety of rigid materials of various thicknesses, with one or two appropriately sized cutouts adapted to receive door hardware bolts. The strike plate can be made, with and without a relieved area to reduce friction, and with full, partial, or no lip designs. Strike plates can be customized to fit all types of latching and locking door hardware devices and installed in doors and door frames of any material. 
     Certain exemplary strike plates can provide a cost effective and efficient means for building owners and facilities management personnel to repair existing fire doors and restore security to both fire rated and nonfire rated doors. Certain exemplary strike plates can fit into an existing mortised pocket in a door frame without any substantial modification to the door or door frame, thereby restoring proper door hardware bolt engagement and activation of an auxiliary deadlatch feature. An installer can remove an existing strike plate by removing its screws and replace it with one of the embodiments described herein; with no substantial modification to the door, door frame, or latching door hardware. 
     Certain embodiments can be provided in an array of user selectable thicknesses. For example, a user can measure a gap in a door and select a strike plate thickness based upon the gap. For example, exemplary thicknesses of any embodiment disclosed herein can be approximately, in inches, 0.09375, 0.125, 0.15625, 0.1875, 0.21875, 0.25, 0.28125, 0.3125, 0.34375, 0.375, 0.40625, 0.4375, 0.46875, 0.50, 0.53125, 0.5625, 0.49375, 0.625, 0.65625, 0.6875, 0.75 and/or any value therebetween. 
     Strike plates can be made and/or machined from Type 303 stainless steel. Recesses can be defined by a lip of the strike plate to reduce a surface area contacted by an engaging latch bolt, thereby reducing the friction between the latch bolt and the strike plate as the latch bolt moves across a face of the strike plate to engage a cutout in the strike plate. Certain exemplary strike plates can be produced without the reduced friction feature. Strike plate lip edge-to-center dimensions can be made to user specifications. Certain exemplary embodiments can have a dimension between an edge of a lip to a centerline of a cutout of approximately one and three eighths of an inch. Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise a curved lip edge having a radius. The radius can vary with the thickness of strike plate. The radius dimension can be approximately one thirtysecondth of an inch less than thickness of plate. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  1000 , which can have a thickness  1100 . Strike plate  1000  can define a plurality of apertures such as screw holes  1300 , a first cutout  1400 , a second cutout  1450 , and/or grooves  1500 . Screw holes  1300  can comprise a tapered portion  1200 , which can be adapted to receive a countersunk head of a fastener (e.g., a screw). In certain exemplary embodiments, a maximum separation between first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450  can be approximately eleven thirtysecondths of an inch. In certain exemplary embodiments, a minimum separation between first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450  can be approximately seven thirtysecondths of an inch. Grooves  1500  can be cast or cut to be any depth, such as approximately one thirtysecondth of an inch or greater. Grooves  1500  can be cast and/or cut to a desired width, such as approximately three sixteenths of an inch. Other dimensions of strike plate  1000  can be selected to be compatible with door handle hardware of a door system. 
     Strike plate  1000  can be adapted to receive a door hardware bolt (not illustrated) coupled to a swinging door (not illustrated). Strike plate  1000  can comprise a rigid material. Strike plate  1000  can have a lip  1600  on one side edge  1700  thereof. Strike plate  1000  having a selected thickness  1100  such that, when installed, strike plate  1000  protrudes from a plane of a rabbet (not illustrated) of a door frame (not illustrated) such that a clearance (not illustrated) between locking door hardware (not illustrated) and strike plate  1000  is reduced. Strike plate  1000  can define:
         at least one cutout (e.g., first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450 ). The at least one cutout can be adapted to receive the door hardware bolt;   plurality of screw holes  1300 , wherein each of plurality of screw holes  1300  is adapted to couple strike plate  1000  to the door frame. Screw holes  1300  can have a diameter that is less than approximately two millimeters greater than a major diameter of screws (not illustrated) adapted to couple strike plate  1000  to the door frame; and   plurality of grooves  1500  extending outwardly from near the at least one cutout to near an edge of lip  1600 . Grooves  1500  can be adapted to reduce a surface area of strike plate  1000  contacting the bolt thereby reducing friction as the bolt moves across the strike plate.       

