Background Art A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no obligation to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent And Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright whatsoever.

A brief description of a reciprocative device includes a basic door closure system which comprises a spring operated device controlled with liquid or gas. The device typically contains a piston assembly including a piston and sealing o-ring; piston rod varieties which include curved and non-curved surfaces; internal compression spring and hydraulic biasing operators; cylindrical piston body; sealed and non-sealed end caps; fluid restriction valves; attachment members; and the checking mechanism to which this invention more specifically pertains. Such door closer systems that comprise checking mechanisms are described in U. S. Pat. Nos.

2,732,920; 2,920,338; 3,032,806; 3,162,889; 3,566,435; 3,665,549; 4,777,698; and Canadian Pat. No. 623,038.

The checking mechanism is utilized to independently hold the door and door closer in an open or extended position for an indefinite period of time. The simplistic mechanism is axially mounted upon the extended rod of the device, for leveraging certain biasing forces controlled by the device into torsion. The torsion is urged between opposing points within an axial plane of the mechanism. The torsion causes substantial direct frictional pressure onto the surfaces of the piston rod. Thus, the mechanism frictionally checks the reciprocative function of the device with direct pressure causing the friction. Among the more elaborate checking mechanisms developed are illustrated in U. S. Pat. No. 4,194,264 to Soffregen (1980), and U. S. Pat. No.

4,815,163 to Simmons (1989). Through variously attached apparati comprising these mechanisms, an elaborate method is created to check the rod of the device similarly to the basic mechanism disclosed herein.

The prior art checking mechanism is usually metal stamped from a sheet material such as a predetermined sheet metal gauge. The mechanism comprises three main components: a) an aperture configuration bounded within a central structure; b) a trigger appendage; and c) a fixated origin connecting component a) to component c).

Generally describing the components, the aperture configuration permits the mechanism to mount onto the rod of the device. The aperture configuration comprises opposing loci which define the opposing friction points. These opposing points torsionally create the substantial direct frictional pressure within the axial plane which is urged onto the surfaces of the rod. The central structure provides a boundary for the aperture configuration. The trigger appendage acts as a lever and provides a trigger area for abutment to the piston body. The central structure and the trigger appendage are typically flattened planes composed from the sheet metal gauge. The fixated origin angularly attaches the central structure onto the trigger appendage. The components differ slightly on the various prior art mechanisms, relative to the independent manufacturer's own design. However, the functionality of the three components are similar on most the prior art mechanisms.

The hold-open feature is manually activated by first opening the door to a desired position, thus creating an outward biasing force and extending the piston rod of the fixated door closer system from within the piston body. A biasing counter-force is then normally created as a result of the system's biasing operators. The checking mechanism is axially

mounted onto the rod through the aperture configuration, first by moving the mechanism to a desired position on the extended rod. Releasing the door, the biasing operators act to return the rod towards the normally retracted position within the body. The biasing force causes the mechanism to lever at the trigger appendage, once the body contacts the mechanism upon the trigger area.

The biasing force is generally redirected at the fixated origin which causes the checking mechanism to torsionally pivot on the center axis of the aperture configuration, and pivot on the axis of the piston rod. Thus, the mechanism pivotally engages onto the rod surface, urged upon the metallic edges of the opposing loci comprising the opposing friction points. The energy is substantially equalized and distributed to the points which interact and deliver the friction within the axial plane of the mechanism. The direct frictional pressure created by the points is applied onto the curved and non-curved surfaces of the piston rod, whereby the mechanism frictionally checks the device. More biasing force controlled by the device results in more direct pressure causing the friction onto the surfaces of the rod.

Component a) the aperture configuration bounded by the central structure, comprises the opposing loci and points for urging the direct frictional pressure onto the surfaces of the rod. The loci are defined as the fulcrum locus and the counter locus, separated by the center axis. Both loci are composed on the common axis of symmetry. The loci comprise opposing friction points which torsionally deliver the substantial direct frictional pressure onto the surfacesoftherod.Thepointsmaybelocateduponandawayfromthecomm onaxis. s.

