Closing mechanism

Abstract

The present invention provides a closing mechanism for closing a door. The door is hingedly secured relative to a door frame and is movable between an open condition and a closed condition. The closing mechanism comprises a rod having a first end connected to a piston which is slidably received in a cylinder, and a second end adapted to be secured to the door frame. The closing mechanism also comprises a hold open assembly which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position, wherein the orientation of the hold open function is set during installation according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism.

Description

CLOSING MECHANISMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanism for closing doors or windows.

[0002] The invention has been devised particularly, although not necessarily solely, in relation to a mechanism for closing hinged doors or hinged windows, and in particular mechanisms for automatically closing hinged doors or hinged windows.BACKGROUND ART

[0003] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0004] It is known to provide closing mechanisms for building closures, such as doors or windows, to automatically cause the closure to close after having been opened. Some examples of these closing mechanisms utilise hydraulic and pneumatic means, counterweights and springs to move the closure to or towards a closed position.

[0005] A typical closing mechanism for a hinged door / window comprises an elongated cylinder, usually filled with air or gas, a piston slidably received in the cylinder, and a spring acting on the piston, wherein the spring is compressed when the door is opened by a user / operator, and then causes the door to close when the user / operator releases the door. The piston is attached to an end of a rod, while another end of the rod is attached to the doorjamb. The piston is caused to move through the cylinder when the door is opened. As the door closes the air inside the cylinder is caused to compress, and the pressure inside the cylinder creates resistance to the action of the spring, allowing the door to close slowly and gently. The closing mechanism will typically have a control means to regulate the air flow from the cylinder, thereby controlling the speed at which the door closes.

[0006] Typically the closing mechanism will have a hold-open function that keeps the door in an open position. The hold open function is usually provided by a washer positionedon the rod which, when placed at an angle to the rod serves as a stop to temporarily hold the door in the open position. When the door is open to a desired angle the washer can be moved along the rod and positioned against the cylinder of the closer mechanism. Typically the washer is caused to engage the cylinder such that the washer is at an angle to the rod, effectively grabbing the rod and preventing it from retracting into the cylinder, which would otherwise cause the door to close. This action holds the door open. To release the door, the washer is slid back to its original position, allowing the rod to move freely and the door to close as usual.

[0007] There is a vast array of hold open functions, typically comprising different means for manoeuvring and positioning the washer, or similar device, to a position where it holds the door open. Many of these are designed to be optimal for a particular set up arrangement but have deficiencies when installed in a different arrangement. For instance, a closing mechanism may be optimal when installed at the top of a left-hand opening door, but the same closing mechanism may be difficult to operate when installed at the bottom of a right-hand opening door.

[0008] Current closing mechanisms are also prone to detach from the door of the door jamb, rendering them inoperable. Owing to the constant opening and closing of the door / window, or the aggressive nature doors / windows may be opened / closed, the door closing mechanism may fail through detachment. When this happens the door / window is unable to automatically open, and may not be able to be caused to stay open as well. In addition a dislodged closing mechanism will present a safety hazard once it detaches. This is further accentuated when only one end of the closing mechanism becomes detached. Unless the closing mechanism is reattached or completely removed, the closing mechanism may interfere with the operation of the door, which could accelerate complete dislodgement of the closing mechanism from the door.

[0009] It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0010] It is an object that this invention ameliorates, mitigates or overcomes, at least one disadvantage of the prior art, or which will at least provide the public with a practical choice.

[0011] The present invention is in the form of a closing mechanism which facilitates the closing of an opening with a hinged door or a hinged window by closing the opening. The closing mechanism seeks to return the door / window towards / to a closed position. Once the opening force is removed from the door / window, the closing mechanism causes the door / window to move towards its closed position. The closing mechanism controls the velocity at which the door / window moves towards its closed position. This enables the door / window to close gently. The closing mechanism also provides a hold open mechanism which, once activated, holds the door / window open at the desired angle. The hold open mechanism is readily deactivated / disengaged by slightly opening the door, causing the hold open mechanism to disengage, allowing the closing mechanism to move the door / window to its closed position.