     Strike plate  1000  can comprise a fire resistant material, such as Type 303 stainless steel. The fire resistant material can conform to National Fire Protection Association&#39;s publication 80 specifications. Strike plate  1000  can be installed in order to achieve a National Fire Protection Association door fire rating. Thickness  1100  can be sufficient to reduce the clearance to within dimensional tolerances specified by National Fire Protection Association&#39;s publication 80. Strike plate  1000  can reduces the clearance to within an established standard dimensional tolerance thereby activating an auxiliary deadlatch function of locking door hardware as door hardware bolts project into strike plate  1000 . 
     Strike plate  1000  can comprise a rigid fire resistant material. Strike plate  1000  can have a sufficient thickness to protrude beyond a plane of a rabbet of a door frame. Strike plate  1000  can be adapted to reduce a clearance between a door and a front face of strike plate  1000  to within dimensional tolerances specified by National Fire Protection Association&#39;s publication 80. Strike plate  1000  can comprise:
         a back face  1800  adapted to be placed in direct contact with a mortised pocket in the door frame;   a front face  1900  that is opposing to back face  1800 ;   a top edge  1020 ;   a bottom edge  1040 ;   a right side edge  1060 ; and   a left side edge  1080 , wherein one of right side edge  1060  and left side edge  1080  (in the illustrated embodiment, right side edge  1060 ) defines lip  1600  that extends from first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450  of front face  1900  to beyond an edge of the mortised pocket;       

     Strike plate  1000  can define:
         first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450 ; each of first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450  can be adapted to receive a door hardware bolt;   grooves  1500 , which can extend from near first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450  to near an edge of lip  1600 . Grooves  1500  can define a plurality of recesses  1520  and raised planar faces  1540 . Grooves  1500  can be adapted to reduce a surface area of strike plate  1000  that the door hardware bolt as the bolt moves across strike plate  1000 ; and   plurality of screw holes  1300  in front face  1900 . Screw holes  1300  can have a diameter that is less than approximately two millimeters greater than a major diameter of screws adapted to couple strike plate  1000  to the door frame in the mortised pocket.       

     Strike plate  1000  can comprise a rigid material. Strike plate  1000  can have a sufficient thickness  1100  to protrude beyond a plane of a rabbet in a door frame. When installed, strike plate  1000  can be adapted to reduce a clearance between door hardware and front face  1900  of strike plate  1000  to meet a predetermined dimensional tolerance and thereby activating an auxiliary deadlatch function of locking door hardware as a door hardware bolt projects into first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  of strike plate  1000 . Strike plate  1000  can comprise:
         back face  1800 , which can be adapted to directly contact a mortised pocket in the door frame;   front face  1900 , which is opposing to back face  1800 ;   top edge  1020 ;   bottom edge  1040 ;   right side edge  1060 ; and   left side edge  1080 , wherein one of right side edge  1060  or left side edge  1080  (in the illustrated embodiment, right side edge  1060 ) comprises lip  1600 , which extends from near an edge of first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  to beyond an edge of the mortised pocket;       

     Strike plate  1000  can define:
         first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450 , each of which can be adapted to receive a door hardware bolt;   plurality of grooves  1500  extending from near first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  to near an edge of lip  1600 . Grooves  1500  can be adapted to reduce a surface area of strike plate  1000  contacted by the door hardware bolt thereby reducing friction as the bolt moves across strike plate  1000 ;   a plurality of screw holes  1300  in front face  1900 , wherein screw holes  1300  are sized to dimensions minimally greater than a major diameter of screws used to attach strike plate  1000  to the door frame. The screws can be adapted to couple strike plate  1000  to the door frame in the mortised pocket.       

     Strike plate  1000  can comprise a rigid material. Strike plate  1000  can be adapted for latching and locking door hardware devices that are no longer in production. Strike plate  1000  can have:
         back face  1800 , which can be adapted to fit into a mortised pocket in a door frame;   front face  1900 , which is opposing to back face  1800 ;   top edge  1020 ;   bottom edge  1040 ;   right side edge  1060 ; and   left side edge  1080 , wherein one of right side edge  1060  or left side edge  1080  (in the illustrated embodiment, right side edge  1060 ) comprises lip  1600  that extends from near an edge of first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  to beyond an edge of a mortised pocket defined by a door frame.       

