Patent Publication Number: US-11661782-B2

Title: Door control armature assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/564,621 filed Sep. 9, 2019 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,002,055, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure generally relates to door control assemblies, and more particularly but not exclusively relates to shock-absorbing armature assemblies for door closers and/or door openers. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Door control assemblies are frequently installed in closure assemblies to provide a door with a desired operational profile. For example, a door closer may be installed to a closure assembly to ensure that the door returns to its closed position after being opened. However, it has been found that certain existing door control assemblies suffer from certain drawbacks and limitations, such as those relating to robustness and the ability to withstand repeated mechanical shocks and abusive loading conditions. For these reasons among others, there remains a need for further improvements in this technological field. 
     SUMMARY 
     An exemplary armature assembly is configured for use with a door control mounted to one of a door or a doorframe. The door control includes a rotatable pinion, and the armature assembly includes an armature, a shoe, and an elastic component. The armature has a first end and an opposite second end, and the first end includes an opening sized and shaped to receive the pinion at a first interface. The shoe is configured for mounting to the other of the door or the doorframe, and the second end of the armature is pivotally connected to the shoe at a second interface. In certain forms, the elastic component is coupled with the armature and configured to absorb mechanical shocks at one of the first interface or the second interface. In certain forms, the elastic component is configured to absorb mechanical shocks along the length of the armature. Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the present application shall become apparent from the description and figures provided herewith. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a closure assembly including a door control assembly according to certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is an exploded view of a door control assembly including a shock-absorbing armature assembly according to certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  3    is a plan view of one end of an armature of the armature assembly illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a splined elastic component of the armature assembly illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of an adapter of the armature assembly illustrated in  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of the armature assembly illustrated in  FIG.  2    partially installed to a door control. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a door control assembly including a shock-absorbing armature assembly according to certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  8    is an exploded assembly view of a portion of the shock-absorbing armature assembly illustrated in  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a door control assembly including a shock-absorbing armature assembly according to certain embodiments. 
         FIG.  10    is an exploded assembly view of the shock-absorbing armature assembly illustrated in  FIG.  9   . 
         FIG.  11    is a schematic illustration of a retrofit kit for an existing door control assembly. 
         FIG.  12    is a perspective view of a closure assembly according to certain embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS 
     Although the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although reference to a “preferred” component or feature may indicate the desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     Additionally, it should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of “at least one of A, B, and C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Items listed in the form of “A, B, and/or C” can also mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” and/or “at least one portion” should not be interpreted so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” should be interpreted as encompassing both embodiments including only a portion of such element and embodiments including the entirety of such element unless specifically stated to the contrary. 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in certain specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not necessarily be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may be omitted or may be combined with other features. 
     With reference to  FIG.  1   , illustrated therein is a closure assembly  80  according to certain embodiments. The closure assembly  80  generally includes a doorframe  82 , a swinging door  84  pivotally mounted to the doorframe  82 , and a shock-absorbing door control assembly  90  connected between the doorframe  82  and the door  84 . The shock-absorbing door control assembly  90  generally includes a door control  92  mounted to the door  84  and a shock-absorbing armature assembly  100  connected between the door control  92  and the doorframe  82 . The door control  92  generally includes a body  94  and a pinion  96  rotatably mounted to the body  94 . 
     The door  84  is movable relative to the doorframe  82  between an open position and a closed position, and the door control assembly  90  facilitates the movement of the door  84  toward at least one of the open position or the closed position by exerting forces on the pinion  96 . In certain embodiments, the door control  92  may be configured to urge the door  84  from the open position toward the closed position by urging the pinion  96  in a door-closing direction. Additionally or alternatively, the door control  92  may be operable to selectively urge the door  84  from its closed position toward its open position by urging the pinion  96  in a door-opening direction opposite the door-closing direction. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that rotation of the pinion  96  in the door-opening direction and the door-closing direction are respectively correlated with opening and closing of the door  84 . The door control  92  may, for example, include a hydraulic system, a mechanical system, and/or an electromechanical system that provides the door control  92  with the ability to exert the appropriate forces on the pinion. The door control  92  may be provided as any of several conventional types of door control (e.g., a door opener or door closer) that controls movement of a door by exerting forces on a rotatable pinion. Door controls of this type are known in the art, and need not be described in further detail herein. 