[0012] Throughout the specification the terms window and door are interchangeable.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a closing mechanism for closing a hinged door, the closing mechanism comprising:a hold open assembly which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position;wherein the orientation of the hold open function is readily adjustable during installation such that it can be set according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a closing mechanism for closing a hinged door secured relative to a door frame and movable between an open condition and a closed condition, the closing mechanism comprising:an elongated cylinder,a piston slidably received in the cylinder;a spring acting on the piston;a rod having a first end connected to the piston, and a second end adapted to be secured to the door frame,a control means to regulate gas flow from the cylinder, thereby controlling the speed at which the door closes;a hold open assembly which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position;wherein the orientation of the hold open function is set during installation according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism.

[0015] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a closing mechanism for closing a door, the door being hingedly secured relative to a door frame and movable between an open condition and a closed condition, the closing mechanism comprising:a rod having a first end connected to a piston which is slidably received in a cylinder, and a second end adapted to be secured to the door frame,a hold open assembly which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position;wherein the orientation of the hold open function is set during installation according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism.

[0016] In contrast to the prior art, the ability to adjust the orientation of the hold open assembly enables the present closing mechanism to be installed in any application / arrangement and still provide optimum useability to the user. The ability to adjust the orientation of the hold open assembly enables the closing mechanism to be installed at the top, bottom or middle of the door, on a left-hand opening door or on a right -hand opening door.

[0017] The hold open assembly is selectively operable between a disengaged condition wherein the door is able to open and close without obstruction, and an engaged condition wherein the door is retained at the desired open position.

[0018] The hold open assembly incorporates a stop which is adapted to engage and be held relatively fixed to the rod. The stop may be in the form of a washer. The washer may be slidingly positioned on the rod. The washer may have an aperture through which the rod is slidingly received, the aperture restricting movement of the washer to movement along the longitudinal axis of the rod. In another arrangement the washer has a radial channel allowing the washer to be placed on the rod.

[0019] The hold open assembly may comprise a housing which houses the washer.

[0020] When the hold open assembly is in its disengaged condition the rod can freely pass through the housing and the stop. When the hold open assembly is in its engaged condition the housing causes the stop to lock onto the rod.

[0021] Preferably movement of the hold open assembly to its engaged condition causes the washer to move from a substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod, to an angled orientation such that the washer is fixed relative to the rod. Owing to the smalltolerance of the aperture of the washer and the rod, a change in angular position of the washer will cause the washer to grab / bind the rod, effectively fixing the washer relative to the rod

[0022] The housing may comprise a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein the first end cap and second end cap are rotatably connected to encapsulate the washer therebetween.

[0023] The second end cap may be fixed relative to a second end of the cylinder. The first end cap may be caused to rotate relative to the second end cap, such as by a user / operator.

[0024] The washer may interact with one or both the first end cap and the second end cap so the orientation of the washer relative to the housing remains constant as the rod passes through the housing.

[0025] In one arrangement the housing houses a first biasing means so the orientation of the washer relative to the housing remains constant when the rod passes through the housing. Preferably the first biasing means acts upon the washer to bias the washer to a substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod. Preferably the first biasing means acts upon the washer to return the washer to a substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod. The first biasing means may be a spring, such as a coil spring.

[0026] The housing may also house a second biasing means which biases the first end cap to a normal position relative to the second end cap wherein the washer is at a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the rod. Preferably the second biasing means acts upon the first end cap to return the first end cap to its normal position. The second biasing means may be a spring, such as a coil spring.

[0027] In another arrangement the washer has a protrusion or recess which is loosely received within a complementary recess or protrusion in the first end cap and / or second end cap so the orientation of the washer relative to the rod remains constant when the rod passes through the housing. That is it the washer is prevented from rotating relative to the rod.

[0028] The housing may comprise an activation means such that upon movement of the first end cap the activation means causes the washer to move from a substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod to an angular orientation. Movement of the first end cap may be rotational movement in a clockwise or anticlockwise direction, axialmovement, or may be movement of a portion of the first end cap such as a button or similar.

[0029] In one arrangement the activation means comprises a housing projection located on an inner surface of the housing, and a washer projection, whereupon rotation of the first end cap the housing projection engages the washer projection to angularly displace the washer relative to the rod. The housing projection and / or the washer projection may be in the form of a ramp. The housing may have two projections which are located either side of the washer projection when assembled. In this arrangement angular movement of the first end cap in a clockwise or anticlockwise manner will have the same effect on the washer.

