Improvements in Door-closing Appliances, and Checks for the same.
Year: 1893

page_text: Date of Application, 4th May, 1893
Complete Specification Left, 2nd Feb., 1894-Accepted, 3rd Mar., 1894
. PROVISIONAL SPECIFICATION.
Improvements in Door-closing Appliances, and Checks for
the same.
I, ROBERT ADAMS, of 67 Newington Causeway, London, S.E., Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of my said invention to be as follows:-
My invention relates to the methods of effecting the closing of doors and
checking the same, described in my former Specifications, Nos. 12,6444, 4,44780,
1507, and 14,56091; and the object of my present invention is to effect further
improvements therein.
apply improved methods of causing the rotation of the spindle to operate upon
the spring and check, when opening the door, and to receive corresponding spring
and checking power, when the door is being closed.
Instead of forming the spring frame, as shown in Fig. 14, of 15078%, and Fig. 1
of No. 14,56081, and other figures, I find it advantageous to attach a spindle to the
frame, and dispense with the lower limb of the frame; the two side limbs forming
a sufficient means of guiding the frame. I also tap the lower end of the spring
spindle with a screw thread to receive the nut for regulating the thrust of the
spring.
In combination with this arrangement, I sometimes superpose another frame,
which is capable of longitudinal movement in the box. The spindle end of this
frame is slotted to receive the lever arm of the door spindle, for checking purposes,
an anti-friction roller being fitted to reduce friction. The other end of the frame
is attached to the piston rod of the fluid check. By this arrangement the check
piston is enabled to impart its greatest resistance to slamming just when the door is
closing.
Instead of the slotted frame above mentioned, a cam may be used for actuating
the spring frame, as shown in Fig. 5 of No. 14,560º¹.
I also find it advantageous to fit a mutilated toothed pinion to the door spindle,
and a corresponding toothed rack to a superposed frame, whereby the latter is
actuated. The lower end of this frame may be connected with the piston rod of
the fluid check in various ways; viz.-by direct connection; by means of pivoted
levers, fixed or oscillating fluid check cylinders, cams of various forms, slotted and
other links, in some cases affording a "dwell" to the check piston, and other novel
applications of old and well known mechanical devices.
I also sometimes make the rod of the check piston sufficiently long to pass
through the spring spindle, which is suitably bored to receive the rod; thus
forming a sleeve to the piston rod,.and thereby securing steadiness of action. The
end of the piston rod carries a frame to receive a suitable cam attached to the door
spindle.
I also improve the valve arrangements, shown in Figs. 1 to 5, in No. 150788, by
increasing the area of the outlet and relief port, and simplifying the general
construction.
I also effect improvements in the door spring and check illustrated by Figs. 35
of No. 444786, by fitting the cylinder to the door in such a manner that its position
relatively to the door and to the bracket may be adjustable. The advantage of
this arrangement is that the spring and check may be caused to act so as to "set
open," or to entirely close the door; slamming on closing or violeut partial closing
being prevented by the action of the check. For this purpose I fit the cylinder to
a slotted serrated holding plate, attached to the door, so as to be capable of
adjustment, by means of a set screw, or its equivalent, in any desired position. Or

page_text: the slots may be made in plates attached to or forming parts of the cylinder
fittings; or other means may be applied to enable the cylinder to be shifted in
position, such as dove-tail grooves and slides, studs, wing and other nuts, and
equivalent devices. The bracket is connected with the spring and check piston in
the cylinder, by means of two connecting rods pivoted directly to the piston, the
pins passing through slots in the sides of the cylinder; or by a single connecting
rod passing through a slot in the cylinder, or by one or two connecting rod or rods,
pivoted to a cross-head fitted to a piston rod passing through a cylinder cover at
either end of the cylinder. By any of these arrangements the position of the
cylinder can be so arranged that the door may be caused to partially close, without
concussion, and remain "set open at any angle, or it may he allowed to close
entirely, without slamming.
Dated th Mov 1902
23
COMI MI DI MULTIUATION.
Improvements in Door-closing Appliances, and Checks for
the same.
I, ROBERT ADAMS, of 67 Newington Causeway, London S.E., Engineer, do
hereby declare the nature of my said invention and in what manner the same
is to be performed, to be particularly described and ascertained in and by the
following statement :-
My invention relates to the methods of effecting the closing of doors and
checking the same, described in my former Specifications, Nos. 12,644, 4,447,
1,507, and 14,56001; and the object of my present invention is to effect further
improvements therein.
I apply improved methods of causing the rotation of the spindle to operate upon
the spring and check, when opening the door, and to receive corresponding spring
and checking power, when the door is being closed.