     Strike plate  1000  can define:
         first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450 . Each of first cutout  1400  and second cutout  1450  can be adapted to receive a door hardware bolt;   plurality of grooves  1500 , which can extend from near first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  to near an edge of lip  1600 , wherein grooves  1500  define plurality of recesses  1520  and raised planar faces  1540 . Grooves  1500  can be adapted to reduce a surface area of strike plate  1000  in contact with the door hardware bolt as the bolt moves across strike plate  1000 , which can cause doors to close relatively easily; and   plurality of screw holes  1300 , which can be sized to dimensions minimally greater than a major diameter of screws used to couple strike plate  1000  to the door frame. The screws can be adapted to couple strike plate  1000  to the door frame in the mortised pocket.       

     Strike plate  1000  can have thickness  1100 , which can be adapted to reduce a clearance between door hardware and front face  1900  to within an industry standard dimensional tolerance thereby activating auxiliary deadlatch function of locking door hardware as the door hardware bolt(s) projects into first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450 . 
     Strike plate  1000  can comprise a rigid material. Strike plate  1000  can be adapted for latching or locking door hardware devices. Strike plate  1000  can comprise:
         back face  1800 , which can be adapted to fit into, and be in direct contact with, a mortised pocket in a door frame;   front face  1900 , which is opposed to back face  1800 ;   top edge  1020 ;   bottom edge  1040 ;   right side edge  1060 ; and   left side edge  1080 , wherein one of right side edge  1060  or left side edge  1080  (in the illustrated embodiment, right side edge  1060 ) comprises lip  1600  that extends from near edges of pair of cutouts  1400  and  1450  to beyond an edge of the mortised pocket.       

     Strike plate  1000  can define:
         first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450 , each of first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  can be adapted to receive a door hardware bolt of a pair of door hardware bolts coupled to a door;   plurality of grooves  1500 , which can extend from near first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  to near an edge of lip  1600 . Grooves  1500  can create plurality of recesses  1520  and raised planar faces  1540  thereby reducing surface area of strike plate  1000  contacting the door hardware bolts, thereby reducing friction of the door hardware bolts as the bolts move across strike plate  1000 , thereby causing the door to close relatively easily; and   plurality of screw holes  1300  in front face  1900 , which can be sized to dimensions minimally greater than a major diameter of screws. The screws can be adapted to couple strike plate  1000  to the door frame.       

     Strike plate  1000  has a thickness  1100 , which can be selected such that, when installed in the mortised pocket, a plane of front face  1900  of strike plate  1000  is substantially flush with a plane of a door rabbet in the door frame. 
     Strike plate  1000  can comprise a rigid material. Strike plate  1000  can be adapted for latching and locking door hardware devices. Strike plate  1000  can define:
         first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450 , each of which can be adapted to receive a door hardware bolt; and   plurality of grooves  1500 , which can extend from near first cutout  1400  and/or second cutout  1450  to near an edge of lip  1600  of strike plate  1000 ; wherein grooves  1500  are adapted to reduce a surface area of strike plate  1000  contacting the door hardware bolt, thereby reducing friction of the door hardware bolt as the bolt moves across strike plate  1000 .       

       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  2000 , which can comprise a lip  2600 . Strike plate  2000  can define grooves  2100  (in part defined by lip  2600 ), a cutout  2200 , and screw holes  2300 . Grooves  2100  can be offset from a centerline of cutout  2200 , as illustrated. Grooves  2100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  2000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. In certain exemplary embodiments, a distance from a longitudinal centerline  2500  of cutout  2200  to an edge  2400  of strike plate  2000  can be approximately one and three eighths of an inch. Other lip edge-to-center dimensions can be made to user specifications. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  3000 , which can comprise a lip  3800 . Strike plate  3000  can define grooves  3100  (in part defined by lip  3800 ), a cutout  3200 , and screw holes  3300 . Grooves  3100  can be approximately centered with a centerline of cutout  3200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline  3700  of cutout  3200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline  3600  of strike plate  3000  as illustrated. Grooves  3100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  3000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. In certain exemplary embodiments, a distance from a longitudinal centerline  3500  of cutout  3700  to an edge  3400  of strike plate  3000  can be approximately one and three eighths of an inch. Other lip edge-to-center dimensions can be made to user specifications. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  4000 , which can comprise a lip  4400 . Strike plate  4000  can define grooves  4100  (in part defined by lip  4400 ), a cutout  4200 , and screw holes  4300 . Grooves  4100  can be approximately centered with a centerline of cutout  4200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline  4700  of cutout  4200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline  4600  of strike plate  4000  as illustrated. Grooves  4100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  4000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  5000 , which can comprise a lip  5400 . Strike plate  5000  can define grooves  5100  (in part defined by lip  5400 ), a first cutout  5200 , screw holes  5300 , and a second cutout  5500 . Grooves  5100  can be approximately centered with a latitudinal centerline of first cutout  5200 , as illustrated. Grooves  5100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  5000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  6000 , which can comprise a lip  6400 . Strike plate  6000  can define grooves  6100  (in part defined by lip  6400 ), a cutout  6200 , and screw holes  6300 . Grooves  6100  can be offset relative to a latitudinal centerline of cutout  6200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  6200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  6000  as illustrated. In other embodiments, a latitudinal centerline of cutout  6200  can be approximately aligned with the latitudinal centerline of strike plate  6000 . Grooves  6100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  6000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 7  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  7000 , which can comprise a lip  7400 . Strike plate  7000  can define grooves  7100  (in part defined by lip  7400 ), a cutout  7200 , and screw holes  7300 . Grooves  7100  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of