[0030] In another arrangement the activation means comprises a housing projection located on an inner surface of the housing, and a washer recess which receives the housing projection when the first end cap is in its normal position, whereupon rotation of the first end cap the housing projection is caused to move out of the washer recess to angularly displace the washer relative to the rod. In an alternative embodiment the recess may be provided by the housing and the washer may provide the projection.

[0031] An external surface of the first end cap may provide a tab to assist with the rotational movement by the operator / user of the hold open assembly between the engaged and disengaged conditions. The operator uses the tab to rotate the end cap in order to lock the washer against the rod.

[0032] A first end of the closing mechanism may be fixed relative to a door using a first bracket, and a second end may be fixed relative to the door frame using a second bracket. In other arrangements the first end of the closing mechanism may be fixed relative to the door frame, and the second end may be fixed relative to the door.

[0033] The second end of the closing mechanism may be provided by the second end of the rod. The second end of the rod may provide a hook. The hook may be received in an aperture provided by the second bracket which is fixed to the door frame. The closing mechanism may comprise a locking sleeve which is slidably positioned on the rod. During installation, once the hook of the rod is received in the aperture of the second bracket, the locking sleeve is slid over the hook to lockingly secure the second end of the rod relative to the second bracket. This arrangement provides a rapid and robust means to secure the second end of the rod to the second bracket.

[0034] The first end of the closing mechanism may comprise a cylinder end assembly which is secured to the end of the cylinder. The cylinder end assembly may comprise a cylinder end cap which provides a spigot. The cylinder end cap may be received in and secured to an end of the cylinder. The spigot may be adapted to locking engage with the first bracket. Preferably the spigot and first bracket are configured such that the spigot is received by the bracket when the spigot is orientated to the first bracket at a first angle, and the spigot is locked relative to the bracket when the spigot is orientated to the bracket at a second angle.

[0035] Preferably the spigot may be received by the first bracket at more than one rotational position of the spigot. Preferably the spigot is received by the bracket at four different rotational positions of the spigot. This allows the closing mechanism to be installed in four different angular positions.

[0036] The spigot may provide a threaded opening which may receive a locking screw or similar. Once installed the locking screw prevents the spigot to be positioned at its first angle relative to the first bracket, thereby preventing the likelihood that the spigot could be unintentionally detached from the first bracket. With this arrangement the screw would first need to be removed from the threaded opening before the spigot can be positioned at its first angle relative to the first bracket, and the closing mechanism detached from the first bracket..