     During operation of the closure assembly  80 , it may be the case that mechanical shocks and/or abusive loading conditions are generated. Mechanical shocks and/or abusive loading conditions may be generated in any of a number of ways. As one example, a moving door  84  may be caught by wind and slammed to its open or closed position. As another example, during closing movement of the door  84 , the door  84  may be abruptly pushed in the opening direction by the next person walking through the doorway, or abruptly forced to the closed position. These operations and others may generate abusive loading conditions and/or mechanical shocks that are transmitted from the door  84  to the doorframe  82  via the door control assembly  90 . More particularly, a mechanical shock generated at the door  84  will be transmitted via the pinion  96  to the armature assembly  100 , which is coupled with the doorframe  82 . Left unchecked, these mechanical shocks can have a negative effect on the longevity and performance of the door control assembly  90 . As described herein, however, an elastic component  130  of the armature assembly  100  at least partially absorbs these mechanical shocks, thereby attenuating the deleterious effects thereof. 
     The armature assembly  100  generally includes a shoe  110 , an armature  120  connected between the pinion  96  and the shoe  110 , and an elastic component  130  that absorbs mechanical shocks traveling between the doorframe  82  and the door  84 . In the illustrated form, the door control  92  is mounted to the door  84 , and the shoe  110  is mounted to the doorframe  82 . In other embodiments, however, the door control  92  is mounted to the doorframe  82 , and the shoe  110  is mounted to the door  84 . In certain forms, the door control  92  may be provided as a concealed door control that is mounted within the doorframe  82  or the door  84 . 
     The armature  120  includes a first end  121  coupled with the pinion  96  and an opposite second end  122  pivotably coupled with the shoe  110 . In the illustrated form, the armature  120  includes a first arm  123  defining the first end  121 , a second arm  124  defining the second end  122 , and a pivot joint  125  pivotably coupling the first arm  123  and the second arm  124 . While the illustrated armature  120  is provided in a standard configuration in which the arms  123 ,  124  extend away from the door  84  when the door  84  is in the closed position, it is also contemplated that the armature  120  may be provided in a “parallel arm” configuration, in which the arms  123 ,  124  extend substantially parallel to the door  84  when the door  84  is in the closed position. As described herein, the first end  121  of the armature  120  includes an opening that receives the pinion  96  to define a first interface  101 , and the second end  122  of the armature  120  includes a pivotal connection with the shoe  110  at a second interface  102 . 
     In the illustrated form, the armature assembly  100  includes a shoe  110  that provides a relatively fixed pivot point for the second end  122  of the armature  120 , which includes a first arm  123  and a second arm  124  that are pivotably connected at a pivot joint  125 . In other embodiments, the armature  120  may include a single rigid arm defining both the first end  121  and the second end  122 . In such forms, the shoe  110  may provide a traveling pivot point for the second armature end  122 . For example, the shoe  110  may include a slide track along which the second end  122  slides as the door  84  moves between its open and closed positions. Further details regarding such an embodiment are provided below with reference to  FIG.  12   . 
     The elastic component  130  may take any of a number of forms, and may be provided at any of a number of locations relative to the armature  120 . In certain forms, an elastic component  132  may be provided at or near the interface  101  between the pinion  96  and the first armature end  121  to absorb mechanical shocks that would otherwise be transmitted between the pinion  96  and the armature  120 . An exemplary embodiment of such an elastic component is described below with reference to  FIGS.  2 - 6   . In certain forms, an elastic component  134  may be provided between the first armature end  121  and the second armature end  122  to absorb mechanical shocks that would otherwise be transmitted along the armature  120 . An exemplary embodiment of such an elastic component is described below with reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   . In certain forms, an elastic component  136  may be provided at or near the interface  102  between the shoe  110  and the second armature end  122  to absorb mechanical shocks that would otherwise be transmitted between the armature  120  and the shoe  110 . An exemplary embodiment of such an elastic component is described below with reference to  FIGS.  9  and  10   . It should be appreciated that each of the elastic components  132 ,  134 ,  136  may be used either alone or in combination with one or both of the other elastic components  132 ,  134 ,  136 . 
