GB2628399A

GB2628399A - Door control device

Info

Publication number: GB2628399A
Application number: GB2304232.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Henry Aston Robert
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-03-23
Filing date: 2023-03-23
Publication date: 2024-09-25
Anticipated expiration: 2043-03-23
Also published as: GB202304232D0; GB2628399B

Abstract

Disclosed is a door control device for imparting resistance to movement of a door movable between first and second positions, the device comprising a support arranged being fixed to the door and an engaging member mounted in the support and operative to engage the ground to provide a resisting force to movement of the door wherein the device is adapted so the engaging member remains in contact with the ground during movement of the door between first and second positions. In some forms resisting force is within a range that allows the door to be moved between first and second positions under manual operation whilst assisting to maintain the door in position when stationary. The resisting force may be adjusted by changing a surface characteristic of the engaging member. In a further embodiment an engaging member is able to move relative to the support and the support comprises a stop to restrict the extent of movement of the engaging member.

Description

DISCRIPTION; Disclosed is a door control device for imparting resistance to movement of a door movable between first and second positions, device comprises: A support arranged to be fixed to the door [Fig 2] and an engaging member [Fig 1] mounted into the support and operative to engage the ground so as to provide a resisting force to movement of the door; the device is adapted so that the engaging member remains in contact with the ground during movement of the door between its first and second positions.

A device wherein the resisting force is within a range allowing the door to be moved between first and second positions under manual operation whilst assisting to hold the door stationary when located in any position between the first and second positions.

Support further comprises at least one stop restricting the extent of axial movement of the engaging member in the passage.

Uncontrolled movement of a door between its open and closed positions is problematic as it may lead to injury, for example if a hand is caught as a door slams shut, or difficulties in regulating ventilation or privacy in a room by the door not remaining ajar in a desired position.

Various control devices have been proposed to assist in controlling door movement. These include biasing arrangements such as spring biased hinges or actuators which bias the door to a particular position, typically a closed position. Other devices, such as latches, or door stops, are arranged to maintain a door in a predetermined or designed position.

While such devices are effective for an intended purpose, they often are not easily adaptable in allowing the movement of the door to be controlled to enable maintaining of the door in a wide range of positions, requiring manual operation which may be difficult for those with physical or health challenges, and/or provide a tripping hazard. It is to be understood that, if any prior art is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the prior art forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

According to a first aspect, disclosed is a door control device for imparting resistance to movement of a door movable between first and second positions, the device comprising a support arranged to be fixed to the door; and an engaging member mounted to the support and operative to engage the ground so as to provide a resisting force to movement of the door; wherein the device is adapted so that the engaging member remains in contact with the ground during movement of the door between its first and second positions.

In some forms, the resisting force is within a range that allows the door to be moved between the first and second positions under manual operation whilst assisting to maintaining the door in position when stationary.

In some forms, the device is further arranged to allow adjustment of the resisting force being applied to the door.

In some forms, the engaging member is arranged to engage the ground under its own weight and the device is arranged to allow adjustment of the resisting force by changing the mass of the engaging member.

In some forms, the engaging member has a ground engaging surface and the device allows adjustment of the resisting force by changing a surface characteristic of the engaging surface. In some forms, the surface characteristics are changed by changing at least a portion of the engaging member that includes the ground engaging surface.

In some forms, the engaging member includes a body and an outer portion that includes the ground engaging surface, the outer portion being removably mounted to the body so as to be replaceable to change the surface characteristic of the engaging surface.

In some forms, the mounting of the engaging member to the support provides a supplementary force to the engaging member that influences the magnitude of the resisting force, the supplementary force being adjustable to allow adjustment of the resisting force.

In some forms, this supplementary force is by a biasing means such as a spring or other resilient member. The biasing means may act between the support and the engaging member to influence the resisting force.