Component b) the trigger appendage acts as a lever for leveraging the mechanism to pivotally engage the device. The trigger appendage transposes the biasing forces controlled by the device into the direct frictional pressure applied to the rod. The trigger appendage provides a trigger area for abutment onto the piston body. The trigger area varies on the surface of the trigger appendage. To teach the concepts that best disclose the invention herein, the trigger area is defined on a trigger plane. The trigger plane generally projects from the origin axis for the fixated origin, projected to the trigger area abutting the body of the device. Because the surface of the prior art trigger appendage is substantially flat and also projects from the origin axis, the trigger plane therefore remains fixated as the trigger area varies upon the surface of the trigger appendage. Thus, in prior art the trigger area is best defined upon a non-variable

trigger plane. The flat surface of the trigger appendage offers no other adjustable features for the varying trigger area.

Prior art checking mechanism provide a substantially similar distance between the three functional points of leverage. Specifically, the distance from the trigger area to the fulcrum locus is not much greater than the distance between the opposing friction points within the loci.

A common door closer system comprising a 1.25" (32 mm) piston body and. 313" (8 mm) piston rod, comprises a 1.5-to-1 average leverage ratio for the mechanism. Again, unless the piston rod is modified, the distance between the two opposing points can not be modified.

Resultantly, the sectional distance between the two opposing points may never become altered or decreased to partake in any possible leverage advantage for the trigger area. Sectionally dividing the mechanism through the common axis of symmetry and connecting together, the opposing points within the axial plane connected to the trigger area, a simple angle is illustrated. Therefore, the reader can better understand the principles of pressure distribution, and the distance from the trigger area to the opposing loci comprising the friction points.

It may seem obvious that to obtain an increase in leverage ratio, the length of the trigger appendage should therefore be increased. However, merely increasing the length of the fixated trigger appendage would require decreasing the fixated origin because of the substantially flattened nature comprising the trigger appendage. The flattened surface of the trigger appendage limits the trigger area to the non-variable trigger plane, and will not compensate for an increase in the surface area resulting from any lengthening of the trigger appendage. Lengthening the trigger appendage would also place more stress onto the fixated origin, further weakening the mechanism which often does not comprise hardness or temper modification for the soft sheet steel gauge.

The trigger appendage must create a functional gap between the central structure and the piston body and end cap. The gap must prevent any simultaneous touching of the central structure against the body, which disrupts the direct frictional pressure created by the opposing points to the rod surface. A prior art flattened trigger appendage offers less surface area to compensate the functional gap. As the checking mechanism wears and fatigues, the trigger area varies and climbs the surface of the flattened trigger appendage. Due to the non-variable trigger plane, the functional gap is reduced at nearly the same rate as the climbing trigger area.

Thus, there is less surface for the trigger appendage to provide certain variable extension and

adjustment for a wearing checking mechanism. The flattened trigger appendage also offers less universalness to adapt a single checking mechanism to various devices.

Component c) the fixated origin comprises a fixated connection between the central structure and the trigger appendage. The fixated origin angularly directs the biasing forces controlled by the door closer biasing operators, to the opposing points torquing within the axial plane which cause the direct frictional pressure. All prior art checking mechanisms disclosed demonstrate a fixated origin which is greater than 90 degrees at the origin for both components.

Some modem checking mechanisms comprise an angular fixated origin as great as 120 degrees at the origin, combined with a non-variable trigger pane. The angle at the origin is generally determined by projecting an axis (face axis) parallel to the face of the central structure, and projecting the other axis (origin axis) from the origin for the trigger appendage. The origin may be determined as comprising the best angle created between both components, and may be established by more than a singular angle.

