Abstract:
A door hinge with a hidden closure system comprising, in general, a first hinge with a pin protruding from the face of the hinge, a second hinge with a hidden closure system, wherein such pin engages a latch and release mechanism and triggers a closure system in the second hinge during final approach, thus softly closing the door and reducing the sound of closure during the final approach of the door.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present Nonprovisional Application is related to, and hereby claims priority to and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/898,162, entitled “Door Hinge with a Hidden Closure System,” filed on Feb. 2, 2007. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to door hinge and more specifically to a door hinge with a hidden closure system for soft closure of the door. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The conventional door hinge is composed of two leaves each engaging with the other by means of a pivot pin and sleeve. One leaf is fixed on the door edge and the other is fixed on the door frame. One or more hinges are used to pivot the door when opening or closing the door. For automatically closing the door with a conventional hinge, a hydraulic system, spring system or a combination system is typically affixed to the upper portion of door and to the horizontal beam of the upper door frame, thereby adding an industrial appearance to the door assembly. In addition, such door closing systems generally exerts a continuous resisting force requiring a big force to be applied to push the door open or hold the door in an open position, preventing the door from free swinging. 
         [0004]    Moreover, such door closing systems apply a non-uniform force to the upper portion of the door disadvantageously resulting in a force offset from the rotational axis of the hinge assembly, thus deforming the door, hinge, latch/lock and frame over time. Furthermore, spring-based door closing systems frequently lose their resilient effect after lengthy period of service and will thereafter cause incomplete closing of the door. When a door is closed with the assistance of such door closing systems, it is typically forced to move in its closing direction rapidly, causing a noise to the ear and forceful impact, wherein the main elements of such a hinge, lock and door elements are impaired over time due to such force. 
         [0005]    Furthermore, both hydraulic and spring door closing systems generally limit the radial travel of the door, to for example 90 degrees variation between close and open. Either a relatively high level of precision in manufacturing or size of hydraulics/spring is required in order to achieve radial travel to 180 degrees. 
         [0006]    Therefore, it is readily apparent that there is a need for door hinge closure system for soft and quiet closure of a door during final approach, wherein such closure system is hidden within the door jam, frame or door, and wherein such closure system is non-continuous, thereby allowing the door to swing freely through the door hinges full range of motion and reduce the stress on the door, hinge, latch/lock and frame. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    Briefly described, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantage, and meets the recognized need for such an invention by providing a door hinge with a hidden closure system comprising, in general, a first hinge with a pin protruding from the face of the hinge, a second hinge with a hidden closure system, wherein such pin engages a latch and release mechanism triggering a closure system in the second hinge during final approach, and thus softly closing the door and reducing the sound of closure during the final approach of the door. 
         [0008]    According to its major aspects and broadly stated, the present invention in its preferred form is a door hinge with a hidden closure system, comprising a first hinge with a pin protruding from the face of the hinge, a second hinge with a latch and release mechanism, and a closure system housed in a cylindrically shaped body hidden behind such second hinge, wherein the pin from the first hinge engages the latch and release mechanism and triggers a closure system in the second hinge during final approach enabling a free swinging door prior to such engagement, and further wherein latch engagement activates a closure cycle of the closure system pulling the door closed. 
         [0009]    More specifically, the preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a locking mechanism for holding the closing system in a compressed potential energy position, wherein release thereof pulls the latched door closed softly. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, a feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge with a non-continuously latched closure system, thus allowing the door to swing freely when the mechanism is released. 
         [0011]    Another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge wherein the closure system is hidden within the door jam, door frame or within the door, rendering an enhanced aesthetic appearance. 
         [0012]    Still another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a closure cylinder utilizing hydraulic oil, nitric oxide, air or other compressible material. 
         [0013]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge that softly closes the door reducing the sound of closure during the final approach of the door. 
         [0014]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge with a soft closure system that prevents a door from rapid opening or closing so as to protect the door, doorframe, or surroundings from being damaged. 
         [0015]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge with a soft closure system that cushions door closure, thereby reducing the stress on the door, hinge, latch/lock and frame. 
         [0016]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge that unlatches from a closing system and swings freely throughout the door hinges full range of motion. 
