Abstract:
An apparatus for holding open a door or similar member for a predetermined time period includes a suction mechanism coupled to the door and the door frame. The suction mechanism includes an adjustable valve to provide a controlled flow of air to release the suction. The mechanism includes an arm having a suction cup at one end and a suction plate pivotally connected to the arm for engaging the suction cup when the door is in the open position. The suction mechanism is attached to the inner surface of the door and the necessary relative motions of parts achieved by an articulated connecting rod and suction cup pad assembly are pivotally attached to the adjacent door frame. The articulated assembly permits the face of the suction cup and its target to be parallel to the door in the open and closed positions. The arm is connected to a spring loaded mounting assembly so that the door&#39;s maximum opening limitation is dictated by the spring closing mechanism or other motion limiting device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed generally to an apparatus for holding a door or similar member in an open position for a predetermined period of time, after which the door is returned to the closed position. More particularly, the invention is directed to a delayed action suction operated device for holding a door in an open position for a selected period of time. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Doors and gates are often provided with an automatic closing assembly for maintaining the door in a closed position. The automatic door closing apparatus are typically spring operated, pneumatically operated or hydraulically operated systems. Although many of these automatic door closing systems close the door at a controlled rate, these devices generally do not have a system for holding the door in an open position. 
     In an effort to control the closing operation of the automatic door closing assembly, various devices have been proposed to hold the door in an open position for a predetermined period of time. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,053,961 discloses a suction cup that is attached to the back of a door. The suction cup is positioned so that the suction cup mates with an adjacent wall when the door is open. The suction cup is allowed to leak to release the suction and allow the door to close. The suction cup can be provided with small holes to allow the controlled flow of air into the suction cup. Alternatively, the mating wall can be provided with holes to allow air to flow into the suction cup. A disadvantage of this device is that the suction cup relies on the adjacent wall for the operation of the door holding assembly. Therefore, this assembly cannot be used in situations where there is no adjacent wall. 
     Another example of a device for holding a door in an open position is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,042,958. This device includes a suction cup coupled to the back side of a door which mates with a complementing suction cup mounted on a wall. This device has the disadvantage of requiring a suction cup mounted directly to the wall, thereby damaging the wall. In addition, the suction cup mounted to the wall must be precisely located to mate with the suction cup on the door to ensure proper operation of the assembly. 
     Still another example of a device for holding a door in an open position is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,293,666 to Armstrong. This device includes a suction mechanism for holding a door in an open position for a period of time. The assembly is mounted between the door and the door jamb and includes a suction cup mounted to the door and a plate for mating with the suction cup. The plate is mounted to engage the suction cup when the door is open and to hold the door in the open position. A valve can be provided in the plate to control the release of the vacuum in the suction cup to release the suction and allow the door to close. In this device, the plate is oriented substantially perpendicular to the plane of the door and extends outwardly from the door throughout the operation of the assembly. The suction cup has a center axis oriented generally parallel to the door and perpendicular to the mating plate. A disadvantage of this assembly is the orientation of the suction cup and the plate which extend outwardly from the door a depth at least equal to the diameter of the suction cup. The average space between a storm door and an exterior door of a house is generally about 2.5 inches. This space limits the size of the suction cup that can be used to hold the door in an open position when the suction cup is oriented along an axis parallel to the door. 
     Although the above-noted devices have exhibited some success, there is a continuing need in the industry for an improved delayed door holding device. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an apparatus for holding a door or other member in an open position for a predetermined period of time. More particularly, the invention is directed to a delayed action suction operated device for holding a door in an open position against the force of a door closing mechanism. 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the invention is to provide a suction operated device for holding a door in an open position. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a delayed action door holding device having a dimension to fit within the space between an exterior door and a storm door. 
     A further object of the invention is to provide a delayed action door holding device that is mounted to the door and to the door jamb for holding the door in an open position against the force of an automatic door closing assembly. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a delayed action door holding device having a suction cup and a mating surface for the suction cup where the mating surface and the suction cup are oriented in a plane generally parallel to the door when the door is in an open and closed position. 
     Another object of the invention is to provide a delayed action door holding device having a first arm pivotally connected to a door jamb and a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm and to the door where the first arm includes a suction cup and the second arm includes a mating surface for coupling to the suction cup. 