cutout  7200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  7200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  7000  as illustrated. Grooves  7100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  7000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  8000 , which can comprise a lip  8400 . Strike plate  8000  can define grooves  8100  (in part defined by lip  8400 ), a cutout  8200 , and screw holes  8300 . Grooves  8100  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of cutout  8200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  8200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  8000  as illustrated. Grooves  8100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  8000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  9000 , which can comprise a lip  9400 . Strike plate  9000  can define first set of grooves  9100 , a first cutout  9200 , screw holes  9300 , a second cutout  9500 , and a second set of grooves  9600 . First set of grooves  9100  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of first cutout  9200 , as illustrated. Second set of grooves  9600  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of second cutout  9500 , as illustrated. First set of grooves  9100  and second set of grooves  9600  can be adapted to reduce friction between door hardware bolts and strike plate  9000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated per cutout in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  10000 , which can comprise a lip  10400 . Strike plate  10000  can define grooves  10100  (in part defined by lip  10400 ), a cutout  10200 , and screw holes  10300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  10100  can be offset relative to a latitudinal centerline of cutout  10200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  10200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  10000  as illustrated. Grooves  10100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  10000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  11000 , which can comprise a lip  11400 . Strike plate  11000  can define grooves  11100  (in part defined by lip  11400 ), a cutout  11200 , and screw holes  11300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  11100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  11200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  11200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  11000  as illustrated. Grooves  11100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  11000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  12000 , which can comprise a lip  12400 . Strike plate  12000  can define grooves  12100  (in part defined by lip  12400 ), a cutout  12200 , and screw holes  12300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  12100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  12200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  12200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  12000  as illustrated. Grooves  12100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  12000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  13000 , which can comprise a lip  13400 . Strike plate  13000  can define first set of grooves  13100 , a first cutout  13200 , screw holes  13300 , a second cutout  13500 , a second set of grooves  13600 , and a plurality of reliefs  13700 . First set of grooves  13100  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of first cutout  13200 , as illustrated. Second set of grooves  13600  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of second cutout  13500 , as illustrated. First set of grooves  13100  and second set of grooves  13600  can be adapted to reduce friction between door hardware bolts and strike plate  13000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated per cutout in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  13700  can be adapted to allow back face  13800  of strike plate  13000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  13000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 14  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  14000 , which can comprise a lip  14400 . Strike plate  14000  can define grooves  14100  (in part defined by lip  14400 ), a cutout  14200 , a plurality of reliefs  14700 , and screw holes  14300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  14100  can be offset relative to a latitudinal centerline of cutout  14200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  14200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  14000  as illustrated. Grooves  14100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  14000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  14700  can be adapted to allow back face  14800  of strike plate  14000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  14000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  15000 , which can comprise a lip  15400 . Strike plate  15000  can define grooves  15100  (in part defined by lip  15400 ), a cutout  15200 , a plurality of reliefs  15700 , and screw holes  15300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  15100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  15200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  15200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  15000  as illustrated. Grooves  15100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  15000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  15700  can be adapted to allow back face  15800  of strike plate  15000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  15000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 16  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  16000 , which can comprise a lip  16400 . Strike plate  16000  can define grooves  16100  (in part defined by lip  16400 ), a cutout  16200 , a plurality of reliefs  16700 , and screw holes  16300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  16100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  16200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  16200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  16000  as illustrated. Grooves  16100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  16000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  16700  can be adapted to allow back face  16800  of strike plate  16000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  16000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 17  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  17000 , which can comprise a lip  17400 . Strike plate  17000  can define grooves  17100  (in part defined by lip  17400 ), a first cutout  17200 , screw holes  17300 , a second cutout  17500 , and a plurality of reliefs  17700 . Grooves  17100  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of first cutout  17200 , as illustrated. Grooves  17100  can be adapted to reduce friction between door hardware bolts and strike plate  17000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated per cutout in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  17700  can be adapted to allow back face  17800  of strike plate  17000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  17000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  18000 , which can comprise a lip  18400 . Strike plate  18000  can define grooves  18100  (in part defined by lip  18400 ), a cutout  18200 , a plurality of reliefs  18700 , and screw holes  18300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  18100  can be offset relative to a latitudinal centerline of cutout  18200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  18200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  18000  as illustrated. Grooves  18100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  18000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  18700  can be adapted to allow back face  18800  of strike plate  18000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  18000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 19  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  19000 , which can comprise a lip  19400 . Strike plate  19000  can define grooves  19100  (in part defined by lip  19400 ), a cutout  19200 , a plurality of reliefs  19700 , and screw holes  19300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  19100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  19200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  19200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  19000  as illustrated. Grooves  19100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  19000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  19700  can be adapted to allow back face  19800  of strike plate  19000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  19000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  20000 , which can comprise a lip  20400 . Strike plate  20000  can define grooves  20100  (in part defined by lip  20400 ), a cutout  20200 , a plurality of reliefs  20700 , and screw holes  20300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  20100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  20200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  20200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  20000  as illustrated. Grooves  20100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  20000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  20700  can be adapted to allow back face  20800  of strike plate  20000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  20000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 21  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  21000 , which can comprise a lip  21400 . Strike plate  21000  can define first set of grooves  21100 , a first cutout  21200 , screw holes  21300 , a second cutout  21500 , a second set of grooves  21600 , and a plurality of reliefs  21700 . First set of grooves  21100  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of first cutout  21200 , as illustrated. Second set of grooves  21600  can be approximately centered relative to a latitudinal centerline of second cutout  21500 , as illustrated. First set of grooves  21100  and second set of grooves  21600  can be adapted to reduce friction between door hardware bolts and strike plate  21000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated per cutout in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  21700  can be adapted to allow back face  21800  of strike plate  21000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  21000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  22000 , which can comprise a lip  22400 . Strike plate  22000  can define grooves  22100  (in part defined by lip  22400 ), a cutout  22200 , a plurality of reliefs  22700 , and screw holes  22300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  22100  can be offset relative to a latitudinal centerline of cutout  22200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  22200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  22000  as illustrated. Grooves  22100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  22000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction, including a set of grooves that extends along approximately a full length of cutout  22200 . Reliefs  22700  can be adapted to allow back face  22800  of strike plate  22000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  22000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  23000 , which can comprise a lip  23400 . Strike plate  23000  can define grooves  23100  (in part defined by lip  23400 ), a cutout  23200 , a plurality of reliefs  23700 , and screw holes  23300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  23100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  23200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  23200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  23000  as illustrated. Grooves  23100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  23000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  23700  can be adapted to allow back face  23800  of strike plate  23000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  23000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 24  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  24000 , which can comprise a lip  24400 . Strike plate  24000  can define grooves  24100  (in part defined by lip  24400 ), a cutout  24200 , a plurality of reliefs  24800 , and screw holes  24300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  24100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  24200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  24200  can be offset from a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  24000  as illustrated. Grooves  24100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  24000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  24700  can be adapted to allow back face  24800  of strike plate  24000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  24000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  25000 , which can comprise a lip  25400 . Strike plate  25000  can define grooves  25100  (in part defined by lip  25400 ), a cutout  25200 , and screw holes  25300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  25100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  25200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  25200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  25000  as illustrated. Grooves  25100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  25000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  26000 , which can comprise a lip  26400 . Strike plate  26000  can define grooves  26100  (in part defined by lip  26400 ), a cutout  26200 , and screw holes  26300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  26100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  26200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  26200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  26000  as illustrated. Grooves  26100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  26000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  27000 , which can comprise a lip  27400 . Strike plate  27000  can define grooves  27100  (in part defined by lip  27400 ), a cutout  27200 , and screw holes  27300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  27100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  27200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  27200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  27000  as illustrated. Grooves  27100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  27000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 28  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  