     As described herein, the shock-absorbing armature assembly  100  may be provided as a retrofit kit configured for use with an existing door control  92  to convert an existing door control assembly into a shock-absorbing door control assembly  90 . In certain forms, such a retrofit kit may include a shock-absorbing elastic component  132  at the interface  101  between the pinion  96  and the first armature end  121 . Such a retrofit kit may additionally or alternatively include a shock-absorbing elastic component  134  along the armature  120 . The retrofit kit may additionally or alternatively include a shock-absorbing elastic component  136  at the interface  102  between the shoe  110  and the second armature end  122 . Thus, the retrofit kit may include the first shock-absorbing elastic component  132 , the second shock-absorbing elastic component  134 , and/or the third shock-absorbing elastic component  136 . Further details regarding exemplary forms of retrofit kits are described below with reference to  FIG.  11   . 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  2   , illustrated therein is the door control  92  along with an armature assembly  200  according to certain embodiments. The armature assembly  200  is an embodiment of the above-described armature assembly  100 , and generally includes a shoe  210 , an armature  220 , and an elastic member  230  connected between the pinion  96  and the first end  221  of the armature  220  at a first interface  201 . As described herein, the illustrated armature assembly  200  further includes an adapter  240  connected between the pinion  96  and the elastic member  230 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  3   , the armature  220  includes a first arm  223  defining a first end  221  of the armature  220 , a second arm  224  defining a second end  222  of the armature  220 , and a pivot joint  225  pivotably coupling the first arm  223  and the second arm  224 . The first armature end  221  defines a cavity  226  having a plurality of armature splines  228  defined therein, and gaps  229  are defined between the armature splines  228 . While the illustrated armature  220  includes four armature splines  228 , it is also contemplated that more or fewer armature splines  228  may be utilized. 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  4   , the elastic member  230  is provided as a splined member  230  configured to rotationally couple the adapter  240  with the armature  220 . The splined member  230  includes a plurality of radial splines  232  having channels  234  defined therebetween. While the illustrated splined member  230  includes eight splines  232 , it is also contemplated that more or fewer splines  232  may be utilized. The splines  232  extend radially outward from a body portion  236 , which has a central opening  237  defined therein. The channels  234  are configured to receive the splines  228  of the armature  220  and splines  242  of the adapter  240 . The splined member  230  is sized and shaped to be seated in the cavity  226  with each armature spline  228  received in a corresponding and respective one of the channels  234 . 
     As described herein, the splined member  230  is configured to transfer torque between the armature  220  and the adapter  240 , which is coupled with the pinion  96 . The splined member  230  may be formed of an elastic material having a resiliency sufficient to absorb mechanical shocks transmitted between the armature  220  and the pinion  96 , while having a shore hardness sufficient to transfer high torques between the pinion  96  and the armature  220 . While other materials are contemplated, it has been found that silicone is one material that may have the desired properties related to resiliency and shore hardness. 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  5   , the adapter  240  is configured to couple the splined member  230  with the pinion  96 , and includes a plurality of adapter splines  242  that have spaces  244  defined therebetween. The adapter splines  242  extend from a base  246  that defines an opening  247  sized and shaped for rotational coupling with the pinion  96 . In the illustrated form, the opening  247  is defined by a wall  248  that receives the pinion  96  and extends into the central opening  237  of the splined member  230 . 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  6   , the adapter  240  may be mounted to the pinion  96  such that the pinion  96  extends into the opening  247 , thereby rotationally coupling the adapter  240  with the pinion  96 . When the splined member  230  is mounted to the adapter  240 , each adapter spline  242  is received in a corresponding and respective channel  234  of the splined member  230 . In the illustrated form, alternating channels  234  are left open to receive the armature splines  228 . When the splined member  230  and the adapter  240  are seated in the cavity  226 , the armature splines  228  are received in the remaining channels  234 . Thus, the splined member  230  is capable of transmitting torque between the armature  220  and the coupled pinion  96  and adapter  240 . Additionally, each spline  232  of the splined member  230  is received between an adapter spline  242  and an armature spline  228 . Due to the fact that the splined member  230  is formed of a resilient or elastic material (e.g., silicone), the splined member  230  will absorb and/or attenuate mechanical shocks that would otherwise be transmitted between the pinion  96  and the armature  220 . 
     In the illustrated form, the armature assembly  200  is configured as a retrofit kit for an existing door control  92 , and the adapter  240  is configured for rotational coupling with the existing pinion  96 . More particularly, the opening  247  is provided as a hexagonal opening sized and shaped to rotationally couple with the existing hexagonal-shaped pinion  96 . As such, the armature assembly  200  may be utilized to retrofit an existing door control assembly to provide a door control assembly  90  with mechanical shock attenuation benefits. It is also contemplated that the armature assembly  200  may be provided in a door control assembly  90  at the time of sale to the end user. Additionally, while the illustrated pinion  96  and adapter  240  couple with one another via mating hexagonal features, it is to be appreciated that other geometries may also be utilized for rotational coupling. 