     Still another object of the invention is to provide a delayed action door holding device having a mounting bracket for mounting the device to a door jamb where the bracket is spring biased to allow the door to open beyond a predetermined point without damaging the device. 
     The objects and advantages of the invention are basically attained by providing an apparatus for retaining a movable member in a fixed position for a predetermined period of time. The apparatus comprises a first arm having a suction cup coupled thereto. A plate is pivotally coupled to the first arm which has a surface for mating with the suction cup. The plate is pivotable by movement of the member between a first position spaced from the suction cup and a second position contacting and temporarily attaching to the suction cup and holding the movable member in the fixed position. 
     The objects and advantages of the invention are further attained by providing an apparatus for temporarily holding a pivotally mounted door in an open position. The apparatus comprises a first arm having a first end for pivotally coupling to a door frame and also having a second end. A second arm has a first end for pivotally coupling to a door and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the first arm. The second arm is pivotable with respect to the first arm between a first position when the door is in a closed position and a second position when the door is in an open position. A suction cup is positioned to temporarily hold the second arm in the second position and to hold the door in the open position. 
     The objects and advantages of the invention are also attained by providing an apparatus for temporarily holding a member in a first position for a period of time. The member is pivotally coupled to a support. The apparatus comprises a first arm having a first end pivotally coupled to the support and having a second end. A second arm has a first end pivotally coupled to the member and a second end pivotally coupled to the second end of the first arm. The second arm is pivotable between a first position and a second position by pivotal movement of the member with respect to the support. A coupling member for temporarily holding the second arm in the second position is provided. 
     The objects advantages and salient features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the annexed drawings which form a part of this original disclosure. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The following is a brief description of the drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of a door mounted to a door frame and showing the automatic door closing assembly and the delayed action door holder of the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a front view of the delayed action door holder of the invention in one embodiment; 
     FIG. 3 is a top view of the delayed action door holder device of FIG. 2 showing the door in the closed position; 
     FIG. 4 is a partial perspective view of the mounting bracket assembly of the delayed action door holder of FIG. 2; 
     FIG. 5 is a top view of the delayed action door holder showing the door in the partially open position; 
     FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the coupling plate showing the vacuum relief valve assembly in one embodiment of the invention; 
     FIG. 7 is a top view of the delayed action door holder with the door in the open position; and 
     FIG. 8 is a top view of the delayed action door holder showing the door in an open position to pivot the mounting bracket about the base. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an apparatus for holding a door or other member in an open position against the closing force of the door. The apparatus is particularly suitable for use on a door, gate or other member that is pivotally mounted to a support structure. 
     Referring to FIG. 1, the delayed action door holder assembly  10  is coupled to a door  12  mounted by hinges  14  to a door frame  16 . Apparatus  10  is primarily used in conjunction with an automatic door closing assembly  18 . Closing assembly  18  is a standard door closing assembly as known in the art. Door closing assembly  18  can be, for example, a pneumatically operated device, spring operated device or hydraulic operated device that can be mounted to a door and the accompanying door frame for automatically closing the door. 
     Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, assembly  10  includes a first arm  20  coupled to door frame  16  and a second arm  22  coupled to door  12 . In the embodiment illustrated, first arm  20  has a first end  24  pivotally connected to a mounting assembly  26 . In the embodiment illustrated, mounting assembly  26  is mounted to door frame  16  to enable first arm  20  to pivot with respect to door frame  16 . First arm  20  includes a second end  28  spaced from first end  24  and includes a coupling member  30  for holding door  12  in an open position as discussed hereinafter in greater detail. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, coupling member  30  includes a mounting bracket  32  coupled to second end  28  of first arm  20 . Mounting bracket  32  can be attached to first arm  20  by screws, bolts or other fasteners as known in the art. Coupling bracket  32  has an outer end  34  spaced from second end  28  of first arm  20 . A suction cup  36  is coupled to outer end  34  of mounting bracket  32  as shown in FIG.  3 . 
     Suction cup  36  has a generally frustoconical shaped side wall  38  that is flared outwardly to a substantially circular end  40  forming a sealing surface  42 . Side wall  38  of suction cup  36  defines an internal cavity  44  as shown in FIG.  6 . Suction cup  36  is made from a resilient rubber-like material that can attach to a mating surface. Suction cup  36  has a top end  46  that is connected to outer end  34  of mounting bracket  32  by a fastener  48 . Fastener  48  can be a screw, rivet or other device capable of coupling suction cup  36  to mounting bracket  32 . 