28000 , which can comprise a lip  28400 . Strike plate  28000  can define grooves  28100  (in part defined by lip  28400 ), a cutout  28200 , a plurality of reliefs  28600 , and screw holes  28300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  28100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  28200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  28200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  28000  as illustrated. Grooves  28100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  28000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  28600  can be adapted to allow back face  28700  of strike plate  28000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  28000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 29  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  29000 , which can comprise a lip  29400 . Strike plate  29000  can define grooves  29100  (in part defined by lip  29400 ), a cutout  29200 , a plurality of reliefs  29600 , and screw holes  29300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  29100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  29200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  29200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  29000  as illustrated. Grooves  29100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  29000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  29600  can be adapted to allow back face  29700  of strike plate  29000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  29000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  30000 , which can comprise a lip  30400 . Strike plate  30000  can define grooves  30100  (in part defined by lip  30400 ), a cutout  30200 , a plurality of reliefs  30600 , and screw holes  30300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  30100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  30200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  30200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  30000  as illustrated. Grooves  30100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  30000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  30600  can be adapted to allow back face  30700  of strike plate  30000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  30000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 31  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  31000 , which can comprise a lip  31400 . Strike plate  31000  can define grooves  31100  (in part defined by lip  31400 ), a cutout  31200 , and screw holes  31300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  31100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  31200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  31200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  31000  as illustrated. Grooves  31100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  31000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 32  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  32000 , which can comprise a lip  32400 . Strike plate  32000  can define grooves  32100  (in part defined by lip  32400 ), a cutout  32200 , and screw holes  32300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  32100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  32200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  32200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  32000  as illustrated. Grooves  32100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  32000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  33000 , which can comprise a lip  33400 . Strike plate  33000  can define grooves  33100  (in part defined by lip  33400 ), a cutout  33200 , a plurality of reliefs  33600 , and screw holes  33300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  33100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  33200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  33200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  33000  as illustrated. Grooves  33100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  33000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  33600  can be adapted to allow back face  33700  of strike plate  30000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  33000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  34000 , which can comprise a lip  34400 . Strike plate  34000  can define grooves  34100  (in part defined by lip  34400 ), a cutout  34200 , a plurality of reliefs  34600 , and screw holes  34300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  34100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  34200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  34200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  34000  as illustrated. Grooves  34100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  34000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. Reliefs  34600  can be adapted to allow back face  34700  of strike plate  34000  to fully seat in mortised pocket (not illustrated) in door frame (not illustrated). Although four screw holes are illustrated for strike plate  34000 , one skilled in the art will recognize that fewer or more screw holes can be provided (e.g., two or six screw holes). 
       FIG. 35  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  35000 , which can define a cutout  35200  and screw holes  35300 . A latitudinal centerline of cutout  35200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  35000  as illustrated. 
       FIG. 36  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  36000 , which can define a cutout  36200  and screw holes  36300 . A latitudinal centerline of cutout  36200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  36000  as illustrated. 
       FIG. 37  is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a strike plate  37000 , which can comprise a lip  37400 . Strike plate  37000  can define grooves  37100  (in part defined by lip  37400 ), a cutout  37200 , and screw holes  37300 . A latitudinal centerline of grooves  37100  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of cutout  37200 , as illustrated. A latitudinal centerline of cutout  37200  can be approximately aligned with a latitudinal centerline of strike plate  37000  as illustrated. Grooves  37100  can be adapted to reduce friction between a door hardware bolt and strike plate  37000  when a door is closing. Although four grooves are illustrated in this embodiment and a defined count of grooves are illustrated in other embodiments, any number of grooves can be used to reduce friction. 
       FIG. 38  is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method  38000 . At activity  38100 , a strike plate can be formed. For example, the strike plate can be cut and/or machined out of Type 303 stainless steel. At activity  38200 , apertures can be cut in the strike plate. The strike plate can be cast, machined, and/or drilled such that the strike plate defines a plurality of apertures, which can comprise a cutout adapted to receive a door hardware bolt and two or more screw holes. At activity  38300 , grooves can be cut in a lip of the strike plate. At activity  38400 , the strike plate can be caused to be coupled to a door frame. At activity  38500 , the door frame can be caused to be checked for compliance with one or more specifications and/or standards. At activity  38600 , the door can be caused to be closed. 