     In certain forms, a retrofit kit may include only a portion of the illustrated armature assembly  200 . For example, a retrofit kit may include the first arm  223 , the splined member  230 , and the adapter  240 , which taken together may be considered to define a retrofit component and a shock absorber in the form of the splined member  230 . In certain forms, the retrofit component may be considered to include the shock absorber. Further details regarding illustrative embodiments of retrofit kits are provided below with reference to  FIG.  11   . 
     With additional reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , illustrated therein is the closure assembly  80  having installed thereto an armature assembly  300  according to certain embodiments. The armature assembly  300  is an embodiment of the armature assembly  100 , and generally includes a shoe  310 , an armature  320 , and an elastic mechanism  330  configured to absorb and attenuate mechanical shocks traveling along the armature  320 . 
     The armature  320  has a first end  321  rotationally coupled with the pinion  96 , and a second end  322  pivotably coupled with the shoe  310 . The armature  320  further includes a first arm  323  defining the first end  321 , a second arm  324  defining the second end  322 , and a pivot joint  325  pivotably coupling the first arm  323  and the second arm  324 . The second arm  324  is provided as a multi-piece assembly, and generally includes the elastic mechanism  330 , a distal arm portion  340  coupled to the pivot joint  325 , a proximal arm portion  350  slidably coupled to the distal arm portion  340  and defining the second end  322 , and a retention mechanism  360  mounted to the distal arm portion  340 . 
     In the illustrated form, the elastic mechanism  330  is provided as a dual-spring mechanism  330  that generally includes a proximal anchor  332  defining a first threaded aperture  333 , a distal anchor  334  defining a second threaded aperture  335 , an intermediate anchor  336  defining a third threaded aperture  337 , a proximal coil spring  338  engaged between the proximal anchor  332  and the intermediate anchor  336 , and a distal coil spring  339  engaged between the distal anchor  334  and the intermediate anchor  336 . As described herein, the dual-spring mechanism  330  is configured to transmit forces between the distal arm portion  340  and the proximal arm portion  350  while absorbing and attenuating mechanical shocks traveling along the second arm  324  and abusive loading conditions exerted on the second arm  324 . 
     The distal arm portion  340  is coupled with the pivot joint  325 , and generally defines a cavity  342  extending along the longitudinal axis of the second arm  324 , a longitudinally-extending first slot  344  in communication with the cavity  342 , a longitudinally-extending second slot  346  in communication with the cavity  342 , and a channel  348  positioned adjacent the second slot  346 . As described in further detail below, the elastic mechanism  330  is seated in the cavity  342 , the proximal arm portion  350  is mounted within the channel  348  and connected with the dual-spring mechanism  330  via the second slot  346 , and the retention mechanism  360  is connected with the dual-spring mechanism  330  via the first slot  344 . 
     The proximal arm portion  350  is pivotably coupled with the shoe  310 , and includes a pivot  351  formed at a proximal end thereof and an aperture  352  formed at a distal end portion thereof. The pivot  351  is configured for coupling with the shoe  310  to pivotably mount the proximal arm portion  350  to the shoe  310 . A fastener such as a bolt  354  extends through the aperture  352  and into the third threaded aperture  337  such that the distal end of the proximal arm portion  350  is coupled with the intermediate anchor  336 . 
     The retention mechanism  360  includes a plate  361  having a proximal aperture and a distal aperture formed on opposite end portions of the plate  361 , a proximal bolt  362 , and a distal bolt  364 . The plate  361  includes a base portion  365  having a first width greater than the width of the first slot  344  and an extension  366  having a second width that is less than the first width and which corresponds to the width of the first slot  344 . The extension  366  is received in the first slot  344  such that the extension  366  and the first slot  344  cooperate to guide the retention mechanism  360  for longitudinal movement. The proximal bolt  362  extends through the proximal aperture and into the first threaded aperture  333  such that the plate  361  is coupled with the proximal anchor  332  via the proximal bolt  362 . Similarly, the distal bolt  364  extends through the distal aperture and into the second threaded aperture  335  such that the plate  361  is coupled with the distal anchor  334  via the distal bolt  364 . 
