Patent Publication Number: US-2023140013-A1

Title: Door holder assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/272,840, filed on Oct. 28, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth. 
    
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
     This application relates to a door accessory, and more specifically relates to a door holder. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various types of devices are known for holding doors open or in a fixed position. For example, many different types of wedges are available that require a user to push the wedge into engagement with the bottom surface of the door and the ground. Other types of door holders can include a wall-mounted hook assembly that engages a corresponding loop or holder mounted to a surface of the door. 
     These known types of door holders are often either difficult to install or unreliable at continuously holding the door in a fixed position due to strength capacity issues. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An improved door holding device is disclosed herein. The device includes a first hinge engagement region and a second hinge engagement region. At least one of the first or second hinge engagement regions includes at least one magnetic element and the device is configured to hold a door in an open state when the at least one magnetic element engages with a door hinge plate. One portion or surface of the device can be configured to engage against a portion of a door frame or structure, such as a door jamb. 
     In one aspect, the device further includes a handle extending away from the first and second hinge engagement regions. The handle can have a circular profile, in one aspect. A length of the handle can be greater than a length of the first hinge engagement region and a length of the second hinge engagement region, in one aspect. 
     The first and second hinge engagement regions can be oriented 70 degrees - 110 degrees from each other. In one aspect, the first and second hinge engagement regions are oriented approximately 90 degrees from each other. 
     The first and second magnetic elements can be formed as neodymium magnets. In one aspect, the first and second magnetic elements protrude from the first and second hinge engagement regions. In another aspect, the first and second magnetic elements are recessed from an outer surface of the first and second hinge engagement regions. The magnetic elements can be inserted into the relevant portions of the device via slots formed on side surfaces of the first and second hinge engagement regions. 
     The device can be formed from plastic, in one aspect. In another aspect, the device is formed from wood, metal, or other material. 
     Adjustment features can be implemented throughout the device. For example, the device can further comprise at least one adjustment feature configured to change a length or orientation of one portion of the device relative to another. A length of at least one of the first or second hinge engagement regions can also be adjustable. In one aspect, an angle between the first and second hinge engagement regions is adjustable. This allows the device to be used in door frames of varying profiles, geometries, shapes, sizes, etc. 
     Additional embodiments, variations and aspects are disclosed herein. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing Summary and the following Detailed Description will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings, which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the drawings: 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a door holding device according to one aspect. 
         FIG.  2    is another perspective view of the door holding device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  3    is a side view of the door holding device of  FIG.  1   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a door holding device according to another aspect. 
         FIG.  5    is a top perspective view of the door holding device of  FIG.  4   . 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a door holding device according to another aspect. 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of a door holding device according to another aspect. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of a door holding device according to another aspect. 
         FIG.  9 A  is a side view of a door holding device according to another aspect. 
         FIG.  9 B  is a top perspective view of the door holding device of  FIG.  9 A . 
         FIG.  10 A  illustrates the device prior to installation with a hinge. 
         FIG.  10 B  illustrates the device after installation with the hinge. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As shown in  FIGS.  1 - 10 B , the present device (indicated by numerals  10 ,  110 ,  210 ,  310 ,  410 ,  510 ) can include a body with a first end  10   a  defining a handle  20 , and a second end  10   b  defining a door engagement assembly  30 . The door engagement assembly  30  includes a first hinge engagement region  32   a  and a second hinge engagement region  32   b  that are configured to engage with opposing portions or hinge plates  100   a ,  100   b  of a door hinge  100 . In one example, the second hinge engagement region  32   b  can also include an abutment region  33  that is configured to engage with a door frame, door jamb, or other structural component. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the first hinge engagement region  32   a  could also include an abutment region. 
     The device  10  can include a bottom surface  15  defined distally relative to the second end  10   b . A connection region  32   c  can be defined between the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b . The connection region  32   c  can be slanted or angled relative to both the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b . The connection regions  32   c  can be configured to face towards the knuckles and pin of a door hinge. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   , the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b  are generally oriented at an angle (θ) relative to each other. In one aspect, the angle (θ) is configured to be approximately  90  degrees. In one aspect, the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b  are oriented at 70 degrees - 110 degrees relative to each other. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that this orientation can be modified to be suited for a particular doorway or application. Additionally, in one aspect, the device  10  can include an adjustment feature that allows a user to adjust a relative angle between the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b . 