     DEFINITIONS 
     When the following terms are used substantively herein, the accompanying definitions apply. These terms and definitions are presented without prejudice, and, consistent with the application, the right to redefine these terms during the prosecution of this application or any application claiming priority hereto is reserved. For the purpose of interpreting a claim of any patent that claims priority hereto, each definition (or redefined term if an original definition was amended during the prosecution of that patent), functions as a clear and unambiguous disavowal of the subject matter outside of that definition.
         a—at least one.   achieve—meet requirements for.   activity—an action, act, step, and/or process or portion thereof.   across—from one side to another.   adapted to—made suitable or fit for a specific use or situation.   adapter—a device used to effect operative compatibility between different parts of one or more pieces of an apparatus or system.   and/or—either in conjunction with or in alternative to.   apparatus—an appliance or device for a particular purpose.   approximate—near or approaching.   associate—to join, connect together, and/or relate.   auxiliary deadlatch function—a mechanical function that is activated when the guard bolt is depressed by the strike plate as the door closes, thereby blocking the movement of the projected latch bolt by any means other than operating trim of the lockset or latchset. The function prevents circumventing the security of the lockset or latchset by preventing manipulation of a latch bolt by such methods as an attempted opening via insertion of a credit card (i.e., biding) or other tools.   back face—a surface of a strike plate that, when installed, is in direct contact with a mortised pocket of a door frame.   beyond—further on than.   bottom edge—an edge of a strike plate that is most downward when the strike plate is installed in a mortised pocket of a door frame.   can—is capable of, in at least some embodiments.   cause—to produce an effect.   clearance—a spacing distance between two objects.   close easily—to shut and latch with less difficulty than a level of difficulty associated with shutting and latching when a door hardware bolt moves across an ungrooved strike plate.   comprising—including but not limited to.   configure—to make suitable or fit for a specific use or situation.   connect—to join or fasten together.   contact—to directly touch.   convert—to transform, adapt, and/or change.   couple—to join, connect, and/or link together.   create—to bring into being.   cutout—a strike plate aperture adapted to receive a door hardware bolt.   define—to establish the outline, form, or structure of.   device—a machine, manufacture, and/or collection thereof.   diameter—a straight line distance from side to side of a body, and through the body&#39;s center.   dimensional tolerance—a maximum permitted variation in a measurement of an object.   direct contact—touching.   door frame—a structure that partially surrounds a doorway, including two jambs and a lintel, or head.   door hardware bolt—a mechanism coupled to a door that is adapted to engage with a strike plate to keep the door from opening unless an action (e.g., turning a handle or a key) is taken to retract the door hardware bolt from the strike plate.   edge—a border at which a surface terminates.   established standard—a predetermined dimension.   extend—to protrude.   fire rating—a measure of the extent to which a system can withstand a predetermined set of fire resistance test conditions.   fire resistant—substantially unburnable under a given set of conditions.   friction—surface resistance to relative motion of one body against another.   front face—a surface of a strike plate that is an opposing surface to its back face.   groove—a channel or furrow in a surface.   industry standard—an established norm or requirement in regard to door systems.   install—to connect or set in position and prepare for use.   latch—to close or fasten via a bolt sliding into a cutout in a door frame.   left side edge—an edge of a strike plate that is leftmost, viewed from the perspective of one in a doorway facing the strike plate, when the strike plate is installed in a mortised pocket on a door.   lip—a projecting edge of a strike plate that extends beyond a mortised pocket on a door.   lock—to secure a door from opening via a system comprising at least one bolt propelled and withdrawn by a mechanism operable by a key.   locking door hardware—components that comprise a locking or latching mechanism coupled to a swinging door.   major diameter—a largest diameter of a threaded portion of a screw.   may—is allowed and/or permitted to, in at least some embodiments.   method—a process, procedure, and/or collection of related activities for accomplishing something.   minimally greater than—only sufficiently large for an object of a predetermined size to pass through, but not substantially larger.   mortised pocket—a recessed portion of a door frame that has been cut so as to receive a strike plate.   move—to traverse from a first location to a second location.   National Fire Protection Association—a United States trade association that creates and maintains private, copyrighted, standards and codes for usage and adoption by local governments and having a business address of 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, Mass. 02169-7471   National Fire Protection Association&#39;s publication 80 specifications—a Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives established by the National Fire Protection Association.   near—in close proximity to.   no longer in production—not currently being made.   opening—an aperture.   oppose—to be on an opposite side of.   outwardly—towards an edge of an object.   plane—a substantially flat surface.   plurality—the state of being plural and/or more than one.   predetermined—established in advance.   