In some forms, this force may be linear (where the resistive force of the engaging member is provided by the weight of the engaging member (i.e. under gravitational force) or may be by virtue of torsional resistance (where the engaging member is arranged to rotate about the support). In some forms, the engaging member is cylindrical having opposite first and second ends spaced apart along an axis of the engaging member, and the support defines a passage to receive the engaging member to allow axial movement of the engaging member therein.

In some forms, the support is arranged to capture the engaging member within the passage to thereby limit the extent of axial travel of the engaging member within the support.

A feature of a preferred form of the control device is that it remains engaged with the ground during the entire movement of the door between its first and second positions. As such, it continues to provide an ongoing tactile response to an operator of the door. This tactile response not only assists in controlling movement of the door (e.g. from over travelling or slamming shut), it provides a sense of "weight" to the door which is appealing.

Moreover, it allows the control device to be active across the entire range of movement of the door and allows desired positioning of the door in any position between the first second positions. Once stationary, the static friction that occurs between the engagement member and the ground assists in maintaining the door in its desired position. Whilst moving, the dynamic friction assists in controlling the rate of movement of the door.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a door control device for imparting resistance to movement of a door movable between first and second positions, the device comprising a support arranged to be fixed to the door; and an engaging member mounted to the support and operative to engage the ground so as to provide a resisting force to movement of the door; wherein the engaging member is able to move relative to the support and wherein the support comprises at least one stop to restrict the extent movement of the engaging member.

A door control device according to the further aspect described above may include any one, or combination of features, as described above in respect of the door control device according to the first aspect. In particular, the engaging member may be cylindrical having opposite first and second ends spaced apart along an axis of the engaging member, and the support defines a passage to receive the engaging member to allow axial movement of the engaging member therein.

In a further aspect of the device, a door assembly is provided that includes a door arranged to be mounted to a supporting structure to be movable between a first and second position, and a control device mounted to the door and arranged to impart resistance to movement of the door, the control device being in accordance with any form described above.

The Door Control Device maintains a door in a chosen position without the need of a physical interaction between the user and the Door Control Device.

The Door Control Device dispenses with personal interaction between the user and the Door Control Device for what can be physically challenging movements for people with physical or health challenges.

The Door Control Device is user focused delivering easy and convenient door control.

The Door Control Device is suitable for use on interior and exterior swing and sliding doors or other movable barriers.

The Door Control Device can be used where a surface is within a workable tolerance for the Member and Sliding Pad to connect to the surface area it is to travel across.

The Door Control Device will function connected to either side of a door or other barrier although when connected to the side of a swing door/barrier that opens into a room it increases safety by keeping entrance and exit pathways clear from obstructions or protrusions relating to item/s acting as a form of door control.

The Door Control Device does not require an external power source therefore once fitted to a door, ongoing routine maintenance should not be required.

An additional Member can be added to the in-situ Member of the Door Control Device increasing Member mass for extra door holding capability.

The Holding Arm encircles the Member holding it in place with sufficient clearance to the diameter allowing for unobstructed rise and fall movement of the Member.

The Holding Arm is connected directly to the door by using screws or similar product placed through the holes which can be found at each end of the Holding Arm.

A form of sticking agent may also be used to connect the Holding Arm to a door by utilising the flat surface areas at each end of the Holding Arm where the securing holes can be found.

The flat surface areas with a hole at either end of the Holding Arm allow the Holding Arm to be connected to a door by varying methods.

The Door Control Device within reasonable tolerances slows or stops a door when pushed in either direction.

The Door Control Device functions when connected to either side of a door, moves as one in either direction with the door, and allows the door to be fully opened or shut.

The Door Control Device does not require a physical interaction with the user for performing operations such as opening, closing or placing a door in a position of choice and can leave entrance and exit pathways free of obstruction or protrusion.

The Door Control Device Member can be secured against opportunistic and unauthorised removal by connecting a separate, optional Door Control Device Security Feature.

The Door Control Device can increase door holding ability by means of an additional Member added to the in-situ Member increasing mass.