[0037] The cylinder end assembly may provide a control means which can be adjusted to regulate the closing speed of the door. The control means may be in the form of channel which is in fluid communication with the interior of the cylinder. The channel may receive a pin or screw wherein the pin or screw may be adjusted to control the flow of gas into / out of the cylinder. The pin or screw may be rotationally received in the vent, wherein rotational movement of the pin / screw changes the cross-sectional area of the vent, controlling the volume of gas which is able to pass therethrough. In one arrangement the channel is provided by the threaded opening extending through the spigot, and the pin / screw is provided by the locking screw. With this arrangement adjusting the locking screw within the threaded opening adjusts the size of the vent, thereby regulating the speed at which the air can escape the cylinder.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a hinged door comprising a closing mechanism as herein described.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a hinged window comprising a closing mechanism as herein described.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Further features of the present invention are more fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:Figure 1 is a schematic of a closing mechanism in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention secured between a hinged doorand a doorframe, wherein the door is in a closed position;Figure 2 is a side view of the closing mechanism shown in figure 1 , wherein a hold open assembly is in a first orientation;Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of figure 2;Figure 4 is a side view of the closing mechanism shown in figure 1 , wherein the hold open assembly is in a second orientation;Figure 5 is a perspective view of figure 4;Figure 6 is a side view of the closing mechanism shown in figure 1 , wherein the hold open assembly is in a third orientation;Figure 7 is a perspective view of figure 6;Figure 8 is a side view of the closing mechanism shown in figure 1 , wherein the hold open assembly is in a fourth orientation;Figure 9 is a perspective view of figure 8;Figure 10 is an exploded view of the hold open assembly mounted on a rod of the closing mechanism shown in figure 1;Figure 11 is a side view of the hold open assembly of the closing mechanism shown in figure 1 ;Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the hold open assembly of figure 11 ;Figure 13 is a perspective view of a first end cap of the hold open assembly of figure 11;Figure 14 is a perspective view of a second end cap of the hold open assembly of figure 11;Figure 15 is a side view of the second end cap of figure 14;Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the second end cap of figure 15;Figure 17 is a perspective view of a second end cap of the hold open assembly of figure 11 with a washer received therein;Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the second end cap and washer of figure 17 ;Figure 19 is a perspective view of the first end cap of figure 13 and the washer spaced therefrom mounted on the rod;Figure 20 is a perspective view of the first end cap of figure 13 and the washer on the rod, wherein the washer is at an angle to the rod;Figures 21 and 22 illustrate the installation of the rod of the closing mechanism to a second bracket;Figures 23 and 24 illustrate the pre-tensioning of the closing mechanism during installation;Figure 25 is an exploded view of a cylinder end assembly of the closing mechanism and a first bracket;Figure 26 is a perspective view of a cylinder end cap of the cylinder end assembly secured to a cylinder;Figures 27 to 30 illustrate the sequential installation steps of the closing mechanism to the first bracket;Figures 31 and 32 show the installation of a locking screw of the closing mechanism once the closing mechanism has been secured to the first bracket;Figure 33 is a cross-sectional plan view of figure 32Figure 34 show four different configurations for the washer of the closing mechanism shown in figure 1.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

[0041] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0042] According to a first embodiment of the invention, as shown in the figures, there is provided a closing mechanism 10 for closing a hinged door 12 secured relative to a doorframe 14 and movable between an open condition and a closed condition, as shown in figure 1.

[0043] Referring particularly to figure 3, the closing mechanism 10 comprises an elongated cylinder 16, a piston 18 slidably received in the cylinder 16, a spring 17 biasing the piston 18 to a first end 19 of the cylinder and a rod 20 having a first end 22 connected to the piston 18, and a second end 24 adapted to be secured to the door frame 14. The closing mechanism incorporates a control means 88 to regulate gas flow from the cylinder 16 to control the speed at which the door closes.

[0044] The closing mechanism 10 incorporates a hold open assembly 28 which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position. When the hold open assembly 28 is in its disengaged condition the rod 20 can freely move, allowing the door to freely open and close. When the hold open assembly 28 is in its engaged condition the hold open assembly 28 engages and binds with the rod 20 such that the door is unable to close beyond the point at which the hold open assembly 28 engages the rod 20.

[0045] Advantageously the orientation of the hold open assembly 28 can be set during installation according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism 10.

[0046] As shown in figures 1 to 9, the orientation of the hold open assembly 28 can be selected to be position at a first orientation, a second orientation, a third orientation or a fourth orientation to ensure optimum operational conditions of the closing mechanism based on particular installations. For instance, where the closing mechanism 10 is to be fitted to the top of a door the first orientation of the hold open assembly 28 can be selected wherein a tab 30 of the hold open assembly 28 is downwardly projecting, as best shown in figures 1 to 3. In this orientation the hold open assembly 28 can be readily activated by an operator / user reaching up and moving the tab 30.

[0047] Where the closing mechanism 10 is to be fitted to the middle of a right-hand opening door the second orientation of the hold open assembly 28 may be selected wherein the tab 30 of the hold open assembly 28 is projecting outwardly away from the door, as best depicted in figures 4 and 5. In this orientation the hold open assembly 28 can be readily activated by the operator / user moving the tab 30.

[0048] Where the closing mechanism 10 is to be fitted to the middle of a left-hand opening door the third orientation of the hold open assembly 28 may be selected wherein the tab 30 of the hold open assembly 28 is projecting outwardly away from the door, as best depicted in figures 6 and 7. In this orientation the hold open assembly 28 can be readily activated by the operator / user moving the tab 30.