project—to protrude.   protrude—to extend out from.   provide—to furnish, supply, give, and/or make available.   rabbet—a recess or step, usually of rectangular section, cut into a surface or along the edge of a door frame.   raised planar faces—surfaces of a strike plate that extend above recesses in a grooved portion of the strike plate.   receive—to get as a signal, take, acquire, and/or obtain.   recesses—receding portions of strike plate grooves.   reduce—to diminish to some extent.   right side edge—an edge of a strike plate that is rightmost, viewed from the perspective of one in a doorway facing the strike plate, when the strike plate is installed in a mortised pocket on a door.   rigid material—a substance that is substantially inflexible to forces directly exerted by a human.   screw—a metal fastener having a tapered shank with a helical thread, and topped with a slotted head, driven into a substance by rotating, such as by with a screwdriver.   screw holes—apertures in a strike plate that are adapted to receive threaded fasteners and thereby fasten the strike plate to a mortised pocket of a door frame.   select—to choose from a plurality of available options.   set—a related plurality.   strike plate—a plate defining one or more cutouts, the metal plate adapted to be affixed to a mortised pocket in a door frame. Each cutout is adapted to receive a door hardware bolt. When a door is closed, the door hardware bolt(s) extends into the cutout(s) and hold the door closed. The strike plate shields the mortised pocket against friction from the bolt and increases security in cases where the mortised pocket made of a softer material (such as wood) than the strike plate.   substantially—to a great extent or degree.   sufficient—adequate to accomplish a purpose.   surface area—a dimensional extent of one or more faces of an object that are touchable by another object.   swinging door—a hinged, barrier at the entrance to a building or room that is coupled to a door hardware bolt.   support—to bear the weight of, especially from below.   system—a collection of mechanisms, devices, machines, articles of manufacture, processes, data, and/or instructions, the collection designed to perform one or more specific functions.   thickness—measure of a distance from a back face of a strike plate to a front face of the strike plate, the back face of the strike plate adapted to directly contact a mortised pocket on a door when the strike plate is installed in a door frame.   top edge—an edge of a strike plate that is most upward when the strike plate is installed in a mortised pocket on a door.   via—by way of and/or utilizing.       

     NOTE 
     Still other substantially and specifically practical and useful embodiments will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from reading the above-recited and/or herein-included detailed description and/or drawings of certain exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and accordingly, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments are to be regarded as being within the scope of this application. 
     Thus, regardless of the content of any portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, unless clearly specified to the contrary, such as via explicit definition, assertion, or argument, with respect to any claim, whether of this application and/or any claim of any application claiming priority hereto, and whether originally presented or otherwise:
         there is no requirement for the inclusion of any particular described or illustrated characteristic, function, activity, or element, any particular sequence of activities, or any particular interrelationship of elements;   no characteristic, function, activity, or element is “essential”;   any elements can be integrated, segregated, and/or duplicated;   any activity can be repeated, any activity can be performed by multiple entities, and/or any activity can be performed in multiple jurisdictions; and   any activity or element can be specifically excluded, the sequence of activities can vary, and/or the interrelationship of elements can vary.       

     Moreover, when any number or range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that number or range is approximate. When any range is described herein, unless clearly stated otherwise, that range includes all values therein and all subranges therein. For example, if a range of  1  to  10  is described, that range includes all values therebetween, such as for example,  1 . 1 ,  2 . 5 ,  3 . 335 ,  5 ,  6 . 179 ,  8 . 9999 , etc., and includes all subranges therebetween, such as for example,  1  to  3 . 65 ,  2 . 8  to  8 . 14 ,  1 . 93  to  9 , etc. 
     When any claim element is followed by a drawing element number, that drawing element number is exemplary and non-limiting on claim scope. No claim of this application is intended to invoke paragraph six of 35 USC 112 unless the precise phrase “means for” is followed by a gerund. 
     Any information in any material (e.g., a United States patent, United States patent application, book, article, etc.) that has been incorporated by reference herein, is only incorporated by reference to the extent that no conflict exists between such information and the other statements and drawings set forth herein. In the event of such conflict, including a conflict that would render invalid any claim herein or seeking priority hereto, then any such conflicting information in such material is specifically not incorporated by reference herein. 
     Accordingly, every portion (e.g., title, field, background, summary, description, abstract, drawing figure, etc.) of this application, other than the claims themselves, is to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive, and the scope of subject matter protected by any patent that issues based on this application is defined only by the claims of that patent.