DOOR CONTROL DEVICE ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORTING DRAWING REFERENCE FIG'S; A Sliding Pad [See Fig 3] is connected to one axis of the primary Member [Fig 1] see [Fig's + 4a+b]. The primary Member is then placed within the Holding Arm. [Fig Sa+b] The Holding Arm now encircling the primary Member is connected in a perceived location to a door or other movable barrier. [Fig's 6a and 6b]. The Door Control Device is now ready for use.

EMBODIMENTS WILL NOW BE DESCRIBED BY WAY OF EXAMPLE ONLY WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS OF THE DOOR CONTROL DEVICE IN WHICH; Fig 1: is a perspective view being the embodiment of the body of an engaging Member for a Door Control Device; Fig 2: is a perspective view of a Holding Arm of the Door Control Device for holding the engaging Member of Fig. 1; Fig 3: is a perspective view being the embodiment of the Sliding Pad forming part of the engaging Member of Fig. 1; Fig 4a: is a perspective view of the engaging primary Member with a Sliding Pad in position to be connected to one axis of the primary Member; Fig 4b: is a perspective view of the engaging primary Member with the Sliding Pad attached; Fig 5a: is a perspective side view being the embodiment of the engaging primary Member prior to being inserted into the holding arm; Fig 5b: is a perspective view of the assembled Door Control Device comprising the engaging primary Member inserted into the Holding Arm; Fig 6a: is a schematic view of the Linear perspective view being the embodiment of the primary Member with a Sliding Pad attached inserted into the Holding Arm that is connected to the bottom aspect of a door in a perceived location; Fig 6b: Close up linear perspective view being the embodiment of the primary Member with a Sliding Pad attached inserted into the Holding Arm that is connected to the bottom aspect of a door in a perceived location; The design of the Holding Arm allows for an optional modification for a separate Door Control Device Security Feature to be connected to the Door Control Device and is detailed with description and supporting drawings references below.

MODIFICATION No 1; OPTIONAL, DOOR CONTROL SECURITY FEATURE. DRAWINGS 112A, D + 13B], CLAIMS: 9-10; The Door Control Device Security Feature is an optional add on feature to protect the Member/s of the Door Control Device from opportunistic, unauthorised removal.

The Member/s have an attractive aesthetic with a stand-alone value so, in some environments may require protection against opportunistic, unauthorised removal.

Without the Door Control Security Feature the Member/s of a Door Control Device can be removed simply by raising it to a sufficient height for it to become clear of the Holding Arm.

Removing the Member/s from the Holding Arm would render the Door Control Device unfit for purpose.

The Door Control Device Security Feature works in conjunction with the Holding Arm, the Sliding Arm, the Back Plate and the Member/s of the Door Control Device in helping to prevent opportunistic, unauthorised removal of the Member/s from the Holding Arm whilst, not interfering with the operational function of the Door Control Device.

DOOR CONTROL DEVICE SECURITY FEATURE ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORTING DRAWING REFERENCE FIG'S; The Door Control Device Security Feature consists of a Sliding Arm [Fig 7] Back Plate [Fig 10] and Two Connecting Parts. [Fig's 8+9] To Assemble: The Back Plate is placed against the Sliding Arm. [Fig 11a] The central column section of one of the Connecting Parts [Fig 9] is inserted and sits flush into the central hole in the recessed area at the rear of the Back Plate. [Fig 11b] The central column of Connecting Part [Fig 9] is then inserted through the central cut out channel of the Sliding Arm and the Two Connecting parts are joined bringing together the Sliding Arm and the Back Plate. [Fig 11c] The primary Member [Fig 1] is then placed inside the Holding Arm. [Fig 12b] The Holding Arm is placed against the Back Plate with the overlap bend of the Sliding Arm sitting on the top axis of the primary Member with the securing holes of the Back Plate and Holding Arm in alinement. [Fig 12c+d] The Door Control Device and the Door Control Device Security Feature can now be secured to a door or other movable barrier via their aligned fixing holes or fixing areas. [Fig 13a+b].

EMBODIMENTS WILL NOW BE DESCRIBED BY WAY OF EXAMPLE ONLY WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS IN WHICH; Fig 7: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the Sliding Arm.