         [0017]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a simple, compact, and inexpensive door hinge with a latch and release mechanism and closure system. 
         [0018]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door closer, which can smoothly and effectively close the door after opening and releasing. 
         [0019]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to engage a latch and release mechanism during the door&#39;s final approach. 
         [0020]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to reduce the opening force required to open the door facilitating accessibility for small children, elderly, handicapped and those with disabilities. 
         [0021]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge that can motion the door to a closed position in a smooth and slow manner during final approach. 
         [0022]    Yet another feature and advantage of the present invention is its ability to provide a door hinge assembly that can be sold as a replacement hinge assembly for retrofitting existing door hinges. 
         [0023]    These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to one skilled in the art from the following description and claims when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0024]    The present invention will be better understood by reading the Detailed Description of the Preferred and Alternate Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals denote similar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which: 
           [0025]      FIG. 1  is a front view of a prior art dual door assembly showing three hinges spaced vertically between a door frame and a swinging door, showing the hinges in a closed state; 
           [0026]      FIG. 1.1  is an enlarged perspective view showing a prior art whole body of a door hinge shown in  FIG. 1  in the open state; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a front view of a prior art dual door with two enlarged perspective views of a door hinge in the open state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2.1  is an enlarged perspective view showing a whole body of a door hinge shown in  FIG. 2  in the open state according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2.2  is perspective view of the latch hook and mounting tube according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 3 ,  3 . 1 ,  3 . 2 , and  3 . 3  are cross-sectional front views of the latch and release mechanism, and closure system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in operation with the latch disengaged; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 4 ,  4 . 1 ,  4 . 2 , and  4 . 3  are cross-sectional front views of the latch and release mechanism, and closure system according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, shown in operation with the latch approaching engagement; 
           [0032]      FIGS. 5 ,  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2 , and  5 . 3  are cross-sectional front views of the latch and release mechanism, and closure system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in operation with the latch engaged; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 6 ,  6 . 1 ,  6 . 2  and  6 . 3  are cross-sectional front views of the latch and release mechanism, and closure system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in operation with locking mechanism about to release; 
           [0034]      FIG. 7 ,  7 . 1  are cross-sectional front views of the latch and release mechanism, and closure system according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, shown in operation with closure mechanism; 
           [0035]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a door hinge in the open state with mounting tube and unassembled accessories according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a door hinge in the open state with mounting tube shown assembled according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0037]    In describing the preferred and alternate embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-7 ,  10  and  11  specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The present invention, however, is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish similar functions. 
         [0038]    Referring now to FIGS.  1  and  1 . 1 , there is depicted a prior art door A and door B shown in a side-by-side configuration, door jam J, door header I and a three hinge assembly H 1 , H 2 , and H 3 . The door A, which may swing inward, toward the viewer as depicted in  FIG. 1 , fits closely to the jam J at both its hinge edge A 1  and its opposite or latch edge A 2 . Door B is positioned in a similar manner. Such door A and door B may be configured to swing inward or outward by switching the configuration of hinge assembly H 1 , H 2 , and H 3 . It should be noted, also, that no hinge is exposed to view along the hinge edge A 1  when the door is closed as viewed from the other side of door A and door B. 
