AN AUTOMATIC DOOR STOP

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for preventing a door from closing. The present invention relates to a device comprising a stopping member which is automatically actuated by a biasing means to move from a non-stopping position to a stopping position in response to the door being opened, and comprising means to move the stopping member from a non-stopping position to a stopping position from the opposite side of the door.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Catching fingers or other body parts when closing doors is a common problem. For example, if a door closes with sufficient force on a human finger, flesh wound(s), removal of nails, or partial or total fracture of the finger bone(s) may occur. This is of particular concern for parents with young children, whose bones are not fully developed and thus more prone to fracturing and whose other body parts are generally less resilient against such forces when compared with an adult's.

[0003] A number of means have been developed with the intention of preventing a door from closing, such as a rubber surround which is mounted on the side of the door, a wall or door frame in a door-stopping position. Existing means are manual, requiring the user to place the device in the stopping position. When the user wants the door to close again, they will have to remove the manual device and, if they wish at a later time to make use of the device again, will have to remember to re-position the device in the stopping position. Thus, existing means rely substantially on human memory which is susceptible to error or forgetfulness. US2012/223535A1 describes a door latch assembly for engagement in a mounted position at or adjacent to a side edge of a door which abuts a door frame stop upon a full closure of the door into a surrounding door frame.

[0004] It is therefore desirable to provide a door stop which addresses at least some of the problems of the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to the invention there is provided a door stop according to claim 1.

[0006] Advantageously the stopping member is resiliently biased by the biasing means.

[0007] Preferably the biasing means comprises a spring hinge.

[0008] Advantageously the mounting means comprises a securing portion.

[0009] Advantageously the securing portion is a resilient portion. The resilient portion may bend inwards proximally to a face of the door.

[0010] Preferably the biasing means is pivotably connected to the mounting means.

[0011] Ideally the door stop further comprises a protrusion which operably couples the biasing means and the mounting means. Preferably the protrusion is configured in relation to the biasing means and the mounting means such that the biasing means is selectively rotated with respect to the mounting means or vice versa.

[0012] Preferably the biasing means further comprises a hinge plate with a lip protrusion formed thereon.

[0013] Preferably the mounting means has a recess portion formed on it dimensioned to receive the lip protrusion.

[0014] Advantageously the stopping member comprises a tool receiving member configured to receive a tool. Further, advantageously the biasing means comprises a tool receiving member configured to receive a tool.

[0015] In some embodiments the tool receiving member of the stopping member defines a u-shape and/or the tool receiving member of the biasing means defines a u-shape.

[0016] Advantageously the biasing means further comprises a motor.

[0017] Preferably the door stop comprises a locking mechanism for locking the stopping member in the stopping position or in the non-stopping position.

[0018] Ideally the door stop comprises one or more processors communicatively coupled to the biasing means and/or the locking mechanism.

[0019] Advantageously the door stop comprises a wireless communications module for communicating wirelessly with a remote device, said wireless communications module preferably being further communicatively coupled to the one or more processors.

[0020] Ideally the remote device is configured to transmit a signal containing instructions to actuate the biasing means and/or the locking mechanism.

[0021] In some embodiments the stopping member comprises:

a first surface; and

a second surface, wherein the second surface is disposed at an angle greater than 90° with respect to the first surface.

[0022] Advantageously the stopping member further comprises a third surface, said third surface comprising:

a flat surface disposed at an angle with respect to the first surface; and

a curved surface disposed between the flat surface and the second surface.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using the device of any of the above statements, comprising the steps of:

mounting the door stop to the door using the mounting means; and

biasing the stopping member in the non-stopping position.

[0024] Advantageously, biasing the stopping member in the non-stopping position comprises transmitting a signal to the wireless communication means, said signal containing instructions to actuate the biasing means.

[0025] In some embodiments the method further comprises the step of transmitting a signal to the wireless communication means, said signal containing instructions to actuate the locking mechanism.