     When the second arm  324  is assembled, the distal arm portion  340  and the proximal arm portion  350  are slidably coupled with one another via the dual-spring mechanism  330  and the retention mechanism  360 . The second arm  324  has an effective length defined as the length between the pivot joints  325 ,  351 . When the bolts  362 ,  364  are tightened, the edges of the first slot  344  are clamped between the base portion  365  and the anchors  332 ,  334 , thereby providing the anchors  332 ,  334  with fixed longitudinal positions. The dual spring mechanism  330  has an equilibrium state in which the forces imparted on the intermediate anchor  336  via the springs  338 ,  339  are generally equal. With the intermediate anchor  336  coupled to the proximal arm portion  350 , this equilibrium state corresponds to a mean effective length of the second arm  324 . When the door  84  is going through opening or closing movement, the actual effective length of the second arm  324  may vary slightly due to the elasticity of the springs  338 ,  339 . When the door  84  reaches its closed position, however, the dual-spring mechanism  330  will generally return to its equilibrium state, thereby returning the second arm  324  to its mean effective length. When the bolts  362 ,  364  are loose, the mean effective length of the second arm  324  is adjustable. More particularly, the proximal arm portion  340  and the distal arm portion  350  are slidable relative to one another to adjust the mean effective length. Adjustment of this type is typically performed during installation and/or maintenance to ensure that the mean effective length of the second arm  324  is appropriate for the particular installation. 
     As noted above, when the bolts  362 ,  364  are tightened, the mean effective length of the second arm  324  is fixed. During operation of the closure assembly  80 , it may be the case that an abusive loading condition such as a mechanical shock load is imparted to the door  84 , for example as a result of the above-described conditions. Depending upon the particular type of shock load imparted, one of the springs  338 ,  339  will deform to partially absorb the shock load, thereby attenuating the shock. Should the shock load tend to compress the second arm  324 , the distal spring  339  will compress, whereas tensile shock loads will tend to compress the proximal spring  338 . In either event, the compression of the spring  338 / 339  aids in absorbing the shock load traveling along the length of the second arm  324  and reducing the strain experienced by the second arm  324  as a result of the abusive loading condition. 
     In the illustrated form, the armature assembly  300  is configured as a retrofit kit for an existing door control  92 . As such, the armature assembly  300  may be utilized to retrofit an existing door control assembly to provide a door control assembly  90  with mechanical shock attenuation benefits. In certain forms, a retrofit kit may include only a portion of the illustrated armature assembly  300 . For example, a retrofit kit may include the second arm  224  as a retrofit component with a shock absorber in the form of the dual spring mechanism  330 . In certain forms, such a retrofit component may be considered to include the shock absorber. Further details regarding illustrative embodiments of retrofit kits are provided below with reference to  FIG.  11   . It is also contemplated that the armature assembly  300  may be provided in a door control assembly  90  at the time of sale to the end user. 
     With additional reference to  FIGS.  9  and  10   , illustrated therein is the closure assembly  80  having installed thereto an armature assembly  400  according to certain embodiments. The armature assembly  400  is an embodiment of the armature assembly  100 , and generally includes a shoe  410 , an armature  420 , and an elastic component  430  configured to absorb and attenuate mechanical shocks traveling between the armature  420  and the shoe  410 . As described herein, the armature assembly  400  further includes a dual pivot mechanism  440  by which the armature  420  is pivotably coupled to the shoe  410 , and the elastic component  430  is engaged between the shoe  410  and the dual pivot mechanism  440  at an interface  402 . 
     The shoe  410  generally includes a base plate  412  and a pair of arms  414  extending from the base plate  412 . A pivot pin  416  extends through apertures in the arms  414  to pivotably couple a pivot member  442  of the dual pivot mechanism  440  to the shoe  410 . Provided on the base plate  412  are a pair of recesses  413  at which the base plate  412  engages springs  434 ,  436  of the elastic component  430 . It is also contemplated that the base plate  412  may include a pair of bosses on which the springs  434 ,  436  are mounted. 
     The armature  420  includes a first end  421  rotationally coupled with the pinion  96  and an opposite second end  422  pivotably coupled with the shoe  410  via the dual pivot mechanism  440 . In the illustrated form, the armature  420  includes a first arm  423  defining the first end  421 , a second arm  424  defining the second end  422 , and a pivot joint  425  pivotably coupling the first arm  423  and the second arm  424 . In certain embodiments, one or both of the arms  423 ,  424  may include an elastic component configured to absorb mechanical shocks. As one example, the first arm  423  may be provided in the form of the first arm  223  described with reference to  FIGS.  2 - 6   , which is operable to be coupled with the pinion  96  via the splined member  230  and the adapter  240 . Additionally or alternatively, the second arm  424  may be provided in the form of the second arm  324  described with reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   , which includes a shock absorber in the form of the elastic mechanism  330 . In certain embodiments, one or both of the arms  423 ,  424  may be provided as a conventional arm that does not include a shock absorbing mechanism. 