Fig 8: Is a linear perspective side rear view being the embodiment of a Threaded Column Connecting Part.

Fig 9: Is a linear perspective side rear view being the embodiment of a Threaded Channelled Column Connecting Part.

Fig 10: Is a linear perspective side rear view being the embodiment of a Back Plate showing a hole at each end and a central hole within a recessed area.

Fig lla: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the 1s connection stage of a Back Plate to a Sliding Arm using two Connecting Parts.

Fig 11b: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the 2" connection stage of the Back Plate to a Sliding Arm showing one of the two Connecting Parts inserted into the rear of the Back Plate and inserted through the central cut out channel of the Sliding Arm.

Fig 11c: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the Final connection stage of the Back Plate to the Sliding Arm by way of the two Connecting Parts being joined.

Fig 12a: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the Final connection stage of the Back Plate to the Sliding Arm and ready to be connected to the Holding Arm.

Fig 12b: Is a linear perspective rear side view being the embodiment of the Member with a Sliding Pad attached inserted into the Holding Arm and ready to be connected to the Back Plate and the Sliding Arm.

Fig 12c: Is a linear perspective rear side view being the embodiment of the primary Member with a Sliding Pad attached, inserted into a Holding Arm, connected to a Back Plate with the overlap bend of the Sliding Arm being in its fully elevated upwards position.

Fig 12d: Is a linear perspective rear side view being the embodiment of the primary Member with a Sliding Pad attached inserted into a Holding Arm, connected to a Back Plate with the overlap bend of the Sliding Arm being in its lowest possible position with the head of the Connecting Part [Fig 9] sitting flush against the Back Plate.

Fig 13a: Is a linear perspective front view being the embodiment of a Door Control Device and Door Control Device Security Feature connected to the bottom aspect of a door in a perceived location.

Fig 13b: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of a Door Control Device with a Door Control Device Security Feature, connected to the bottom aspect of a door in a perceived location with the overlap bend of the Sliding Arm being in its fully elevated position.

The design of the Sliding Arm allows for an optional modification, allowing for additional Members and Extension Arms to be connected to the Door Control Security Feature when an additional Member [mass] is required to be added to the in-situ Member/s and is detailed with Description and supporting drawings references below.

MODIFICATION No 2: ADDITIONAL MEMBER AND EXTENSION ARM. DRAWINGS [14,15, 22n + 231, CLAIMS: 4 -9 -10; A Door Control Device may increase its door holding capability by adding an additional Member [mass] to the in-situ Member/s [Mass].

An Extension Arm is an add-on feature connected to the Sliding Arm of a Door Control Device Security Feature required when an additional Member [mass] is added to the in-situ Members.

When an Additional Member is connected to the in-situ Member/s it increases the height of the in-situ Member/s rendering the Sliding Arm of the Door Control Device Security Feature unable to raise high enough within the Back Plate for the overlap bend at the top axis of the Sliding Arm to sit on top of the additional Member.

The Extension Arm increases of the reach of the Sliding arm allowing the Sliding Arm the extra height required for the Overlap bend at its top axis to sit on top of the primary and Additional Member. The Additional Member is the same height in relation to the height afforded by the Extension Arm. The process of adding an extra Member to a Door Control Device connected to a Door Control Security feature can be repeated as required by connecting an Extension Arm to an existing Extension Arm when an additional Member is connected to the in-situ Member/s.

The height dimension of the Primary Member, Additional Member and the central cut out channels of the Sliding Arm and Extension Arm are determined as to work in unison in the prevention of opportunistic, unauthorised removal of Member/s from the Door Control device.