[0049] Where the closing mechanism 10 is to be fitted to the bottom of a door the fourth orientation of the hold open assembly 28 may be selected wherein the tab 30 of the hold open assembly 28 is upwardly projecting, as best depicted in figures 8 and 9. Inthis orientation the hold open assembly 28 can be readily activated by the operator / user reaching down and moving the tab 30, or by using their foot to move the tab 30.

[0050] Advantageously, the orientation of the hold open assembly 28 can be selected by the operator / user to suit their needs / requirements. Should these change after the closing mechanism is installed the hold open assembly 28 can readily be changed with minimal disassembly of the closing mechanism 10.

[0051] . The optimal orientation of the hold open assembly 28 can readily be selected by the user / operator when installing the door mechanism. For instance, it could be the case that the fourth orientation is most suitable when the closing mechanism is mounted to the middle of the door, wherein it is desirable to have the tab 30 upwardly projecting.

[0052] The hold open assembly 28 incorporates a stop in the form of a washer 32. The washer 32 is slidingly positioned on the rod 20 wherein the rod 20 is received through an aperture 34 in the washer 32.

[0053] The hold open assembly 28 comprises a housing 36 which houses the washer 32 therein.

[0054] The housing 36 comprises a first end cap 38 and a second end cap 40 which are rotatably connected, and encapsulate the washer 32 therebetween.

[0055] The second end cap 40 is fixed relative to a second end 42 of the cylinder 16. The first end cap 38 provides the tab 30 to assist an operator / user to readily rotate the first end cap 38 relative to the second end cap 40.

[0056] In the present embodiment the washer 32 interacts with the first end cap 38 such that rotation of the first end cap 38 changes the angular orientation of the washer 32 with respect to the rod 20.

[0057] In one arrangement the second end cap 40 houses a first biasing means in the form of a first spring 44. This first spring 44 ensures that the orientation of the washer 32 remains substantially perpendicular relative to the rod 20 as the rod passes through the housing 36. The first spring 44 also acts upon the washer 32 to return the washer 32 to a substantially perpendicular position relative to the rod 20 when the operator / user causes the hold open assembly 28 to move to its disengaged condition, allowing the door to close.

[0058] The housing 36 also houses a second biasing means in the form of a second spring 46. The second spring 46 biases the first end cap 38 to a normal position relative to the second end cap 40. When the first end cap 38 is in its normal position the washer 32 is at a substantially perpendicular position relative to the rod 20. The second spring 46 acts upon the first end cap 38 to return the first end cap 38 to its normal position when the user / operator removes their pressure from the tab 30 / first end cap 38.

[0059] The housing 36 provides an activation means whereupon rotational movement of the first end cap 38 the activation means causes the washer 32 to move from the substantially perpendicular position relative to the rod 20 (as shown in figure 19), to an angular orientation (as shown in figure 20).

[0060] The activation means comprises a housing projection in the form of two ramps 48 formed on an inner surface 50 of the first end cap 38, as best shown in figure 13. The activation means also comprises a washer projection 52 projecting from a side 54 of the washer 32 which faces the inner surface 50 of the first end cap 38.

[0061] In operation movement of the hold open assembly 28 to its engaged condition causes the washer 32 to move from the substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod 20, to an angled orientation such that the washer 32 becomes fixed relative to the rod 20. In the present embodiment, the hold open assembly 28 is placed in its engaged condition by rotation of the first end cap 38. Rotation of the first end cap 38 in a clockwise direction causes one of the ramps 48a to engage the washer projection 52. Continued rotation of the first end cap 38 causes the one ramp 48a to move the washer projection 52, resulting in angular displacement of the washer 32 relative to the rod 20. This continues until the washer 52 is sufficiently displaced such that the washer 32 binds with the rod 20. When in this arrangement the hold open assembly 28 is in its engaged condition wherein the rod 20 is unable to move through the washer 32. In this configuration the door is held open. Furthermore, once the washer 32 becomes fixed relative to the rod 20, the action of the first end cap 38 is complete as the washer 32 will remain in this condition until it is caused to move by opening the door. Once the use / operator removes pressure on the tab 30 of the hold open assembly 28 the second spring 46 acts on the first end cap 38, returning it to its normal position, wherein the washer projection 52 of the washer 32 is disengaged from either ramp 48.