[0026] In some embodiments, alternatively to biasing the stopping member in the non-stopping position, the method comprises the step of transmitting a signal to the wireless communication means, said signal containing instructions to actuate the locking mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] 

Figure 1a is a plan view of a door stop, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 1b is a side view of a door stop, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 2a is an isometric view of a door stop in situ with the stopping member in a non-stopping position, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 2b is an isometric view of a door stop in situ with the stopping member in a stopping position, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of a mounting means of a door stop, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 4 is an isometric view of a stopping member of a door stop, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 5 is an isometric view of a hinge plate of a door stop, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 6 is an isometric view of a door stop in situ, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 7a is an isometric view of a door stop in situ in cooperation with a manual tool, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 7b is an isometric view of a door stop in situ in cooperation with a manual tool, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a door stop in situ and including a number of electrical components, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims;

Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller of a door stop, according to an embodiment not covered by the claims; and

Figures 10A-10C provide views of a door stop according to the invention of the claims. The door stop includes means for repositioning the stopping member from the opposite side of the door.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The present teaching will now be described with reference to an exemplary door stop. It will be understood that the exemplary door stop is provided to assist in an understanding of the present teaching and is not to be construed as limiting in any fashion. Whilst the present disclosure discusses an exemplary door stop for use with a standard hinge door, this ought not to be construed as limiting in any fashion.

[0029] Referring now to Figures 1a and 1b, there is illustrated a) plan and b) side views of a door stop 100 which comprises a mounting means 110 for mounting the door stop 100 to a door. In the exemplary embodiment, the mounting means 110 is a mounting member 110. In the exemplary embodiment the mounting member 110 is dimensioned to engage with a side or top portion of a door. In some embodiments, the mounting member 110 dimensioned to engage with a side or top portion of a door may be u-shaped. Alternatively the mounting member 110 may be a fastening member(s) such as one or more screws, a suction cup, a magnet, an adhesive or the like. The exemplary door stop 100 may also comprise a stopping member 120 for stopping the door. In the exemplary embodiment the stopping member 120 is formed of rubber. The exemplary door stop 100 may further a biasing means for selectively controlling the stopping member 120 between a stopping position and a non-stopping position. Advantageously, the biasing means may automatically actuate the stopping member 120 to move from the non-stopping position to the stopping position in response to the door being opened. In the exemplary embodiment, the biasing means may comprise a spring hinge 130 disposed at one end of a hinge plate 140. In such an embodiment, the stopping member 120 may be coupled to the spring hinge 130. The spring hinge 130 may be configured such that the stopping member 120 may be rotated up to 220° about a vertical axis through the spring hinge 130. It will be understood that a number of other possible ranges of angles through which the stopping member 120 may be rotated about the vertical axis are feasible. The stopping member 120 being configurable to move through a continuous range of angles, as opposed to a discrete range such as two or three positions, allows for greater adaptability of the door stop 100 to various door types and situations. The stopping position may be defined broadly as being any positioning of the stopping member which prevents a door or doors from closing entirely or partially.

[0030] The biasing means may be affixed to the mounting means 110 by a protrusion 150 which may allow the mounting means 110 to be rotated through an angle with respect to the biasing means or vice versa. In some embodiments the protrusion 150 may be any protruding member such as a "nipple", a nodule and the like. In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge plate 140 may be affixed to the mounting means 110 by a protrusion 150 which may allow the mounting means 110 to be rotated through an angle with respect to the hinge plate 140 or vice versa. The protrusion 150 may be disposed on the mounting means 110 or on the biasing means. Ideally, the mounting means 110 may be rotated through an angle of at least 180° with respect to the hinge plate 140 or vice versa. As such, this may allow the exemplary door stop 100 to be selectively configured by a user for use at both ends of a door. Advantageously, this may allow the door stop 100 to be used with both right-handed and left-handed doors. It will be understood that a right-handed door is a door which hinges at the right side of the door, and a left-handed door is a door which hinges at the left side of the door.