         [0039]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1.1 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a perspective view of a typical prior art hinge assembly H 1  having two hinge leaves formed as a pair, a stationary hinge leaf L 1  and a rotatable hinge leaf L 2 , and connected therebetween a hinge pin P. The hinge leaves (L 1 , L 2 ) have offset knuckles K which when interlinked may be joined together by the hinge pin P. Each hinge leaf is shown with three mounting holes M 1 , M 2 , and M 3  formed in the hinge leaves. The stationary hinge leaf L 1  is secured to door jam J utilizing a flathead screw, nail or the like driven through mounting holes M of such stationary hinge leaf L 1 , while the rotatable hinge leaf L 2  is secured to opening-and-closing door A or B, or the like, also utilizing a flat screw, nail or the like driven through mounting holes M of such rotatable hinge leaf L 2 . To hang door A or B to door jam J, door A or B is positioned near door jam J so that knuckles K of stationary hinge leaf L 1  are interlinked with knuckles K of rotatable hinge leaf L 2  and pin P is inserted into such interlinked knuckles of stationary hinge leaf L 1  and rotatable hinge leaf L 2 , thereby enabling door A or B to freely rotationally swing about pin P with stationary hinge leaf L 1  affixed to door jam J. 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , stationary hinge leaf L 1 , rotatable hinge leaf L 2 , knuckles K, and hinge pin P are preferably formed of a suitable material, such as brass, iron, steel, or other metals, plastic, including various finishes from chrome, antiqued copper, black, and brass (either plated or pure brass) or the like, capable of providing structure and strength to hinge assembly H 1 . Preferably, the material includes other suitable characteristics, such as durability, water-resistance, light weight, malleable, oxidation resistance, ease of workability, or other beneficial characteristic understood by one skilled in the art. Moreover, hinge assembly H 1  may come in an endless variety of types, shapes, sizes and purposes, including but not limited to butt hinges, strap hinge, spring hinge, wide throw hinge, left hand, right hand hinge and the like. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2.1  and  2 . 2 , the present invention in its preferred embodiment is a door hinge with a hidden closure system  10 . Preferably, door hinge with a hidden closure system  10  comprises two hinge leaves formed as a pair, a stationary hinge leaf  12  and a rotatable hinge leaf  14 , and connected therebetween by a hinge pin  16 . The hinge leaves ( 12 ,  14 ) preferably have offset knuckles  18  which, when interlinked, may be joined together by hinge pin  16 . Each hinge leaf has front face  22  shown toward the viewer as depicted in  FIG. 2  and back face  24  (not shown). 
         [0042]    Stationary hinge leaf  12  preferably includes latch hook  32  integrally provided with front face  22  preferably centered on stationary hinge leaf  12  and preferably projecting perpendicular to front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12 . Alternatively, latch hook  32  may be mounted to stationary hinge leaf  12  by machining one or more holes in stationary hinge leaf  12  and affixing latch hook  32  to stationary hinge leaf  12  with screws from back face  24  side of stationary hinge leaf  12 . Further, other basic hinge designs may also be adapted or manufactured with hidden closure systems  10 , wherein exemplary preferred hinge as depicted in  FIG. 2.1  is but a suitable base hinge style. 
         [0043]    Rotatable hinge leaf  14  preferably includes locator hole  34  preferably centered on front face  22  of rotatable hinge leaf  14  but in a location designed to align with the position of latch hook  32  when in use. Further, rotatable hinge leaf  14  is integrally provided with mounting tube  50  connected through locator hole  34  in a circular cylindrical form centered on rotatable hinge leaf  14  and projecting perpendicular from back face  24  of rotatable hinge leaf  14 . Locator hole  34  preferably is one inch in diameter, wherein such diameter hole is correspondingly drilled or otherwise defined into door A or B to the preferred depth of 3.5 to 4.5 inches, or alternatively into door jam J if rotatable hinge leaf  14  and stationary hinge leaf  12  flip positions. Dimensions of locator hole  34  and the depth are determined based on the size and shape of mounting tube  50  and rotatable hinge leaf  14 . That is, the dimensions referenced as preferred herein above are understood as one preferred configuration herein, and are not intended to be dimensions which are limiting in any way to other suitable configurations. 
         [0044]    Mounting tube  50  preferably includes rim  38  and circumference groove  41 , preferably formed on the outer surface  51  at open end  34  of mounting tube  50 , wherein groove  41  preferably is provided in the end portion mounting tube  50  to captively receive and retain inserted snap ring  40 . During use, mounting tube  50  preferably is inserted into locator hole  34  and into the cylindrical bore of door A or B or the like. With inserted snap ring  40  in its retention/locking position as shown in  FIG. 2.1 , mounting tube  50  preferably is affixed to rotatable hinge leaf  14  and resiliently resists separation from rotatable hinge leaf  14 . Mounting tube  50  is further preferably manufactured from aluminum, however, steel, plastic, fiberglass or other suitable material having characteristics, such as durability, water-resistance, lightweight, or other beneficial characteristic understood by one skilled in the art. 