ADDITIONAL MEMBER AND EXTENSION ARM ASSEMBLY WITH SUPPORTING DRAWING REFERENCE FIG'S; This modification feature consists of an Additional Member [Fig 15] Extension Arm [Fig 14] and Two Connecting Parts. [Fig's 16+17] To Assemble: The Sliding Arm [Fig7] and the Extension Arm [Fig14] are placed together via the matching recessed cut out areas at the bottom axis of the Sliding Arm and at either axis of the Extension Arm. [Fig 18a+b] The central column section of the Connecting Part [Fig 17] is inserted through the aligned holes of the Sliding Arm and Extension Arm [Fig 18c] the Two Connecting parts [Fig 16+17] are then joined, bringing together the Sliding Arm and the Extension Arm. [Fig 19a] The back Plate is positioned against the Extension Arm.[Fig 19c] The Back Plate is then connected to the Extension Arm using the Two Connecting Parts.

[Fig's 19b+c + 20a +b] The central threaded column of Connecting Part [Fig 17] is inserted through the central recessed hole at the rear of the Back Plate. [Fig 20a] The central column of the Connecting Part [Fig 17] is then inserted through the central cut out channel of the Extension Arm [fig 20a] where the Two Connecting parts are joined bringing together the Back Plate, Extension Arm and the Sliding Arm. [Fig 20b] The Extension Arm now works in conjunction with the Back Plate in the same way as the Sliding Arm does when connected with the Back Plate. [Fig11c] As the Member is raised and before it can become clear of the Holding Arm and the overlap bend at the top axis of the Sliding Arm the central column of the Two Connecting Parts come into contact with the bottom end of the centralised cut out channel of the Extension Arm[Fig 22d] preventing the Sliding Arm from rising enough to allow the removal of the Members from the overlap bend of the Sliding Arm and the Holding Arm. [Fig's 22d+ 23] An additional Member and Extension Arm can be added to the existing Member and Extension Arm whenever more weight[mass] may be required.

The Primary Member, Additional Member/s and Extension Arm/s are the correct dimensions in relation to each other to work in unison with the Sliding Arm and Back Plate parts of a Door Positioning Stop Security Device in preventing the removal of the Member/s from the Holding Arm of a Door Control Device from the top axis and the surface at the opposite axis. [Fig's 22c,d + 23] EMBODIMENTS WILL NOW BE DESCRIBED BY WAY OF EXAMPLE ONLY WITH REFERENCE TO THE ACCOMPANYING DRAW IN GS; Fig 14: Is a linear perspective rear view being the embodiment of the Extension Arm. Fig 15: Is a linear perspective view being the embodiment of an Additional Member.

Fig 16: Is a linear perspective side rear view being the embodiment of a Threaded column Connecting Part.

Fig 17: Is a linear perspective side rear view being the embodiment of a Threaded Channelled Column Connecting Part.

Fig 18a: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the first connection stage of an Extension Arm to a Sliding Arm using the Two Connecting Parts.

Fig 18b: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the second connection stage of an Extension Arm to the Sliding Arm showing the two Parts in position ready to be joined by the Two Connecting Parts.

Fig 18c: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the Final connection stage of an Extension Arm to a Sliding Arm showing the Threaded Channelled Column Connecting Part placed through the connecting holes of the Sliding Arm and the Extension Arm and the Threaded Column Connecting Part ready to secure both pieces together by joining with the Threaded Channelled Column Connecting Part.

Fig 19a: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the connection of the Extension Arm to the Sliding Arm showing the two Connecting Parts joined.

Fig 19b: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the first connection stage of an Extension Arm and Sliding Arm being connected to a Back Plate using Two Connecting Parts.

Fig 19c: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the second connection stage of an Extension Arm and Sliding Arm being connected to a Back Plate using Two Connecting Parts with the Back Plate in connection position.

Fig 20a: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the third connection stage of the Extension Arm and Sliding Arm to a Back Plate showing the Threaded Channelled Column Connecting Part placed through the connecting holes of the Back Plate and the central cut out channel of the Extension Arm with the Threaded Connecting Part ready to secure both pieces together by joining with the Threaded Channelled Column Connecting Part.

Fig 20b: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of the final connection stage of a Sliding Arm and Extension Arm to a Back Plate showing the Two Connecting Parts joined.