     In the illustrated form, the elastic component  430  is provided in the form of a pair of compression springs  434 ,  436 , each of which is engaged between the pivot member  442  and the base plate  412 . It is also contemplated that one or both of the springs  434 ,  436  may take another form, such as that of a torsion spring or a leaf spring. 
     The dual pivot mechanism  440  includes the pivot member  442 , which includes a first arm  444 , a second arm  446 , and a body  448  from which the arms  444 ,  446  project in opposite directions. Each of the arms  444 ,  446  includes a cavity operable to receive the second end  422  of the armature  420 . In the illustrated form, the second armature end  422  is pivotably coupled to the first arm  444  by a pivot pin  404 . It is also contemplated that the second armature end  422  may be pivotably coupled to the second arm  446 . In certain embodiments, one of the arms  444 ,  446  may not necessarily be configured for coupling with the second armature end  422  such that the armature  420  can only be coupled to the other of the arms  444 ,  446 . The body  448  is pivotably coupled to the arms  414  of the shoe  410  by the pivot pin  416 . 
     In the illustrated form, the armature assembly  400  is configured as a retrofit kit for an existing door control  92 . As such, the armature assembly  400  may be utilized to retrofit an existing door control assembly to provide a door control assembly  90  with mechanical shock attenuation benefits. In certain forms, a retrofit kit may include only a portion of the illustrated armature assembly  400 . For example, a retrofit kit may include the shoe  410 , the elastic component  430 , and the dual pivot mechanism  440 , which together may be considered to define a retrofit shoe with a shock absorber in the form of the elastic component  430 . In certain forms, such a retrofit shoe may be considered to include the shock absorber. Further details regarding illustrative embodiments of retrofit kits are provided below with reference to  FIG.  11   . It is also contemplated that the armature assembly  400  may be provided in a door control assembly  90  at the time of sale to the end user. 
     When the armature assembly  400  is installed to the closure assembly  80 , the elastic component  430  absorbs and attenuates mechanical shocks traveling between the armature  420  and the shoe  410 . For example, a shock load tending to push the armature  420  toward the shoe  410  will cause the first arm  444  to pivot toward the base plate  412 , thereby compressing the spring  434  positioned between the first arm  444  and the base plate  412 . Conversely, a shock load tending to pull the armature  420  away from the shoe  410  will cause the second arm  446  to pivot toward the base plate  412 , thereby compressing the spring  436  positioned between the second arm  446  and the base plate  412 . In either event, the elastic component  430  attenuates the mechanical shock, thereby reducing propagation of vibrations resulting from such shock. 
     As noted above, the concepts described herein may be utilized in connection with a retrofit kit for retrofitting an existing closure assembly. An example of such a closure assembly  500  is illustrated in  FIG.  11   , along with a retrofit kit  520  configured for use with the closure assembly  500 . The existing closure assembly  500  includes a first structure  502 , a second structure  504 , a door control  506  mounted to the first structure  502 , and an armature assembly  510  coupling the door control  506  with the second structure. In the illustrated embodiment, the first structure  502  is provided as a door, and the second structure  504  is provided as a doorframe on which the door is swingingly mounted to the doorframe. In other embodiments, the first structure  502  may be provided as a doorframe, and the second structure  504  may be provided as a door swingingly mounted to the doorframe. The door control  506  includes a pinion  507  that is rotatable relative to a body of the door control  506 . 
     In the illustrated form, the armature assembly  510  includes a shoe  511  mounted to the second structure  504 , a first arm  512  defining a first end  513  rotationally coupled with the pinion  507 , a second arm  514  defining a second end  515  pivotably coupled with the shoe  511 , and a pivot joint pivotably coupling the first arm  512  with the second arm  514 . 