         [0045]    Although the foregoing describes the preferred dimensions and materials selections for the manufacture of stationary hinge leaf  12 , rotatable hinge leaf  14 , latch hook  32 , and mounting tube  50 , it should be recognized that stationary hinge leaf  12 , rotatable hinge leaf  14 , latch hook  32 , and mounting tube  50  and its inner workings may comprise alternate dimensions and/or materials to accommodate the door hinge with a hidden closure system  10 . 
         [0046]    Door Hinge Close Cycle 
         [0047]    Referring now to FIGS.  3 / 3 . 1 - 7 / 7 . 1 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of latch and release mechanism and closure system  100 , showing a cross section of mounting tube as if in an installed position and proximate rotatable hinge leaf  14  and showing latch hook  32  as if in an installed position extending from stationary hinge leaf  12 . In use, door A or B preferably is swung shut and front face  23  of rotatable hinge leaf  14  approaches front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12  until, at about twenty-six (26) degrees (other degrees are contemplated herein) from front face  23 , contacting front face  22 . Upon contact, latch hook  32  preferably penetrates locator hole  34  of mounting tube  50  and rotatable hinge leaf  14 , and contacts both magnetic rod  304  of locking mechanism  300  and latch plate  102  of latch and release mechanism  200  as housed within such mounting tube  50 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  3 . 1 ,  3 . 2 , and  3 . 3 . Bull nose  36  of latch hook  32  preferably contacts first end  306  of magnetic rod  304 , arranged for sliding in a horizontal direction, wherein bull nose  36  pushes said magnetic rod  304  in a direction towards closed end of mounting tube  50 . In addition, tip  37  of latch hook  32  preferably contacts slanted first end  206  of latch plate  202 , thereby rotating latch plate  202  in a counter clockwise arc about radial pin  206 , wherein second end  208  of latch plate  202  is attached thereto. Radial pin  206  preferably is affixed to first end  302  of locking mechanism  300 . 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4 ,  4 . 1 ,  4 . 2 , and  4 . 3 , tip  37  of latch hook  32  preferably forces first slanted end  206  of latch plate  202  down, compressing latch plate spring  210 , and enabling latch hook  32  to slide in a horizontal direction over first slanted end  206  of latch plate  202 . Latch plate spring  210  preferably is positioned and secured to the underside of latch plate  202  by radial arm  212  and screw  214  preferably in first notch  216  of latch plate  202 . Moreover, latch plate spring  210  preferably holds latch plate  202  against stop  222  until latch hook  32  contacts latch and release mechanism  200 . 
         [0049]    As door A or B is further pulled closed, front face  23  of rotatable hinge leaf  14  continues to approach front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12  and bull nose  36  of latch hook  32 , as affixed to front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12 , preferably continues to push magnetic rod  304  in a horizontal direction towards closed end  56  of mounting tube  50 . During such horizontal travel of magnetic rod  304 , second slanted end  310  of magnetic rod  304  preferably contacts first slanted end  336  of spring post  334  and preferably pushes spring post  334  down in a vertical direction compressing spring post spring  338 . 
         [0050]    Referring now to  FIGS. 5 ,  5 . 1 ,  5 . 2 , and  5 . 3  as door A or B is still further pulled, closed tip  37  of latch hook  32  preferably passes over first slanted end  206  of latch plate  202  and tip  37  of latch hook  32  latches into latch plate notch  218 , wherein latch plate spring  210  releases from its compressed, position pushing latch plate  202  up in a vertical direction and latching first slanted end  206  of latch plate  202  into notch  33  of latch hook  32 . Moreover, as door A or B is still further pulled closed, bull nose  36  of latch hook  32  preferably continues to push magnetic rod  304  further in a horizontal direction towards closed end  56  of mounting tube  50 , resulting preferably in further descent of spring post  334 , still further down in a vertical direction while further compressing spring post spring  338 . 