Fig 21a: Is a linear perspective view being the embodiment of an Additional Member.

Fig 21b: Is a linear perspective view being the embodiment of the primary Member with a Sliding Pad attached at one axis.

Fig 21c: Is a linear perspective view being the embodiment of an Additional Member connected to one axis of the primary Member with a Sliding Pad attached at the opposite axis of the primary Member.

Fig 22a: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of a Sliding Arm, Extension Arm and a Back Plate.

Fig 22b: Is a linear perspective rear side view being the embodiment of a Sliding Arm and Extension Arm connected to a Back Plate in position to join with a Holding Arm containing the primary Member with an Additional Member and Sliding Pad.

Fig 22c: Is a linear perspective rear side view being the embodiment of a Sliding Arm, Extension Arm and Back Plate placed against a Holding Arm containing the primary Member, Additional Member and Sliding Pad attached with connecting holes of the Back Plate and the Holding Arm aligned.

Fig 22d: Is a linear perspective front side view being the embodiment of a Member with an additional Member at one axis, a Sliding Pad at the other axis and inserted into a Holding Arm that is connected to a Back Plate, Extension Arm and a Sliding Arm, with the Sliding Arm extended to its maximum upwards position.

Fig 23: Is a linear perspective rear side view being the embodiment of a fully extended Sliding Arm connected to an Extension Arm, Back Plate and Holding Arm, illustrating how when fully extended the overlap bend of the Sliding Arm keeps the primary Member, Sliding Pad and Additional Member secured within the Holding Arm at one axis and the surface at the other axis.

Fig 24: Is a linear perspective front view being the embodiment of a Door Control Device attached to a Door Control Security Feature with an Additional Member and Extension Arm connected to a door in a perceived location.

Claims

CLAIMS; 1. A door control device for imparting resistance to movement of a door movable between first and second positions, the device comprising; a support arranged to be fixed to the door; and an engaging member mounted to the support and operative to engage the ground so as to provide a resisting force to movement of the door; wherein the device is adapted so that the engaging member remains in contact with the ground during movement of the door between its first and second positions.
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the resisting force is within a range that allows the door to be moved between the first and second positions under manual operation whilst assisting to hold the door stationary when located in any position between the first and second positions.
3. A device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device is further arranged to allow adjustment of the resisting force being applied to the door.
4. A device according to claim 3, wherein the engaging member is arranged to engage the ground under its own weight and the device is arranged to allow adjustment of the resisting force by changing the mass of the engaging member.
5. A device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the engaging member has a ground engaging surface and the device allows adjustment of the resisting force by changing a surface characteristic of the engaging surface.
6. A device according to claim 5, wherein the engaging member includes a body and outer portion that includes the ground engaging surface, the outer portion being removably mounted to the body so as to be replaceable to change the surface characteristic of the engaging surface.
7. A device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the mounting of the engaging member to the support provides a supplementary force to the engaging member that influences the magnitude of the resisting force, the supplementary force being adjustable to allow adjustment of the resisting force.
8. A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the engaging member is cylindrical having opposite first and second ends spaced apart along an axis of the engaging member, and the support defines a passage to receive the engaging member to allow axial movement of the engaging member therein.
9. A device according to claim 8, wherein the support can further comprise at least one stop to restrict the extent of axial movement of the engaging member in the passage.
10. A door control device for imparting resistance to movement of a door movable between first and second positions, the device comprising a support arranged to be fixed to the door; and an engaging member mounted to the support and operative to engage the ground so as to provide a resisting force to movement of the door; wherein the engaging member is able to move relative to the support and wherein the support can comprises at least one stop to restrict the extent movement of the engaging member.
11 A device according to claim 11, wherein the engaging member is cylindrical having opposite first and second ends spaced apart along an axis of the engaging member, and the support defines a passage to receive the engaging member to allow axial movement of the engaging member therein.
12. A door assembly comprising a door arranged to be mounted to a support structure and movable between first and second positions and a control device operative to impart a resistance to movement of the door, the control device being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 11.