[0062] Should the first end cap 38 be rotated in the counterclockwise direction, the other one ramp 48b will engage the washer projection 52 and continued rotation will have the same effect on the washer 32 as noted above.

[0063] To move the hold open assembly 28 from the engaged condition back to its disengaged condition wherein the door is able to close or open, the user / operator causes the door to further open. This removes the force acting on the washer 32. The first spring 44 then acts upon the washer 32 to return the washer 32 to an orientation wherein it is substantially perpendicular to the rod 20, allowing the rod 20 to pass freely through the washer 32 and the hold open assembly 28.

[0064] During installation of the closing mechanism 10 a first end 56 of the closing mechanism 10 is fixed relative to the door 12 using a first bracket 58, while a second end 60 is fixed relative to the door frame 14 using a second bracket 62.

[0065] The second end 60 of the closing mechanism 10 is provided by the second end 24 of the rod 20. As best shown in figures 10 and 21 , the second end 24 of the rod 20 provides a hook 64 which is received in an aperture 66 provided by the second bracket 62.

[0066] During installation of the closing mechanism 10, the hook 64 of the second end 24 of the rod 20 is placed in the aperture 66 of the second bracket 62. To lock the hook 64 in position a locking sleeve 68 of the closing mechanism 10 is slidably positioned along the rod 20 to be releasably locked over the hook 64. When the locking sleeve 68 is in position, as best shown in figure 22, the hook 64 is unable to detach from the second bracket 62. This arrangement ensures a rapid and robust installation of the closing mechanism 10 relative to the second bracket 62, securing the second end 24 of the rod 20 to the second bracket 62, and ensuring it is not dislodged unintentionally.

[0067] Once the closing mechanism 10 is secured to the second bracket 62 the spring 17 of the closing mechanism 10 can be tensioned so the closing mechanism can operate correctly. Referring to figures 22 and 23, in order to tension the closing mechanism 10 the cylinder 16 is caused to move away from the second bracket 62. This exposes the rod 20 between the locking sleeve 68 and the end of the hold open assembly 28. A tensioning tool 86 is then placed on the exposed rod 20. The tensioning tool 86 remains in place until the installation of the closing mechanism 10 is completed. Once removedthe induced tension of the spring 16 will ensure the closing mechanism 10 will have enough tension to completely close the door.

[0068] Generally, once the second end 60 of the closing mechanism 10 is secured to the second bracket 62, the first end 56 of the closing mechanism 10 can be secured to the first bracket 58.

[0069] The first end 56 of the closing mechanism 10 comprises a cylinder end assembly 70 which is secured to the first end 19 of the cylinder 16. As best shown in figures 25 and 26, the cylinder end assembly 70 comprises a cylinder end cap 72 which has a first end secured to the first end 19 of the cylinder 16. The cylinder end cap 72 provides a spigot 74 extending rearwardly therefrom.

[0070] The spigot 74 co-operates with the first bracket 58 to firstly matingly engage therewith when at a first angle with respect to each other, as best shown in figure 28, and secondly to locking ly engage with each other when at a second angle, as best shown in figure 30, wherein the spigot 74 is secured to the first bracket 58.

[0071] During installation, the spigot 74 is received by the first bracket 58 at one of four rotational positions. Each rotational position of the spigot 74 represents a different orientation of the hold open assembly 28. With this arrangement the desired orientation of the hold open assembly 28 can be selected during installation, before being locked in position once the spigot 74 is locked relative to the first bracket 58. This allows the orientation of the tab 30 to be located in the optimal orientation for the end user. Once locked into one of these four positions, only the first end cap can rotate relative to the second end cap which is fixed to the tube 16.

[0072] As best shown in figures 25 and 26, the cross-sectional profile of the spigot 74 is square and provides four sides. Each side of the spigot 74 provides a spigot projection 76 wherein spigot projections 76 on opposed sides of the spigot 74 are adapted to be received in respective channels 78 of the first bracket 58 when the spigot is at the first angle with respect to the first bracket 58. Rotating the spigot 74 by 90° before engaging the first bracket 58 will result in the hold open assembly 28 of the closing mechanism 10 adopting a different orientation. Similarly with successive 90° rotations of the spigot 74 the hold open assembly 28 adopts different orientations.