[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, the hinge plate 140 comprises a lip protrusion best illustrated in Figure 5. The mounting member 110 comprises a recess portion, such as a groove, for receiving the lip protrusion, as best illustrated in Figure 3. This allows the hinge plate 140, or equally the mounting member 110, to be secured in place once rotated through 180°. It will be understood that the positioning and orientation of the groove and the lip protrusion may be chosen differently to the exemplary embodiment, where desired. The hinge plate 140 may be affixed to the mounting means 110 in a number of alternative mays other than the protrusion 150. The hinge plate 140 may be affixed to the mounting means 110 using an adhesive, by one or more screws, bolts or nails, or by mechanical configuration such as by complementary members on the hinge plate 140 and mounting means 110.

[0032] The mounting member 110 may comprise a securing portion 160. In the exemplary embodiment the securing portion 160 may comprise a resilient portion 160 which may bend inwards proximally to a face of the door. It is contemplated that various geometries of the securing portion 160 are feasible - by way of example and not in a limiting fashion, the securing portion 160 may comprise a u-shaped portion or a v-shaped portion. In the exemplary embodiment the resilient portion 160 is u-shaped. The securing portion 160 may allow the mounting member 110 to fit snug around doors of various thicknesses and to avoid having to manufacture the mounting member 110 such that it only fits correctly to one door thickness. The securing portion 160 is best presented in relation to Figure 3.

[0033] In some embodiments, the door stop 100 may further comprise a locking mechanism (not presented) to lock the stopping member 120 in a non-stopping position or in a stopping position. In some embodiments, the locking mechanism may be a latch such as but not limited to a hook latch or a draw latch.

[0034] Figures 2a and 2b illustrate the exemplary door stop 100 in situ. The door stop 100 is mounted on top of a standard hinge door 210 using the mounting member 110, in the proximity of the edge which is opposite the hinging side of the door 210. Initially, in Figure 2a, the stopping member 120 is set in a non-stopping position proximal with the wall/door frame 220 and the door 210 is closed. In this position, the spring hinge 130 is biased such that if and when the restoring force provided by the wall/door frame 220 is removed, the stopping member 120 would be automatically actuated to move to the stopping position illustrated in Figure 2b. It will be understood that removal of the restoring force provided by the wall/door frame 220 may refer to the act of opening the door 210. As such, once the door 210 is opened, the stopping member 120 is caused to automatically move to the stopping position illustrated in Figure 2b. This advantageous aspect of the present disclosure provided by the cooperation of the biasing means and the stopping member 120 removes the requirement found in the state of the art of remembering to manually configure a door stop in a stopping position. Advantageously, and unlike manual door stops, configuring the door stop 100 to a non-stopping position does not require removing the door stop from a door entirely which as previously discussed can introduce the problem of human forgetfulness which may lead to injuries. Rather, the door 210 may be closed with the door stop 100 left in its place, with the knowledge that when the door 210 is again opened at a later time, the stopping member 120 will automatically return to a stopping position without any need for user input to configure the door stop 100 in the stopping position. In a further advantageous aspect, the exemplary door stop 100 may only comprise a small number of moving parts, and in particular only a small number of moving parts may be required to produce the effect of biasing the stopping member 120. Not only might this reduce the probability of mechanical failure of the door stop 100, but it also reduces manufacture costs associated with producing a biased door stop such as the exemplary door stop 100.

[0035] It will be understood that an alternative to the wall/door frame 220 may be a second door which forms one half of a double door arrangement.