Among other factors, the angle must limit the central structure from simultaneously touching against the piston body along with the trigger area. Any simultaneous touching of the central structure disrupts the torsional engagement between the opposing friction points urged onto the rod. Therefore, the degree of the angle for the fixated origin must contribute to the functional gap between the central structure and the piston body. Because the prior art mechanisms are primarily manufactured from common mild sheet steel which is relatively soft, the fixated origin is therefore subject to fatiguing which reduces the functional gap. In order to provide a checking mechanism which does not slip, the fixated origin should be both fixated and capable of withstanding sufficient pressure. U. S. Pat No. 3,566,435 to Nakamura (1971) shows a perpendicular fixated origin which is not fixated. Resultantly, this mechanism provides an intentional slipping feature as described within the contents of the patent.

Another known problem contributing to a substantial reduction in the functional gap is defined by the natural wearing of the metallic edges which comprise the opposing friction points. The wearing causes the points to flatten which may result in a loss of substantial direct frictional pressure. Thus, the pressure becomes distributed over the two flattened points instead of being forcefully urged, as upon sharper biting edges comprising the loci of a brand new checking mechanism. A decrease in the functional gap may also be caused by a lateral rotation of a mechanism comprising only two opposing friction points located on the common

axis of symmetry. Conclusively, any substantial reduction in the functional gap may ultimately render a checking mechanism capable of slipping.

Disclosure Of The Invention Concerning the checking mechanism, by decreasing the fixated origin to comprise an angle which is substantially perpendicular or less combined with an improved trigger appendage design, a substantial increase in transposed leverage and friction is created. The invention creates a variable trigger area upon a variable trigger plane that projects a disposable surface from the origin axis for the fixated origin. The superior trigger appendage could comprise a substantial and continual curvature surface. Resultantly, the transposed leverage is increased; the functional gap is increased and now reduced at a lesser rate; the torsion created within the axial plane is increased; the direct frictional pressure is increased; and a superior universal checking mechanism is created to extend the life of the complete door closer system.

Tempering, hardening, crimping and further modifying the fixated origin could offer a checking mechanism capable of withstanding even greater pressure.

This invention comprises an improved checking mechanism, utilized for frictionally checking a reciprocative device including door closer systems. The objects and advantages of these inventions include substantial improvements to: b) the trigger appendage and the c) the fixated origin.

Superior component b) the trigger appendage provides a substantial increase in surface area, disposing a variable trigger area upon a variable trigger plane projecting from the fixated origin and projected to the variable trigger area. The superior trigger appendage comprises a substantially greater sectional distance between the trigger area and the fulcrum locus, than the sectional distance between the opposing points within the loci. An object of these inventions are to provide a substantial increase in torsion between the opposing friction points. Another object of these inventions are to provide a trigger area upon a variable trigger plane. Another object of these inventions are to create more surface area to comprise the trigger area. Another object of these inventions are to create more universalness for the mechanism to various door closer sizes and designs. Another object of these inventions are to increase the distance from the trigger area to the fulcrum locus. Another object of these inventions are to provide an adjustment means for the trigger area upon the variable trigger plane. Another object of these

inventions are to accommodate for worn or wearing opposing friction points. Another object of these inventions are to compensate for an increase in pivotal engagement. Another object of these inventions are to assist in maintainipg a vertical posture for the central structure. Another object of these inventions are to assist in strengthening the fixated origin, by possibly directing the biasing force towards the fixated origin. Another object of these inventions are to increase leverage for the trigger area. Another object of these inventions are to increase the functional gap and decrease the motion of the pivotal engagement for the mechanism.