[0073] Once the spigot projections 76 are received in the respective channels 78 of the first bracket 58, the closing mechanism 10 is rotated relative to the first bracket 58,as shown sequentially in figures 27 to 30. When the spigot 74 of the closing mechanism 10 is at the second angle, as shown in figure 30, the closing mechanism 10 is locked relative to the first bracket 58.

[0074] When the closing mechanism 10 is locked relative to the first bracket 58 a locking screw 80 is received in a threaded opening 82 in the cylinder end assembly 70, as shown in figures 31 to 33. Once in place, the locking screw 80 prevents the closing mechanism from being rotated to a position where the spigot 74 is at the first angle relative to the first bracket 58. This prevents the closing mechanism 10 from unintentionally detaching from the first bracket 58.

[0075] Once the closing mechanism 10 is secured to the first bracket 58, the first bracket 58 can be secured to the door 12 using fasteners (not shown) which pass through openings 84 of the first bracket 58.

[0076] The cylinder end assembly 70 provide a control means to regulate the closing speed of the door. The control means is in the form of a channel provided by the threaded opening 82 in the spigot 74 which is in fluid communication with the interior of the cylinder 16 and allows air to vent from the cylinder 16. In this embodiment the locking screw 80 is adjusted within the threaded opening 82 to control the flow of gas into / out of the cylinder. Adjusting the locking screw 80 within the threaded opening 82 adjusts the size of the threaded opening 82, thereby regulating the speed at which the air can escape the cylinder 16.

[0077] Adjacent the first end 19 of the cylinder 16, the closing mechanism 10 provides air relief slots 26. These slots 26 release pressure by allowing air to flow from in front of the piston (that is under compression) to behind the piston when the piston passes these slots 26.

[0078] The closing mechanism 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is particularly useful for automatically closing a hinged door 12, or a hinged window (not shown). In accordance with a particular arrangement of the embodiment of the present invention, the closing mechanism 10 is also adapted to control the speed at which the door 12 closes, permitting users to adjust the speed at which the door 12 closes, depending on their preference.

[0079] While the present embodiment particularly discusses the closing mechanism as applied to a hinged door, a person skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be readily used to close any hinged opening. Such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

[0080] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0081] Further, it should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments disclosed. These embodiments are intended for the purpose of exemplification only. Functionally equivalent products, formulations and methods are clearly within the scope of the invention as described herein.

[0082] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprise”, “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” or variations thereof are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0083] Although terms such as first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0084] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations ofthe device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0085] Even though particular combinations of features are recited herein, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of possible implementations. In fact, many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically recited disclosed in the specification.

Claims

CLAIM1. A closing mechanism for closing a door, the door being hingedly secured relative to a door frame and movable between an open condition and a closed condition, the closing mechanism comprising:a rod having a first end connected to a piston which is slidably received in a cylinder, and a second end adapted to be secured to the door frame;a hold open assembly which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position;wherein the orientation of the hold open function is set during installation according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism.

2. The closing mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the hold open assembly incorporates a stop which is adapted to engage and be held relatively fixed to the rod.

3. The closing mechanism according to claim 2, wherein the hold open assembly is selectively operable between a disengaged condition wherein the door is able to open and close without obstruction, and an engaged condition wherein the door is retained at the desired open position;wherein the hold open assembly is in its disengaged condition the rod can freely pass through the housing and the stop;wherein when the hold open assembly is in its engaged condition the housing causes the stop to lock onto the rod.

4. The closing mechanism according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the stop is in the form of a washer which is slidingly positioned on the rod, the hold open assembly comprising a housing which houses the washer.

5. The closing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein movement of the hold open assembly to its engaged condition causes the washer to move from a substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod, to an angled orientation upon which the washer is fixed relative to the rod, whereupon thechange to an angled orientation of the washer will cause the washer to grab / bind with the rod, fixing the washer relative to the rod6. The closing mechanism according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the housing comprises a first end cap and a second end cap, wherein the first end cap and second end cap are rotatably connected to encapsulate the washer therebetween.

7. The closing mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the second end cap is fixed relative to a second end of the cylinder.