[0036] In a further advantageous aspect, the mounting member 110 may additionally comprise a resilient portion 160 proximal to the face of the door 210. In the exemplary embodiment this resilient portion 160 is u-shaped, although other geometries are contemplated such as but not limited to a v-shape. This allows the door stop 100 to be fitted to doors of varying thicknesses/depths and removes the need to have the mounting member 110 possess the precise dimensions of the door in question. Rather, the proximal face of the resilient portion 160 is compressed increasingly as door thickness/depth increases, causing the mounting member 110 to fit snug around doors of various thicknesses/depths. A further advantage of the resilient portion 160 is that it ensures that the spring hinge 130 remains flat on the face of the door 210. This may be contrasted with the spring hinge 130 being disposed at an angle with respect to the face of a door due to an oversized mounting means which had been designed to accommodate the upper limit of door thicknesses/depths, causing the mounting means to not fit snugly around the door.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 3, there is presented an isometric view of a mounting means 110, the same as that of the previous Figures, comprising two parallel portions 310; 320 and a portion 330 disposed perpendicular to the parallel portions 310; 320. In the exemplary embodiment, the portions 310; 320; 330 of the mounting means 110 define a perimeter of the door 210 such that it may be mounted on the top of the door 210. Visible here is the resilient portion 160 which allows the door stop 100 to be fitted to doors of varying thicknesses by way of the proximal face 350 of the resilient portion 160 being compressed increasingly inwards towards the parallel portion 320 as door thickness increases. Also illustrated is an opening 360 for receiving the protrusion 150, and a groove 370 for receiving the lip protrusion of the hinge plate 140. The opening 360 may be replaced with a recess portion such as dimple, or a protruding member with a receiving portion, co-operable with the protrusion 150, or another formation/member disposed on the hinge plate 140. In alternative embodiments, where the protrusion 150 is disposed on the mounting means 110, the opening 360 may be formed on the biasing means.

[0038] Generally, the mounting means 110 may be dimensioned to be fitted to any door, door frame/wall, or a portion of a door such as a portion of a closing arm system of a door. Indeed, the mounting means 110 may be manufactured to define any desired and appropriate dimensions whether that is length, breadth, height, or curvature of any of its portions. In one embodiment the perpendicular portion 330 of the mounting means 110 may include a sliding portion (not presented) with an adjustable length, allowing repositioning of the two parallel portions 310; 320 of the mounting means 110, to accommodate doors of various thicknesses. For example, in such an embodiment the perpendicular portion 330 of the mounting means may comprise a standard telescopic mechanism. Such a telescopic mechanism may comprise two or more concentric members which may be selectively positioned to define a desired distance between the two parallel portions 310; 320.

[0039] It will be understood that a number of materials may be chosen for the manufacture of the mounting means 110 or any individual aspect of it, for example tungsten, platinum, aluminium, brass, iron, carbon fibre, carbon steel, various polymers such as acrylic, propylene, polyvinyl chloride and the like, or any other suitable material which fulfils the essential design requirements such as strength, durability and possibly flexibility. The mounting means 110 may be formed in a wide variety of manufacture processes including but in no way limited to: sheet metal fabrication, welding, injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum moulding, 3D printing, CNC machining, polymer casting, die casting and the like. The mounting means 110 may be formed/cast from a single piece of sheet metal. Alternatively, the mounting means 110 may be formed of two or more pieces joined by welding or by a fastening means such as one or more screws or an adhesive.

[0040] It is contemplated that the mounting means may comprise alternative embodiments appropriate to various scenarios involving different door types/configurations, door or door stop materials and the like. For example, the mounting means may alternatively comprise a magnet, a suction cup, one or more screws and the like. By way of example, the magnetic mounting means may be advantageous in embodiments involving vehicle or aircraft doors, wherein the vehicle/aircraft door(s) will not entirely close if the exemplary mounting means 110 is positioned to surround a portion of its perimeter. In such an embodiment the mounting means 110 - namely, the magnet - may be disposed on a surface of the vehicle/aircraft door in the proximity of the perimeter of the door and such that a restoring force is provided to the stopping member 120 by a surface adjacent to the door in question. This will allow the stopping member 120 to be biased.