The various trigger appendage designs may comprise a trigger area upon a substantial curvature surface including an arching, ovoid, and convex design; an installed pad, cap, and clip; and an adjustable screw. An object of these inventions are to provide the means for further extending and varying the trigger area away from the lower-fulcrum locus. Another object of these inventions are to project the disposable surface from the origin axis for the fixated origin. Another object of these inventions are to project the disposable surface to dissect the origin axis. Another object of these inventions are to project the disposable surface to dissect the trigger plane. Another object of these inventions are to provide a trigger area upon a substantial curvature surface. Another object of these inventions are to accommodate for worn or wearing friction pressure points. Another object of these inventions are to maintain a substantial vertical posture for the central structure. Another object of these inventions are to reduce the functional gap at a lesser rate, thus compensating for the climbing variable trigger area.

Superior component c) the fixated origin, has been changed to generally comprise an angle at the origin which is substantially 90 degrees or less. An object of these inventions are to accommodate a superior trigger appendage design comprising a substantial curvature surface disposing a trigger area upon a variable trigger plane projecting from the origin axis. Another object of these inventions are to possibly project said curvature surface above the origin axis.

Another object of these inventions are to provide a stronger checking mechanism that can withstand greater direct frictional pressure. Another object of these inventions are to create more universalness for the checking mechanism concept, adapting the new trigger appendage design to other prior art checking mechanism concepts. Another object of these inventions are to compensate for an increase in pivotal engagement due to certain checking mechanism fatigue.

Another object of these inventions are to eliminate slippage due to simultaneous central

structure contact upon the piston body, by decreasing the pivotal engagement and increasing the functional gap.

Furthermore, material comprising the checking mechanism including the trigger and fixated origin may be tempered, hardened, and crimped. An object of these inventions are to provide superior durability for the mechanism, and more particularly, to substantially eliminate any flexation of the fixated origin. Another object of these inventions are to compensate the functional gap.

These and further objects of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments thereof.

Brief Description Of The Drawings Fig. 1 is a prospective view of a superior checking mechanism or which illustrates an aperture configuration designed with notches and shown with modified opposing friction points, and also showing a trigger appendage comprising a substantial curvature surface consisting of an ovoid and convex design.

Fig. 2 is a side view of a reciprocative device comprising a door closer system, illustrating the superior checking mechanism of Fig. 1, foremost shown checking the extended piston rod. The mechanism is also shown superimposed in an idle position on the rod.

Fig. 3 is a prospective view of a checking mechanism comprising a prior art central structure fixated to a superior convexity design trigger appendage which comprises a substantial curvature surface disposing a variable trigger area upon a variable plane.

Fig. 4 is a side view of the checking mechanism shown in Fig. 6 divided upon the common axis of symmetry, illustrating the fixated origin which is substantially 90 degrees or less, illustrating the trigger appendage comprising a more simple arching design.

Fig. 5 is a prospective view of a checking mechanism comprising an aperture and central structure similar to Fig. 1, now fixated to an arching trigger appendage which comprises a substantial curvature surface disposing a variable trigger area upon a variable plane.

Fig. 6 is a side view of the checking mechanism shown in Fig. 5, illustrating the substantially arching curvature surface dissecting the origin axis projecting from the fixated origin which is substantially 90 degrees or less, and projected to the variable trigger area.

Best Modes For Carrying Out The Invention Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are taught conceptually together wherein the checking mechanism 22 is stamp manufactured from a predetermined sheet metal gauge 37, although the mechanism 22 could be made from synthetic material with separately inserted metallic loci 26-A and 26-B.

The mechanism 22 comprises a aperture configuration 26 bounded within a central structure 34 forming a fulcrum locus 26-A opposing a counter locus 26-B, composed upon a common axis of symmetry 32. The points 28 are described as any surface area which substantially and intentionally provides direct frictional pressure 29 within the axial plane 30, urged upon the rod 16. The size, quantity, and location for the points 28 may be varied, including at least one point 28 being located upon the common axis of symmetry 32. The central structure 34 is attached to the trigger appendage 38 by the fixated origin 42.