8. The closing mechanism according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the washer interacts with one or both the first end cap and the second end cap so the orientation of the washer relative to the housing remains constant as the rod passes through the housing.

9. The closing mechanism according to claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the housing houses a first biasing means so the orientation of the washer relative to the housing remains constant when the rod passes through the housing, wherein the first biasing means acts upon the washer to bias the washer to a substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod.

10. The closing mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the housing houses a second biasing means which biases the first end cap to a normal position relative to the second end cap wherein the washer is at a substantially perpendicular orientation to the rod.

11. The closing mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 10 wherein the washer has a protrusion or recess which is loosely received within a complementary recess or protrusion in the first end cap and / or second end cap so the orientation of the washer relative to the rod remains constant when the rod passes through the housing.

12. The closing mechanism according to any one of claims 6 to 11 wherein the housing comprises an activation means such that upon movement of the first end cap the activation means causes the washer to move from a substantially perpendicular orientation relative to the rod to an angular orientation. .

13. The closing mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the activation means comprises a washer projection and a housing projection located on an inner surface of the housing, whereupon rotation of the first end cap the housing projection engages the washer projection to angularly displace the washer relative to the rod, optionally, the housing projection and / or the washer projection are in the form of one or more ramps.

14. The closing mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the activation means comprises a housing projection located on an inner surface of the housing, and a washer recess which receives the housing projection when the first end cap is in its normal position, whereupon rotation of the first end cap the housing projection is caused to move out of the washer recess to angularly displace the washer relative to the rod.

15. The closing mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 14 wherein an external surface of the first end cap provides a tab to assist with the rotational movement by the operator / user of the hold open assembly between the engaged and disengaged conditions.

16. The closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein a second end of the closing mechanism is provided by the second end of the rod, the second end of the rod providing a hook, wherein the hook is received in an aperture provided by the second bracket fixed to a door frame.

17. The closing mechanism according to claim 16, further comprising a locking sleeve which is slidably positioned on the rod and is adapted to slide over the hook once received in the aperture to lockingly secure the second end of the rod relative to the second bracket.

18. The closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the first end of the closing mechanism comprises a cylinder end assembly which is secured to the end of the cylinder, the cylinder end assembly comprising a cylinder end cap which is received in and secured to an end of the cylinder and provides a spigot.

19. The closing mechanism according to claim 18 wherein the spigot is adapted to lockingly engage with the first bracket, the spigot and first bracket are configured such that the spigot is received by the bracket when the spigot is orientated to the first bracket at a first angle, and the spigot is locked relative to the bracket when the spigot is orientated to the bracket at a second angle.

20. The closing mechanism according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the spigot is received by the first bracket at more than one rotational position of the spigot, optionally, the spigot is received by the bracket at four different rotational positions of the spigot.

21. The closing mechanism according to claim 18, 19 or 20, wherein the spigot provides a threaded opening which receives a locking screw or similar, such that once installed the locking screw prevents the spigot to be positioned at its first angle relative to the first bracket, thereby preventing unintentional detachment of the spigot from the first bracket.

22. The closing mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the cylinder end assembly provides a control means which can be adjusted to regulate the closing speed of the door, the control means is in the form of a channel which is in fluid communication with the interior of the cylinder, wherein the channel can receive a pin or screw wherein the pin or screw is adjusted to control the flow of gas into / out of the cylinder.

23. A hinged door comprising a closing mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims.

24. A closing mechanism for closing a hinged door, the closing mechanism comprising:a hold open assembly which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position;wherein the orientation of the hold open function is readily adjustable during installation such that it can be set according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism.

25. A closing mechanism for closing a hinged door secured relative to a door frame and movable between an open condition and a closed condition, the closing mechanism comprising:an elongated cylinder,a piston slidably received in the cylinder;a spring acting on the piston;a rod having a first end connected to the piston, and a second end adapted to be secured to the door frame,a control means to regulate gas flow from the cylinder, thereby controlling the speed at which the door closes;a hold open assembly which is selectively operable by a user to hold the door open at a desired open position;wherein the orientation of the hold open function is set during installation according to the required configuration / application of the closing mechanism.

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