     Retrofitting the existing closure assembly  500  involves the use of a retrofit kit  520 , which includes one or more retrofit components configured to replace a corresponding component of the existing armature assembly  510 . At least one of the retrofit components is provided with a mechanical shock absorber, and in certain embodiments may be considered to include the shock absorber. The illustrated retrofit kit  520  includes a retrofit shoe  521  configured to replace the existing shoe  511 , a retrofit first arm  522  configured to replace the existing first arm  512 , and a retrofit second arm  524  configured to replace the existing second arm  514 . It is also contemplated that a retrofit kit may omit one or more of the retrofit shoe  521 , the retrofit first arm  522 , and/or the retrofit second arm  524 , so long as the retrofit kit  520  includes at least one retrofit component (e.g., the retrofit shoe  521 , the retrofit first arm  522 , and/or the retrofit second arm  524 ). 
     The retrofit kit  520  includes at least one shock absorbing component, and may further include one or more conventional components. The retrofit kit  520  includes at least one of a shock-absorbing shoe  531 , a shock-absorbing first arm  532 , or a shock-absorbing second arm  534 , and may further include one or more of a conventional shoe  541 , a conventional first arm  542 , or a conventional second arm  544 . For example, in embodiments in which the retrofit kit  520  does not include the shock-absorbing shoe  531 , the retrofit kit  520  may include the conventional shoe  541 . 
     In certain embodiments, the retrofit kit  520  may include a retrofit shoe  521  in the form of a shock-absorbing shoe  531 . Such an embodiment of the retrofit kit  520  may further include a retrofit first arm  522  (e.g., a shock-absorbing first arm  532  or a conventional first arm  542 ) and/or a retrofit second arm  524  (e.g., a shock-absorbing second arm  534  or a conventional second arm  544 ). The shock-absorbing shoe  531  includes a shock absorber  551 , which may be configured to absorb mechanical shocks at the interface between the first arm and the shoe  531 . One example of a shock-absorbing shoe is described above with reference to  FIGS.  9  and  10   . 
     In certain embodiments, the retrofit kit  520  may include a retrofit first arm  522  in the form of a shock-absorbing first arm  532 . Such an embodiment of the retrofit kit  520  may further include a retrofit shoe  521  (e.g., a shock-absorbing shoe  531  or a conventional shoe  541 ) and/or a retrofit second arm  524  (e.g., a shock-absorbing second arm  534  or a conventional second arm  544 ). The shock-absorbing first arm  532  includes a shock absorber  552 , which may be configured to absorb mechanical shocks at the interface between the first arm  532  and the pinion  96 . One example of a shock-absorbing first arm is described above with reference to  FIGS.  2 - 6   . 
     In certain embodiments, the retrofit kit  520  may include a retrofit second arm  524  in the form of a shock-absorbing second arm  534 . Such an embodiment of the retrofit kit  520  may further include a retrofit shoe  521  (e.g., a shock-absorbing shoe  531  or a conventional shoe  541 ) and/or a retrofit first arm  522  (e.g., a shock-absorbing first arm  532  or a conventional first arm  542 ). The shock-absorbing second arm  534  includes a shock absorber  554 , which may be configured to absorb mechanical shocks traveling along the second arm  534 . One example of a shock-absorbing second is described above with reference to  FIGS.  7  and  8   . 
     In the illustrated form, the retrofit kit  520  is configured to replace the entire existing armature assembly  510 . In other embodiments, a retrofit kit  520  may include a single retrofit component that includes a shock absorbing mechanism configured to absorb mechanical shocks traveling between the pinion  507  and the second structure  504 . 
     As noted above, the retrofit kit  520  may be utilized to retrofit the existing closure assembly  500  to provide a closure assembly with shock attenuation benefits, such as the closure assembly  80  illustrated in  FIG.  1   . A method of retrofitting the closure assembly  500  may involve removing at least a portion of the armature assembly  510 , thereby providing a removed component. The retrofit kit  520  includes at least a retrofit component configured to replace the removed component, and a shock absorber configured to absorb mechanical shocks. 
     In embodiments in which the retrofit kit  520  includes the shock-absorbing shoe  531 , the retrofitting process may involve removing the existing shoe  511  from the second structure  504 , and replacing the existing shoe  511  with the shock-absorbing shoe  531 . In embodiments in which the retrofit kit  520  is provided as a complete retrofit kit, the process may further involve decoupling the existing first arm  512  from the pinion  507  and coupling the retrofit first arm  522  to the pinion  507 . In certain embodiments, the process may further involve pivotably coupling the end of the retrofit second arm  524  with the shock-absorbing shoe  531 , while in other embodiments the retrofit second arm  524  and the shock-absorbing shoe  531  may be provided in an already-coupled state. 