     Second arm  22  has a first end  50  that is pivotally connected to door  12  and a second end  52  connected to first arm  20 . As shown in FIG. 3, second arm  22  includes a hinge  54  at second end  52 . Hinge  54  in the embodiment illustrated is integrally formed with second arm  22  and includes a leg  56  that is coupled to first arm  20 . Leg  56  can be coupled to first arm  20  by a fastener  58  or by other means as known in the art. Second arm  22  in preferred embodiments, has a substantially planar configuration forming a plate for mating with suction cup  36  as discussed hereinafter in greater detail. Typically, second arm  22  has a generally square configuration with a dimension at least equal to the dimensions of sealing surface  42  of suction cup  36  and having a mating surface  60  for mating with suction cup  36 . In the embodiment illustrated, first end  50  of second arm  22  has a leg  62  extending substantially perpendicular to the plane of second arm  22 . Leg  62  extends outwardly from second arm  22  and is coupled to a hinge  64 . In one embodiment of the invention, hinge  64  is integrally formed with leg  62  and includes a flange  66  for mounting hinge  64  to door  12 . 
     In a preferred embodiment, a mounting block  68  is coupled to door  12  and flange  66  of hinge  64  is coupled to mounting block  68 . Typically, flange  68  is coupled to mounting block  68  by screws  70  or other suitable fasteners. Mounting block  68  has a thickness at least equal to the width of leg  62  of second arm  22 . Mounting block  68  is dimensioned to space flange  66  from door  12  a distance to prevent second arm  22  from interfering with door  12  during the opening and closing of the door. 
     Referring to FIG. 4, mounting assembly  26  includes a base  72  and a body  74 . Base  72  has a substantially planar configuration having apertures  76  for receiving screws  78  or other fastener for attaching base  72  to door frame  16  as shown in FIG.  3 . Base  72  includes a cylindrical portion  80  defining a hinge  82  having a hinge pin  84  for coupling body  74  to base  72 . 
     Body  74  has a pair of opposing side walls  86 , an end wall  88  extending between side walls  86 , and an open side  90 . End wall  88  includes a flange  92  having a cylindrical section  94  for coupling with hinge  82 . Hinge pin  84  extends through cylindrical portion  94  of flange  92  and cylindrical portion  80  of base  72  to pivotally connect body  74  to base  72 . 
     Side walls  86  have a height greater than end wall  88  as shown in FIG. 4 to define a tab section  96 . Tab sections  96  of side walls  86  have a plurality of apertures  98  arranged in a row extending in a longitudinal direction with respect to a longitudinal dimension of body  74 . As shown in FIG. 4, first arm  20  includes a plurality of spaced apart apertures  100  that can be aligned with apertures  98 . A pin  102  is provided to extend through apertures  98  and  100  for pivotally connecting first arm  20  to mounting assembly  26 . 
     Body  74  is biased to base  72  by a spring  104  extending between base  72  and body  74 . In one embodiment of the invention, base  72  is provided with a tab  106  having an aperture  108  for coupling to a lower end of spring  104 . Side walls  86  are provided with apertures  110  for receiving a pin  112 . Pin  112  extends through apertures  110  for coupling to an upper end of spring  104 . In this manner, body  74  is spring biased against base  72  while allowing body  74  to pivot with respect to base  72  by hinge  82 . 
     Assembly  10  is mounted to a door  12  and door frame  16  substantially as shown in FIG.  3 . In preferred embodiments, base  72  of mounting assembly  26  is fixed to door frame  16  and is oriented to extend substantially parallel to door  12  when door  12  is in the closed position as shown in FIG.  3 . Mounting block  86  is then coupled to door  12 . The operating length of first arm  20  and the position of mounting block  68  can be adjusted by selecting an aperture  98  and  100  of first arm  20  and side walls  86 , respectively, for coupling first arm  20  to mounting assembly  26 . The operating length of first arm  20  is primarily to accommodate various thicknesses of doors which effects the distance between the pivot point of door hinge  115  and mounting base  72 . As shown in FIG. 3, door  12  is in the normally closed position with first arm  20  and second arm  22  extending in a generally parallel direction to door  12 . Suction cup  36  is also oriented with the sealing surface  42  facing door  12 . As shown in FIG. 3, assembly  10  has a dimension to fit within the space between door  12  and a second door  114  mounted to a common door frame  16 . Typically, one of doors  12  and  114  is a storm door and the other is an exterior door of a building. 