         [0051]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6 , and  6 . 1 , and as door A or B is yet still further pulled closed, bull nose  36  of latch hook  32  preferably continues to push magnetic rod  304  further in a horizontal direction towards closed end  54  of mounting tube  50 , resulting in leading edge  340  of spring post  334 , which comprises generally a vertical surface  346  as a stopper for locking mechanism  300 , to still further descend down in a vertical direction while further compressing spring post spring  338 . Upon leading edge  340  of spring post  334  descending past surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50 , locking mechanism  300  is released. Such release of locking mechanism  300  enables the collective travel of latch hook  32  affixed to latch and release mechanism  200 , and locking mechanism  300  affixed to latch and release mechanism  200  to travel as a single linear unit in a horizontal direction towards closed end of mounting tube  50 . 
         [0052]    Referring now to FIGS.  7  and  7 . 1 , and upon leading edge  340  of spring post  334  clearing surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50 , closure mechanism  400  is released, thereby pulling latch hook  32 , as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200 . Locking mechanism  300 , as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200  thus travels as a single unit in a linear horizontal direction towards closed end  56  of mounting tube  50  resulting in front face  23  of rotatable hinge leaf  14  coming into contact with front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12 , as shown in  FIG. 2.1 , and further resulting in door A or B preferably closing softly under the control of closure mechanism  400 . 
         [0053]    Preferably, closure mechanism  400  includes cylinder  402  and piston  404 . Cylinder  402  preferably is configured to fit inside mounting tube  50  as shown and further designed to contain a compressed fluid or gas  410 , wherein such cylinder  402  contains such fluid or gas while in a compressed or uncompressed state. Piston  404  preferably includes rod  408  with compression disc  406  at a first end  404  of rod  408  and a threaded end  412  at a second end  406  of rod  408 . Threaded end  412  of rod  408  preferably is screwed into machined notch  342  of second end  344  of locking mechanism  300 . It is contemplated herein that other means for affixing end  412  of rod  408  to notch  342  of second end  344  of locking mechanism  300 , such as adhesive, welding, eye joint, ball joint and the like. During door A or B open cycle (closure mechanism  400  compression cycle), rod  408  with compression disc  406  moves in a linear horizontal direction, such force provided by an operator of door A or B, toward latch hook  32  compressing such fluid or gas  410  within the reduced volume between seal  414  of cylinder  402  and compression disc  406 . During door A or B closure cycle (closure mechanism  400  expansion cycle), rod  408  with compression disc  406  moves in a linear horizontal direction, such force provided by the expansion force of fluid or gas  410  under pressure, toward closed end  56  of mounting tube  50 . 
         [0054]    Closure mechanism  400  preferably is designed by one having ordinary skill in the art to provide the pulling force necessary to softly close door A or B. Industrial Gas Springs, Inc. of West Chester, Pa. and Stabilus of Gastonia, N.C. manufacture suitable micro compression gas springs suitable for closure mechanism  400  and the like. 
         [0055]    Door Hinge Open Cycle 
         [0056]    Referring now to FIGS.  3 / 3 . 1 - 7 / 7 . 1  in reverse, by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of latch and release mechanism and closure system  100 . As door A or B is pulled open, latch hook  32 , as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200 , and locking mechanism  300 , also as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200 , travel as a single unit in a linear horizontal direction towards latch hook  32 , resulting in front face  23  of rotatable hinge leaf  14  separating from and swinging away from front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12  and further resulting in door A or B preferably opening softly under the control of closure mechanism  400 . During door A or B open cycle (closure mechanism  400  compression cycle), rod  408 , (via magnetic attraction and the force of spring post spring  338 ), with compression disc  406  moves, spring post spring  338 , in a linear horizontal direction, wherein force directed by an operator of door A or B toward latch hook  32  compresses such fluid or gas  410  within the reduced volume between seal  414  of cylinder  402  and compression disc  406 . Upon leading edge  340  of spring post  334  of locking mechanism  300  clearing surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50 , closure mechanism  400  has fully compressed fluid or gas  410 . As door A or B is further pulled open, latch hook  32  preferably continues to pull magnetic rod  304  further in a horizontal direction towards latch hook  32 , thereby resulting in spring post spring  338  being released from its compressed position and leading edge  340  of spring post  334  coming into contact with surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50  of locking mechanism  300 , which comprises generally a vertical surface as a stopper for locking mechanism  300  to maintain closure mechanism  400  when in a compressed potential energy position. 