     In embodiments in which the retrofit kit  520  includes the shock-absorbing first arm  532 , the retrofitting process may involve removing the existing first arm  512  from the pinion  507 , and replacing the existing first arm  512  with the shock-absorbing first arm  532 . In embodiments in which the retrofit kit  520  is provided as a complete retrofit kit, the process may further involve decoupling the existing shoe  511  from the second structure  504  and coupling the retrofit shoe  521  to the second structure  504 . In certain embodiments, the process may further involve pivotably coupling the end of the retrofit second arm  524  with the retrofit shoe  521 , while in other embodiments the retrofit second arm  524  and the shock-absorbing shoe  531  may be provided in an already-coupled state. 
     In embodiments in which the retrofit kit  520  includes the shock-absorbing second arm  534 , the retrofitting process may involve removing the existing second arm  514 , and replacing the existing second arm  514  with the shock-absorbing first arm  532 . In embodiments in which the retrofit kit  520  is provided as a complete retrofit kit, the process may further involve decoupling the existing shoe  511  from the second structure  504  and coupling the retrofit shoe  521  to the second structure  504 , as well as decoupling the existing first arm  512  from the pinion  507  and coupling the retrofit first arm  522  to the pinion  507 . In certain embodiments, the process may further involve pivotably coupling the end of the shock-absorbing second arm  534  with the retrofit shoe  521 , while in other embodiments the second arm  534  and the shock-absorbing shoe  531  may be provided in an already-coupled state. 
     While certain embodiments of shock absorbing mechanisms have been described herein, it is to be appreciated that the shock absorbers may take forms other than those specifically described hereinabove, such as cushions, resilient pads, or fluid dampers. Additionally, while certain embodiments described hereinabove utilize one particular form of spring, it is to be appreciated that other forms of elastic members may be utilized. For example, although the elastic component  430  of the armature assembly  400  is illustrated as including two compression springs  434 ,  436 , it is also contemplated that other forms of elastic components may be utilized, such as torsion springs, leaf springs, extension springs, or a block of elastic material. 
     With additional reference to  FIG.  12   , illustrated therein is a closure assembly  80 ′ according to certain embodiments. The closure assembly  80 ′ is substantially similar to the above-described closure assembly  80 , and includes the doorframe  82 , the door  84 , and a door control assembly  90 ′ including a door control  92 ′ and an armature assembly  600  according to certain embodiments. As with the door control  92 , the door control  92 ′ includes a body  94 ′ and a pinion  96 ′ rotatably mounted to the body  94 ′. Additionally, the armature assembly  600  includes a shoe  610  mounted to the door  84 , and armature  620  connected between the shoe  610  and the pinion  96 ′, and an elastic component  630  configured to absorb mechanical shocks and attenuate abusive loading conditions. 
     The closure assembly  80 ′ and the components thereof are substantially similar to the above-described closure assembly  80  and the components thereof. In the interest of conciseness, the following description of the closure assembly  80 ′ focuses primarily on elements and features of the closure assembly  80 ′ that are different from those described above with reference to the closure assembly  80 . Additionally, it should be appreciated that the concepts described in connection with the retrofit kits illustrated in  FIG.  11    may be utilized in connection with the armature assembly  600  of the current embodiment. 
     In the closure assembly  80 ′, the door control  90 ′ is mounted to the doorframe  82 , and the shoe  610  is mounted to the door  84 . The shoe  610  defines a track  612  that provides a traveling pivot point for the second end  622  of the armature  620 . The elastic component  630  may be provided at one or more of the interface  601  between the pinion  96 ′ and the first armature end  621 , the interface  602  between the shoe  610  and the second armature end  622 , and along the length of the armature  620 . In certain embodiments, an elastic component  632  may be provided at the interface  601  between the pinion  96 ′ and the first armature end  621 . Such an elastic component  632  may, for example, be provided in the form illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 6   . In certain embodiments, an elastic component  634  may be provided at the interface  602  between the shoe  610  and the second armature end  622 . Such an elastic component  634  may, for example, be provided along the lines of that illustrated in  FIGS.  2 - 6   . In certain forms, an elastic component  636  may be provided at the armature  620 , for example along the lines of the elastic mechanism illustrated in  FIGS.  7  and  8   . 
     While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in the description above indicate that the feature so described may be more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as “a,” “an,” “at least one,” or “at least one portion” are used there is no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language “at least a portion” and/or “a portion” is used the item can include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated to the contrary.