Fig. 2 illustrates the superior checking mechanism 22 shown in Fig. 1, mounted upon the reciprocative device 10. The mechanism is mounted on the rod 16 axially 17, by means of the center aperture 26 bound within the central structure 34. The superimposed mechanism 22 is shown in an idle position 24-A, residing between the support hub 18 and the protruding lug 20. The biasing means 11 extends the rod 16 away from the body 12 with outward force 11-A.

For engagement, the superimposed idle mechanism 22 is moved past the protruding lugs 20 on the extended rod 16, into position of the foremost shown mechanism 22. Inward biasing force 11-B controlled by the device 10 returns the rod 16 towards the body 12. The functional gap 46 is shown as the distance between the mechanism 22 and the body 12 or cap 14.

The trigger appendage 38 transposes the biasing forces 11 controlled by the device 10 into the direct frictional pressure 29 upon the rod 16. The trigger appendage 38 acts as a lever and causes the foremost mechanism 22 to pivotally engage 24 into a checking position 24-B.

The trigger appendage 38 comprises a substantial curvature surface including a substantial arching, ovoid, or convex design 40-A. The trigger appendage 38 disposing the trigger area 40 contacts the body 12 and end cap 14. The trigger area 40 comprises the means to

substantially vary upon the surface of the trigger appendage 38. The trigger area 40 is defined upon a variable trigger plane 42-C. The trigger plane 42-C generally projects from the origin axis 42-B for the fixated origin 42, and projected to the trigger area 40 abutting the body 12 of the device 10. The convex design surface 40-A is also illustrated dissecting the origin axis 42-B for the fixated origin 42. As the trigger area 40 varies upon the surface of the trigger appendage 38, the trigger plane 42-C also varies. Thus, the trigger area 40 is defined upon a superior variable trigger plane 42-C.

Because of the physics of the substantial curvature surface, more surface area becomes available to accommodate the trigger area 40. The increase in surface area substantially increases the functional gap 46. Thus, the mechanism 22 maintains a better vertical posture, and the pivotal engagement 24 is reduced. The mechanism 22 becomes more universal for various types of devices 10, including various diameters of piston bodies 12, end caps 14, and rods 16. The variable trigger area 40 comprised on the substantial curvature surface 40-A promotes adjustability for the mechanism 22. The curvature surface 40-A can also compensate for fatiguing of the fixated origin 42 and wearing of the opposing friction points 28.

Resultantly, the functional gap 46 is reduced at a substantially lesser rate which compensates the climbing variable trigger area 40 on the variable trigger plane 42-C. The superior variable trigger area 40 located upon a variable trigger plane 42-C may also be established with an adjustable screw 40-B, and installed pad or clip 40-C (both not shown).

The fixated origin 42 redirects the biasing means 11 which causes the mechanism 22 to pivot on the center axis 31 of the aperture configuration 26, and the axis 17 of rod 16. The preferred fixated origin 42 between the central structure 34 and the trigger appendage 38 comprises an angle of 90 degrees or less. The design of the fixated origin 42 creates a stronger checking mechanism 22 which substantially eliminates flexation at the fixated origin 42, by possibly directing pressure towards the origin 42. The fixated origin 42 also accommodates the variable trigger plane 42-C. The fixated origin 42 may comprise a strengthening means 43 such as tempering, hardening, and crimping.

Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 are taught conceptually together wherein Fig. 3 illustrates the inventive concept in combination upon a hold-open tab 22 comprising a prior art circular aperture configuration 26 with two friction pressure points 28 comprising the direct frictional

pressure 29 (not shown) within the axial plane 30. The central structure 34 is fixated to the trigger appendage 38 by the fixated origin 42 of approximately 90 degrees or less at the origin.

The trigger appendage 38 comprises a substantial curvature surface 40-A, consisting of a more simplified arching design for transposing the frictional pressure 29 between the opposing points 28 within the axial plane 30.

Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 are conceptually together wherein Fig. 5 demonstrates a mechanism 22 comprising an aperture 26 within a central structure 34 similar to Fig. 1. The fixated origin 42 demonstrates that the substantially arching curvature surface 40-A is dissecting the origin axis 42-B which is projected from the substantially 90 degrees or less fixated origin 42, and projected to the variable trigger area 40. The trigger area 40 located on a trigger appendage 38 is defined upon the substantial arching surface 40-A. The arching surface 40-A is illustrated dissecting and projecting above the origin axis 42-B, and dissecting the variable trigger plane 42-C. Such an elevated surface could provide a superior universalness for various devices 10 comprising variously sized bodies 12 and rods 16. The trigger appendage 38 combining the fixated origin 42 demonstrate that the variable trigger area 40 on the variable trigger plane 42-C may be achieved through more than a single primary bend at the fixated origin 42.

It shall be stated that a flattened trigger appendage 38 projecting substantially parallel to a piston body 12 may comprise a variable trigger area 40 on a variable trigger plane 42-C. To create a superior mechanism 22 may require superior friction points 28 in combination with a superior fixated origin 42. If the reader chooses to argue that certain prior art disclosed herein may possibly comprise a variable trigger area 40 disposed upon a variable plane 2-C, due to any secondary angle comprising the angular fixated origin 42, such a disposable surface would certainly not comprise a substantially curvature surface 40-A; nor comprise a fixated origin 42 including a strengthening means 43 comprises an angle of 90 degrees or less; nor comprise a mechanism 22 which reduces the functional gap 46 at a substantially lesser rate that a climbing trigger area 40 disposed on a variable trigger plane 42-C. Attribute all these inadequacies to the substantially flattened nature of the prior art trigger appendages 38 combined with the fixated origins 42 that normally comprising prior art mechanisms (22) made of mild and soft sheet steel.

For example, U. S. Pat. 2,920,338 to Falk (1960) shows a trigger appendage (61) which appears to comprises a gradual radius, fixated angularly to the central structure at a substantial

90 degree angle. However, as described in the patent the trigger appendage (61) is"bent downwardly"from the 90 degree fixated angle, as the word"bent"is best defined as"being changed out of a straight or even condition such as with twigs". The patent does not demonstrate nor define the trigger appendage (61) as comprising a variable trigger area upon a substantially variable plane, nor as comprising a substantially curvature surface projecting from the origin axis.

Another example is Can. Pat. 623,038 to Mallory showing a substantial 90 degree fixated origin (16) and a flattened trigger appendage disposing a trigger area at bend (17).

However, because this mechanism does not comprise a superior central structure (15) combined with any superior trigger appendage, the trigger area does not comprise a variable trigger plane. The trigger area is limited to the bend (17) and the trigger appendage is also not parallel to the end cap (18). Note that there isn't a functional gap for this mechanism to function with superiority.

Industrial Applicability The preferred embodiments of these inventions improve reciprocative devices including the common door closer system. These inventions better transpose the biasing forces controlled by the device into superior leverage, torsion and direct frictional pressure applied to the surface of the closer rod. When combining these inventions with other inventions defining a superior central structure, a preferred checking mechanism is obviously created that extends the life of the complete door closer system. Such preferred mechanisms can be designed to universally adapt and retrofit most modem door closer systems. The superior checking mechanism may function when installed of many piston rod varieties including curved and non-curved surfaces.

When the superior mechanism is manufactured in an industrial metal stamping process from sheet metal of various gauges, the sheet metal can be substantially hardened and tempered to provide excellent durability for the door closer. The invention may also be incorporated into such mechanisms manufactured from synthetic materials, to include separate metallic loci inserted to serve as the frictional pressure points.

The particular embodiments of the present invention which have been illustrated and discussed herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not considered as a limitation upon the scope of the appended claims. In these claims set forth, it is my intent to claim the entire invention disclosed herein, except as I am limited by the prior art.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should not be determined only by the embodiments illustrated, but also by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. From the above description of the invention submitted, various changes and modifications and improvements may occur to the apparatus. All such claims are intended to be included therein.