Instead of forming the spring frame, as shown in Fig. 14, of 150788, and Fig. 1 of
No. 14,560, and other figures, I find it advantageous to attach a spindle to the
frame, and dispense with the lower limb of the frame; the two side limbs forming
a sufficient means of guiding the frame. I also tap the lower end of the spring
spindle with a screw thread to receive the nut for regulating the thrust of the
spring.
In combination with this arrangement, I sometimes superpose another frame,
which is capable of longitudinal movement in the box. The spindle end of this frame
is slotted to receive the lever arm of the door spindle, for checking purposes, an
anti-friction roller being fitted to reduce friction. The other end of the frame is
attached to the piston rod of the fluid check.. By this arrangement the check
piston is enabled to impart its greatest resistance to slamming just when the door is
closing.
Instead of the slotted frame above mentioned, a cam may be used for actuating
the spring frame, as shown in Fig. 5 of No. 14,560º¹.
I also find it advantageous to fit a mutilated toothed pinion to the door spindle,
and a corresponding toothed rack to a superposed frame, whereby the latter is
actuated. The lower end of this frame may be connected with the piston rod of the
fluid check in various ways, viz. :-by direct connection; by means of pivoted levers;
fixed or oscillating fluid check cylinders; cams of various forms; slotted and other
links; in some cases affording a "dwell" to the check piston, and other novel
applications of old and well known mechanical devices.
I also sometimes make the rod of the check piston sufficiently long to pass
through the spring spindle, which is suitably bored to receive the rod; thus forming

page_text: a sleeve to the piston rod, and thereby securing steadiness of action. The end of
the piston rod carries a frame to receive a suitable cam attached to the door
spindle.
I also improve the valve arrangements, shown in Figs. 1 to 5, in No. 150788, by
increasing the area of the outlet and relief port, and simplifying the general
construction.
I also effect improvements in the door spring and check illustrated by Fig. 35 of
No. 4447, by fitting the cylinder to the door in such a manner that its position
relatively to the door and to the bracket may be adjustable. The advantage of this
arrangement is that the spring and check may be caused to act so as to "set open," or to
entirely close the door; slamming on closing or violent partial closing being prevented
by the action of the check. For this purpose I fit the cylinder to a slotted serrated
holding plate, attached to the door, so as to be capable of adjustment, by means of
a set screw, or its equivalent, in any desired position. Or the slots may be made in
plates attached to or forming parts of the cylinder fittings; or other means may be -
applied to enable the cylinder to be shifted in position, such as dove-tail grooves
and slides, studs, wing and other nuts, and equivalent devices. The bracket is
connected with the spring and check piston in the cylinder, by means of two
connecting rods pivoted directly to the piston, the pins passing through slots in the
sides of the cylinder; or by a single connecting rod passing through a slot in the
cylinder, or by one or two connecting rod or rods, pivoted to a cross-head_fitted to
a piston rod passing through a cylinder cover at either end of the cylinder. By
any of these arrangements the position of the cylinder can be so arranged that the
set open
door may be caused to partially close, without concussion, and remain
at any angle, or it may be allowed to close entirely, without slamming.
"
And in order that my said invention may be particularly described and ascertained,
reference is hereby made to the accompanying drawings, in which similar figures of
reference indicate corresponding parts..
Fig. 1 is a plan view of a door spring and check, fitted with some of my improve-
1 is the
ments, the cover plate being removed to show the interior arrangements.
cast iron box, 2 is an improved form of sliding frame, the construction of which is
separately shown in Fig. 2. The frame is formed with forked guides, as showu,
and the rod 3, with a screwed end, is formed in one therewith. 5 is the roller for
receiving the thrust of the cam 6. 4 is the ordinary nut for regulating the
compression of the spring 7 between the nut 4 and the fixed plate 8. 9 is the door
spindle. 10 is an arm or lever attached to the spindle 9. This arm engages, by
means of its teeth, with the teeth 12, 12, of the sliding bar 11. A lug 13,
forming part of the bar 11, is attached to the piston rod 14 of the fluid
check 15.
In the construction shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the improvements consist in the form
of the forked guides to the frame 2, and the arrangement of the arm 10, the position
of which is so arranged as to obtain the greatest checking power against slamming
just before the door closes.
Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate another method of effecting similar improvements. Tho
guiding part of the sliding frame 16 is formed rectangular, as shown separately in
Fig. 4. Over the frame 16 is fitted another sliding frame 17.
The frame 16 has a square hole at 18, to receive the square end of the screw 19,
which receives the regulating nut 4, for regulating the power of the spring 7. The
frame 17 has a transverse slot 20 in which the roller 21, fitted to the arm 10,
works.