     In one aspect, the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b  have an identical profile. In another aspect, the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b  have different shapes or lengths. For example, as shown in the drawings, the second hinge engagement region  32   b  can be longer than the first hinge engagement region  32   a . 
     In one aspect, the handle  20  extends perpendicular from an intersection or connection region between the first hinge engagement region  32   a  and the second hinge engagement region  32   b . The orientation, shape, and profile of the handle  20  can vary. In one aspect, a length of the handle  20  is greater than a length of either one of the first or second hinge engagement regions  32   a ,  32   b . The handle  20  can have a smooth outer profile for comfort when a user grabs the handle  20  to place it within a hinge region. Grips or other textured features can be applied to the handle  20  for ease of use and gripping. 
     The first and second hinge engagement regions  32   a ,  32   b  can each include at least one magnetic elements  34   a ,  34   b . In one aspect, the magnetic elements  34   a ,  34   b  protrude from an outer surface of the first and second hinge engagement regions  32   a ,  32   b . In another aspect, the magnetic elements  34   a ,  34   b  are recessed from an outer surface of the first and second hinge engagement regions  32   a ,  32   b . Various configurations for the device are described in more detail herein. 
     Adjustment features and adjustability elements can be implemented throughout the device  10 . For example, a length of the handle  20  can be modified or have a feature that allows users to lengthen and shorten the handle  20 . This can be done in order to reduce the profile of the handle  20  once the device  10  is installed and manual engagement with the handle  20  is no longer necessary. In another aspect, a length of at least one of the first or second hinge engagement regions  32   a ,  32   b  can be adjusted. 
     A shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , an extension adjustment assembly  140  can be provided that allows for adjustment of the side of the device  110  including the second hinge engagement region  132   b . As shown in  FIGS.  4  and  5   , an extension  135  is provided that is connected to the second hinge engagement region  132   b . In one example, rotation of the extension  135  in the rotational direction (R) causes the extension  135  to either move towards or away (i.e. in direction (X)) from the second hinge engagement region  132   b . In one aspect, a length of the least one of the first or second hinge engagement regions can be lengthened or shortened by at least 25% of a total length of the first or second hinge engagement regions. In another aspect, the length of one part can be adjusted by 10% - 100%. Moving the extension  135  inward or outward can be done by a user to allow the device  110  to fit in doors having a smaller frame or a larger frame such that the device  110  is adaptable to multiple door frame structures. The extension  135  can define the abutment region  133  for the door frame or door jamb. As shown in  FIG.  5   , pockets  133   a ,  133   b  can be provided for receiving magnetic elements. These pockets  133   a ,  133   b  can be dimensioned such that the magnetic elements sit flush with an outer surface of the hinge engagement regions  132   a ,  132   b , in one example. The magnetic elements can be secured within the pockets  133   a ,  133   b  via a press fit or interference fit, and/or can be secured via the use of an adhesive or glue substance to retain the magnetic elements with the device. 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG.  6   , the device  210  can include magnetic elements that are configured to be inserted from a side area through respective slots  236   a ,  236   b  defined on the first and second hinge engagement regions  232   a ,  232   b . 