     Apparatus  10  is normally used in conjunction with a closing assembly  18  for automatically closing door  12  as shown in FIG.  1 . Referring to FIG. 5, as door  12  is opened with respect to door frame  16 , first arm  20  pivots with respect to mounting assembly  26 . Second arm  22  pivots about hinge  64  with respect to mounting block  68  and pivots about hinge  54  with respect to first arm  20 . As shown in FIG. 5, second arm  22  pivots toward sealing surface  42  of suction cup  36 . Door  12  can be opened to a position shown in FIG. 7 where door  12  is substantially parallel to door frame  16 . In this position, second arm  22  engages sealing surface  42  of suction cup  36  with sufficient force to attach suction cup  36  to the mating surface  60  of second arm  22 . Suction cup  36  is dimensioned to attach to mating surface  60  with sufficient strength to hold mating surface  60  of second arm  22  against suction cup  36  against the closing force of door closing assembly  18 . Suction cup  36  can remain coupled to mating surface  60  of second arm  22  for an extended period of time to hold door  12  in the open position. A manual force can be applied to door  12  to separate suction cup  36  from mating surface  60  of arm  22  to release apparatus  10  and allow the automatic door closing assembly  18  to close door  12 . 
     In preferred embodiments of the invention, apparatus  10  includes a vacuum relief valve  116  coupled to second arm  22 . In the embodiment illustrated, second arm  22  includes a passage  118  oriented to communicate with cavity  44  of suction cup  36  when suction cup  36  engages mating surface  60  of second arm  22 . In one embodiment, passage  118  can have a sufficiently small dimension to allow the slow diffusion of air through passage  118  into cavity  44  to release the vacuum caused by suction cup  36  and enable suction cup  36  to separate from mating surface  60 . In alternative embodiments, a passage can be formed to extend through a top side of suction cup  36 . 
     In the embodiment illustrated, relief valve assembly  116  is coupled to second arm  22  to control the flow of air through passage  118 . In one embodiment, vacuum relief valve  116  includes an outer cylindrical sleeve  120  having external threads  122  and an internal axial passage  124  extending between a first end  126  and a second end  128 . External threads  122  are typically tapered common pipe threads. Cylindrical sleeve  120  includes an inner sleeve  130  having an axial passage  132  communicating with passage  118  of second arm  22 . Axial passage  132  extends to an outer end  134  of inner sleeve  130 . In the embodiment illustrated, a radially extending passage  136  extends from axial passage  134  outwardly to the side edge of inner sleeve  130 . 
     A closure member  138  having internal threads  140  is coupled to sleeve  120  to close axial passage  132 . Internal threads  140  are typically tapered common pipe threads as in standard pipe cap fittings. In the embodiment illustrated, closure member  138  is a cap having an inner sleeve  142  formed from a resilient and compressible sponge-like material and a non-porous seal member  144 . Inner sleeve  142  is dimensioned to reduce the volume of air trapped under suction cup  36 . Closure member  132  is threaded onto sleeve  120  to restrict the flow of air through axial passage  132 . The flow of air through vacuum relief valve  116  is controlled by tightening of closure member  142 , which reduces the flow of air between the tapered threads  122  and  140 . In an alternative embodiment, the resilient member  142  is compressed by tightening a closure member to apply a pressure against seal  144  to control the flow of air through axial passage  132 . Preferably, internal threads  140  of closure member  138  mate with external threads  122  in a manner to allow a limited flow of air between the threads and into axial passage  132 . Tightening closure member  138  onto cylinder  120  enables a controlled flow of air between the threads to control the length of time that suction cup  36  is coupled to mating surface  60  of second arm  22 . 
     Referring to FIG. 8, mounting assembly  26  does not restrict the movement of door  12  with respect to door frame  16 . As door  12  pivots past the point where suction cup  36  engages mating surface  60  of arm  22 , body  86  is able to pivot about hinge  82  with respect to base  72  as shown in FIG.  8 . Spring  104  biases body  74  toward base  72  to return door  12  to the position shown in FIG.  7 . 
     While a single embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, it will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the assembly of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.