The piston rod 14 is fitted to the frame 17, whereby the movements of the
armi 10 are communicated to the check 15; the check reacting upon the arm 10 to
prevent slamming.
In the construction shown in Figs. 3 and 4 the improvements consist in the forms
and combination of the frame 17 and the arm 10.
Fig. 5 illustrates another method of causing the fluid check to operate powerfully
at the time the door is closing. One end of the bar 22 is provided with 3 teeth,

page_text: which gear with the teeth on the lever 10, as shown. The other end of the bar 22
is pivoted at 23 to a lever of the third order, the fulcrum being at 24, and the
junction with the piston rod 14 at 25.
Fig. 6 illustrates another method of connecting the fluid check by means of a
lever of the first order, pivoted to the rod 22 at 26; the fulcrum being at 27 and
the connection with the piston rod 14 at 28.
The improvements shown in Figs. 5 and 6, consist in the adaptation to and
combination of levers with the fluid checks 15. The fluid checks may be made to
oscillate upon centres at 29, or at any other convenient centres, but preferably they
are fixed in position as shown in the drawings.
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate another method of arranging the details. The frame 30
is formed in one with a sleeve 31, the lower end of which is shown screw threaded
to receive the regulating nut 4. The piston rod 14 is carried through the sleeve 31
and attached to or formed in one with the frame 32. The piston rod 14 and
sleeve 31 mutually act as guides and ensure the parallel action of the mechanism.
In Fig. 8 the spring 7 and nut 4, and other parts of the mechanism are omitted to
show the check mechanism more clearly.
The improvements embodied in Figs. 7 and 8, consist in the combination of the
spring frame 30 with the sleeve 31, and the combination of the check frame 32 with
the elongated piston rod 14.
Fig. 9 is an enlarged view, partly in section, showing an improved construction
of valve, fitted to the fluid check 15. 1, 1, is a section of the box. 15 is a fluid
check. 33 is the flange attached to the cylinder of the check 15, and which flange
is screwed to the rib 34 of the box 1. On the piston being drawn outwards the oil
or other fluid enters the cylinder by raising the ball valve 36 from its seat 37, and
by the passage 38. On the return of the piston the ball 36 closes the passage 37.
The fluid pressure then raises the cup valve 39, whereby the fluid is enabled to pass
outwards slowly through the passage 41. The pressure is regulated by the screw 42
compressing the spring 40, and thus regulating the pressure on the check piston.
The improvement consists in the application of the cup valve 39, which operates as
an ordinary check and relief valve.
Fig. 10 is a plan view illustrating another method of actuating the check on the
closing of the door, and Fig. 11 is an edge view of the spindle, with its
appurtenances. 9 is the spindle. 10 is an arm attached to or formed in one with
the spindle and with the cam 43. This cam acts as a Geneva stop when it enters the
recess 44 in the bar 22. The underside of the cam 43 is cut away to form a second
cam 45, which engages with the shoulder 46, when the door is closing. On the
opening of the door the tooth or arm 10 lifts the bar 22, and raises the piston of
the check, until the cam 43 holds the bar at rest. On the closing of the door the
cam 45 engages the tooth 46, driving the bar 22 and check. piston downwards,
causing the check to resist the sudden closing of the door. On the further
revolution of the spindle 9, the armi 10 engages the teeth in the bar 22, increasing
its speed and the resistance of the check. The improvement consists in the
combination, with the spindle 9, of the tooth or arm 10, and cams 43 and 45; and
the combination with the bar 22 of the curved opening 44 and rebated shoulder 46,
all operating upon the fluid check so as to prevent the slamming of the door.
Fig. 12 illustrates another method of fitting a cam to the spindle, so as to utilise
the retarding force of the fluid check to prevent slamming. 47 is a grooved cam
fixed to the spindle 9 and revolving therewith. 48 is a cruciform bar, fitted with
guide rollers 49, and a cam roller 50. The bar 48 is attached to the piston of
the check in any convenient manner. The form of the groove in the cam 47
increases the checking action of the fluid check as the door approaches its closed
position. Fig. 13 is a separate view of the cam 47. The improvement consists in
the combination of the spindle 9, cam 47, and cruciform bar 48, operating upon the
fluid check so as to prevent the slamming of the door.
Fig. 14 illustrates another method of fitting the spindle and slam check appliances.
51 is an arm fixed to the spindle 9 so as to revolve therewith. 52 is a roller, (or it

page_text: may be a solid pin) working in the curved groove formed at the head of the
cruciform bar 53; the bar being attached to the slam check, as before described.