         [0057]    As door A or B is still further pulled open, the unit continues to travel in a linear horizontal direction towards latch hook  32 , resulting in second slanted end  224  of latch plate  202  contacting stop  222 , wherein stop  222  forces latch plate  202  down compressing latch plate spring  210 , thus, enabling latch hook  32  to disengage latch plate  202 . Latch plate spring  210  preferably is released from its compressed position and pushes latch plate  202  against stop  222 . Preferably, latch plate  202  and magnetic rod  304  have now returned to their starting positions. 
         [0058]    Upon latch hook  32  disengaging latch plate  202 , front face  23  of rotatable hinge leaf  14  continues to separate and swing away from front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12 , resulting in door A or B preferably swinging freely through rotatable hinge leaf  14  and stationary hinge leaf  12  full range of motion. 
         [0059]    It should be recognized that door hinge with a hidden closure system  10 , according to any one or more of the various preferred and/or alternate embodiments described herein, may be utilized to engage a latch and release mechanism and closure system to latch and close softly and unlatch from the closing system and swings freely throughout the door hinges full range of motion. 
         [0060]    It is contemplated in an alternate embodiment that door hinge with a hidden closure system  10  could be manufactured using different materials and designs accomplishing the same function as latch hook  32 , release mechanism  200 , locking mechanism  300 , and closure mechanism  400 . Referring now to FIG.  3 . 2 / 3 . 3 - 7 . 2 / 7 . 3 , by way of example, and not limitation, there is illustrated a cross-sectional view of an alternate locking mechanism  500 . As illustrated in FIG.  3 . 2 / 3 . 3 - 7 . 2 / 7 . 3  similar elements and element nomenclature as set forth in FIGS.  3 / 3 . 1 - 7 / 7 . 1  is used throughout. 
         [0061]    Door Hinge Close cycle 
         [0062]    Referring now to FIGS.  3 . 2 / 3 . 3  and  6 . 2 / 6 . 3 , as door A or B is yet still further pulled closed, bull nose  36  of latch hook  32  preferably continues to push roller release rod  304  further in a horizontal direction towards closed end of mounting tube  50 , momentarily compressing compression spring  338  resulting in surface  514  of l-shaped locking paw  516  being momentarily moved away from corresponding surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50  (and resting pad  30  in  FIG. 4.3 ), thereby enabling locking paw  516  to rotate around pin  512  in a counter clockwise direction. Locking paw  516  and surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50  comprise a stopper for locking mechanism  500 . Once surface  514  of  1 -shaped locking paw  516  is released from corresponding surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50 , locking paw  516  rotates around pin  512  via torsion spring  502 . Upon surface  514  of  1 -shaped locking paw  516  being momentarily moved away from corresponding surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50  (and resting pad  30  in  FIG. 4.3 ) locking paw  516  releases locking mechanism  500 . Such release of locking mechanism  500  enables the collective travel of latch hook  32  as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200 , and locking mechanism  500 , also as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200  to travel as a single linear unit in a horizontal direction towards closed end  56  of mounting tube  50 . Closure mechanism  400  preferably provides the pulling force necessary to softly close door A or B. 
         [0063]    Door Hinge Open Cycle 
         [0064]    As door A or B is pulled open latch hook  32  as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200 , and locking mechanism  300 , also as affixed to latch and release mechanism  200  travel as a single unit in a linear horizontal direction towards latch hook  32  resulting in front face  23  of rotatable hinge leaf  14  separating from and swinging away from front face  22  of stationary hinge leaf  12 , and further resulting in door A or B preferably opening softly under the control of closure mechanism  400 . During the return travel, roller release rod  304  contacts the backside of surface  514  of locking paw  516  causing locking paw  516  to rotate around pin  512  in a clockwise direction, thereby tensioning torsion spring  502  and resetting surface  514  of  1 -shaped locking paw  516  against corresponding surface  52  of notch  54  in mounting tube  50  (and resting pad  30  in  FIG. 4.3 ), which comprises generally a stopper for locking mechanism  500  to maintain closure mechanism  400  in a compressed potential energy position. 
         [0065]    Having thus described the preferred and selected alternate embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures are exemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein, but is limited only by the following claims.