     In the configuration shown in  FIG.  7   , the device  310  can include magnetic elements  334   a ,  334   b  configured to be encased or fully enclosed within the device, as shown by broken lines in  FIG.  7   . A thickness of the wall of the device in the area of the magnetic elements  334   a ,  334   b  can be of a predefined thickness such that the magnetic elements  334   a ,  334   b  are sufficiently strong enough to still be attracted to the door hinge. The magnetic elements  334   a ,  334   b  are shown in dashed since the magnetic elements  334   a ,  334   b  are not visible from an exterior of the device  310 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   , the device  410  can include additional features. For example, a bottom surface  415  of the device  410  can include an additional magnetic element  438 . In one example, this magnetic element  438  can be used for storing the device  410  in an upright position. As also shown in  FIG.  8   , the device  410  can include an attachment assembly  440 . In one example, the attachment assembly  440  can include a plurality of chains and a hook. The attachment assembly  440  can be configured to latch onto or attach to portions adjacent to a door for storing the device  410 . For example, existing doors, particularly in hotels, include a secondary locking assembly which typically includes a chain and a locking component that is configured to engage within a slot. The attachment assembly  440  can be configured to attach to these types of secondary locking assemblies, or other features surrounding a door. In another aspect, the device can include a hole dimensioned to receive a hook or other hanging element such that the device can be stored. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  9 A and  9 B , the device  510  can include the first and second hinge engagement regions  532   a ,  532   b , as well as a first extension  535   a  and a second extension  535   b . An extension adjustment assembly  540  can be arranged between the first extension  535   a  and the second extension  535   b  to adjust a relative spacing between the first extension  535   a  and the second extension  535   b . The second extension  535   b  can define an abutment region  533  for a door structure, jamb, or element. The extension adjustment assembly  540  can function in a similar manner as the extension adjustment assembly  140 . 
     A hinge adjustment assembly  550  can be arranged between the second hinge engagement region  532   b  and the first extension  535   a . The hinge adjustment assembly  550  can include a locking assembly  550 ′ that is configured to allow a user to selectively lock and unlock the hinge adjustment assembly  550 . In on example, the locking assembly  550 ′ is a knob that is configured to be rotated in a first direction to lock the hinge adjustment assembly  550  in place, and rotated in a second direction to unlock the hinge adjustment assembly  550  and allow relative adjustment between the first extension  535   a  and the first and second hinge engagement regions  532   a ,  532   b . 
     The combination of the extension adjustment assembly  540  and the hinge adjustment assembly  550  can be configured to provide at least two degrees of adjustability. The device  510  is thereby configured to be adaptable to various types of door frame structures. The device  510  is illustrated with open pockets for receiving the magnetic elements, but one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the magnetic elements could be housed internally in the device, inserted into side pockets of the device, or otherwise arranged on the device. 
     One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the exact position of the magnetic elements can vary so long as the magnetic elements have a sufficient magnetic attraction to a hinge plate. 
     The magnetic elements  34   a ,  34   b  can comprise neodymium magnets. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that various types of magnets could be used. In one aspect, only one magnet is provided on one of the first or second hinge engagement regions  32   a ,  32   b . 
     In one aspect, the device  10  is configured to engage with door hinges that are formed from a ferromagnetic material. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the device  10  can be modified to engage with other types of hinges and doorways. 
     In one aspect, the device  10  includes a body that is formed via 3-D printing. The device  10  can be formed from plastic, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the device  10  can be formed from metal, wood, or any other material. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand that other types of materials and formation methods can be used to form the device  10 . 
     As compared to other fastening or securing elements, such as adhesives, the magnets in the device provide a reliable and re-usable configuration. Repeated use, including removal and installation, does not alter or lessen the ability of the device to hold a door hinge in an open position. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B , a user can manually engage the handle  20  and place the device  10  onto a hinge  100  such that each of the magnetic elements  34   a ,  34   b  engage with a corresponding one of the hinge plates  100   a ,  100   b . Once installed, the device  10  holds the door in an open position.  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  also show a door jamb  100   c  (which can also be a door frame, structure, or other component) against which the abutment region  33  of the device  10  is configured to engage. The door is then held in an open configuration based on device pressing against the hinge plate  100   a  attached to the door and the abutment region  33  engaging the door frame or door jamb  100   c . 
     Having thus described the present embodiments in detail, it is to be appreciated and will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical changes, only a few of which are exemplified in the detailed description of the embodiments, could be made without altering the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. 
     It is also to be appreciated that numerous embodiments incorporating only part of the preferred embodiment are possible which do not alter, with respect to those parts, the inventive concepts and principles embodied therein. 
     The present embodiments and optional configurations are therefore to be considered in all respects as exemplary and/or illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the embodiments being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all alternate embodiments and changes to this embodiment which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of said claims are therefore to be embraced therein.