The improvement consists in the combination of the arm 51, pin or roller 52, and
bar 53 the curved slot rendering the checking action effective as the door
closes.
.
Figs. 15 and 16 illustrate another method of effecting the connection between
the spindle 9 and the check 15; Fig. 15 showing the position when the door is
closed, and Fig. 16 showing the position when the door and spindle are being
turned in the direction of the arrow. 48 is a cruciform rod fitted as shown in
Fig. 12. 54 is a cam fixed to the spindle 9 and rotating therewith. 55 is a con-
necting rod, one end being pivoted to the cam 54, and the other end having a
slot 56 pivoted to a stud 57 attached to the bar 48. When the door opens as
shown in Fig. 16, the rod 55 draws the bar 48 and the piston of the check 15. On
the door being closed the spindle rotates a certain distance, (in consequence of the
slot 56) without moving the bar 48. The final closing of the door is effected by
the end of the cam coming in contact with the roller 50, and thus driving the
piston of the fluid check with increased speed just as the door is closing. The
improvement consists in the combination, with the spindle 9, of the cam 54, slotted
connecting rod 55, and bar 48 for increasing the effectiveness of the fluid check just
as the door is closing.
Figs. 17, 18, 19 and 20 illustrate another arrangement for effecting the same
object. The spindle 9 is fitted with double acting cams 58 for compressing the
door spring, and an intermediate cam 59 for acting upon the door check, and
receiving its counteraction on closing the door. The piston rod 14 of the fluid
check 15, passes through a hole bored in the screw 31. 60 is a roller fitted to the
rod 14. When the door is being opened, as shown in Fig. 18, the cam 59 leaves
contact with the roller 60, and the rod 14. is raised by its shoulder 61 being in
contact with the moving frame 16. On the door being closed, as shown in Fig. 19,
the cam 59 drives the rod 14 with accelerating motion, whereby the slamming of
the door is prevented. The constructions of the spindle 9, and cams 58 and 59,
are shown in perspective in Fig. 20. The improvement consists in the combination,
with the spindle 9, of the cam 59, operating upon the roller 60 and rod 14, for
increasing the effectiveness of the check just as the door is closing.
In the construction shown in Figs. 21 and 22, the spring frame 16 is utilised in
working the check. The piston rod 14 is pivoted to a lever 62 by means of a
pin 63, which also connects the piston rod 14 with a slotted arm 64 attached to the
frame 16. The lever 62 is pivoted to the frame at 65. A slide bar 66 is pivoted
to the lever 62 at 67. 68 is a shoulder formed upon the slide bar. When the
door is being opened, the slotted arm 64 draws outwards the piston rod 14, as
shown in Fig. 22. When the door is being closed the arm 64 drives the piston
rod 14 until the frame 16 comes in contact with the shoulder 68 on the slide
bar 66; the action of the piston in the check cylinder is thereby accelerated and
the slamming of the door is prevented. The improvement consists in the com-
bination of the spring frame 16, the slotted arm 64, lever 62, and slide bar 66,
whereby the effectiveness of the fluid check is increased just as the door is
closing.
In Figs. 23 and 24 an arm or lever 10 having a pin 69 works in a forked
lever 70, pivoted at 71. The fluid check cylinder is pivoted to the casting at 73,
and the piston rod 14 is pivoted to the lever 70 at 72. The position of the
apparatus, when the door is closed, is shown in Fig. 23, and the position, when the
door is open, and the pin 69 is just leaving the fork, is shown in Fig. 24.
The improvement consists in the combination of the arm 10 and piu 69, forked
lever 70, pivoted at 72 to the piston rod 14 of an oscillating fluid check pivoted
at 73, or in any other position.
Figs. 25 to 28 illustrate my improved "set open" arrangement, by fitting the.
cylinder 74 to the door 77 in such a manner that its position, relatively to the
door 77 and to the bracket 78 may be adjustable. For this purpose I fit

page_text: the cylinder 74 with plates forming lugs 75 and 76. 79 is a slotted serrated plate
fixed to the door 77. 84 is a screw capable of sliding in the slot of the plate 79,
the head of the screw being between the plate and the door. 80 is a nut fitting the
screw 84. The lug 76 is slotted to receive a screw 81 screwed into the door and
freely sliding in the slot of the plate 76. 78 is the usual bracket fixed to the
frame 83. 82, 82, are two connecting rods connecting the bracket 78 with the
piston in the cylinder 74 by means of screws passing through slots in the cylinder,
as shown.
.
When the position of the cylinder 74 and lug 75, relatively to the serrated
plate 79, is that shown in Figs. 25 and 26, the action of the spring entirely closes
the door, regulated by the check. But when the cylinder is shifted to the position,
relatively to the serrated plate 79, shown in Fig. 27, the door remains partly open,
as shown; the amount of opening depending entirely upon the relative positions of
the lug 75 and plate 79. The connection between the piston and the bracket 78
may be carried out by any ordinary form of connecting rod or rods.
Fig. 25 is an elevation.
Fig. 26 a horizontal view, partly in section. Fig. 27 is
a plan view showing the door 77 "set open," and Fig. 28 is an end view of the
cylinder, showing the lug 75 and plate 79 in section.
The improvement consists in the method of arranging the door to remain more
or less open by means of the lug 75, plate 79, screw 84 and nut 80.
Having now particularly described and ascertained the nature of my said inven-
tion, and in what manner the same is to be performed, I declare that what I
claim is :-
1. In door springs and checks to prevent slamming of doors, the improved method
of forming the frame 2 with forked guides and rod 3 in one, and the combination
therewith of the arm 10 so arranged as to obtain the greatest checking power
against slamming just when the door is closing, substantially as berein before
described, and illustrated by Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings.
2. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the improved form of rectangular
spring frame 16 in combination with the improved method of mounting the screw 19,
substantially as herein before described, and illustrated by Figs. 3 and 4 of the
drawings.
3. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination of the check frame 17,
having a slot 20 for receiving a roller 21 attached to an arm or lever 10 upon the
spindle 9; such frame being also attached to the piston rod 14 of the fluid check 15,
substantially as herein before described, and illustrated by Fig. 3 of the drawings.
4. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination of a lever 10 and
bar 22, pivoted to a lever of the third order at 23, such lever having its fulcrum
at 24, and being pivoted to the piston rod of the check at 25, substantially as herein
before described and illustrated by Fig. 5 of the drawings.
5. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination, with the bar 22,
of a lever of the first order pivoted to the bar at 26 and to the piston rod at 28, and
having a fulcrum at 27, substantially as herein before described, and illustrated by
Fig. 6 of the drawings.
6. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination with the lever 10 of a
frame 32 attached directly to an elongated piston rod 14, the latter passing through
and acting as a guide to the spring supporting sleeve 31, substantially as herein
before described, and illustrated by Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings.
7. In combination with door springs and checks as aforesaid, the improved
arrangement of cup valve 39, substantially as herein before described and illustrated
by Fig. 9 of the drawings.
8. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination with the spindle 9,
of the tooth or arm 10, cams 43 and 45, bar 22, having a curved opening 44, and
rebated shoulder 46; the combination operating upon the fluid check so as to
prevent the slamming of the door, substantially as herein before described, and
illustrated by Figs. 10 and 11 of the drawings.

page_text: 9. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination with. the spindle 9,
of the cam 47, and cruciform bar 48; the combination operating upon the faid
check so as to prevent the slamming of the door, substantially as
described, and illustrated by Figs. 12 and 13 of the drawings.
10. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination with the spindle 9,
of the arm 51, pin or roller 52, and grooved or slotted bar 53; the combination
operating upon the fluid check so as to prevent the slamming of the door, substan-
tially as herein before described, and illustrated by Fig. 14 of the drawings.
11. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination with the spindle 9,
of the cam 54, slotted connecting rod 55, and bar 48; the combination operating
upon the fluid check so as to prevent the slamming of the door, substantially as
herein before described, and illustrated by Figs. 15 and 16 of the drawings.
12. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination, with the spindle 9,
of the cam 59, roller 60 and shoulder 61 attached to the rod 14, the combination
operating upon the fluid check so as prevent the slamming of the door, substan-
tially as herein before described, and illustrated by Figs. 17, 18, 19 and 20 of the
drawings.
13. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination of the spring
frame 16, the slotted arm 64, lever 62, and slide bar 66; the combination operating
by means of the rod 14 of the fluid check so as to prevent the slamming of the
door, substantially as herein before described, and illustrated by Figs. 21 and 22 of
the drawings.
14. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination, with the spindle 9,
of the arm 10 and pin 69, forked lever 70, pivoted to the case at 71, and to the
fluid piston rod 14 at 72; the combination operating so as to prevent the slamming
of the door, substantially as herein before described, and illustrated by Figs. 23
and 24 of the drawings.
15. In door springs and checks as aforesaid, the combination of an adjustable
cylinder 74 fitted with lugs 75, 76, and capable of having its position adjusted
relatively to a plate 79, by means of a screw 84 and nut 80, substantially as and
for the purposes herein before described, and illustrated by Figs. 25, 26, 27 and 28
of the drawings.
Dated 29th January 1894.