[0041] Accordingly, it is contemplated that the door stop of the present disclosure may be configured to be suitable for use with a wide variety of door types and is not limited to hinged doors. Indeed the door stop may be suitably configured for use with one or more of: double doors, sliding doors, rotating doors, overhead doors, tambour doors, or any appropriate surface or combination of surfaces which may move between a closed state and an open state either individually or in combination. Furthermore, the door stop may be configured to be retrofitted to existing control mechanisms of doors.

[0042] Configuring the door stop for use with various types of doors may necessitate reconfiguring other components of the door stop.

[0043] Referring now to Figure 4 there is illustrated an isometric view of a stopping member 120, the same as that of the previous Figures.

[0044] In the exemplary embodiment, the stopping member may comprise a first surface 410 proximal to the spring hinge 130, and a second surface 420 disposed at an angle with respect to the first surface 410 and distal to the spring hinge 130. In the exemplary embodiment, the angle between the first surface 410 and the second surface 420 may be greater than 90° to accommodate doors with large thicknesses/depths. The stopping member 120 may also comprise a third surface which, beginning at the spring hinge 130, comprises a flat surface 430 disposed at an angle with respect to the first surface 410 and leading to a curved surface 440 connecting round to the second surface 420. The convex curve defined by the curved surface 440 in the present Figure facilitates the formation of a thickened portion 450 of the stopping member 120 which may absorb a substantial portion of the energy transmitted to the door stop 100 on impact with the wall/door frame 220 (or other surface) when an attempt is made to close a door whilst the stopping member 120 is in the stopping position. The thickened portion 450 presents the advantage of minimising potential damage to the door stop 100 caused by such an impact event. Moreover, the thickened portion 450 may be formed of a polymer such as rubber such that damage to the wall/door frame 220, such as indentations or marks, is minimised. It will be understood that a number of materials may be chosen for the manufacture of the stopping member 120 or any individual aspect of it, for example various polymers such as rubber and the like, or any other suitable material which fulfils the essential design requirements of strength, durability, flexibility or shock absorbance and the like. The stopping member 120 may be formed in a wide variety of manufacture processes including but in no way limited to: injection moulding, blow moulding, vacuum moulding, 3D printing, CNC machining, polymer casting, die casting and the like.

[0045] To bias the stopping member 120, one leaf of the spring hinge 130 may be disposed on a face of the stopping member 120. In embodiments, one leaf of the spring hinge 130 may be disposed on the first surface 410 of the stopping member 120 proximal to the spring hinge 130. Alternatively, one leaf of the spring hinge 130 may be enclosed in the material of the stopping member 120. Alternatively, the stopping member 120 may itself replace one of the leaves of the spring hinge 130.

[0046] It will be understood that the geometry of the exemplary stopping member 120 is by way of example only and that other geometries are contemplated and feasible. For example, the second surface 420 may alternatively define a curved surface. In another embodiment, the curved surface 440 may define a concave curve instead of the convex curve presented in Figure 4. The geometry of the stopping member 120 and/or the materials it is formed of may be selected in consideration of the type of wall/door frame and/or the door to which the door stop 100 may be fitted. By way of example only, "softer" or less rigid material may be selected if the door frame is formed of a soft wood such as pine.

[0047] In embodiments, the stopping member 120 may be selectively detachable from the door stop 100. This may allow a user to select from one or more alternative stopping member 120 designs appropriate to their particular use. To allow the stopping member 120 to be detached from the door stop 100, one may configure the door stop 100 according to embodiments in which stopping member 120 is connected to the biasing means by one or mores screws which are removable, or by another standard mechanical configuration of two separate members which are detachably connected.

[0048] Figure 5 is an isometric view of a hinge plate 140, the same as that of the previous Figures. Visible here is the spring hinge 130 disposed at one end of the hinge plate 140, as well as the lip protrusion 510 and the protrusion 150 disposed on the surface of the hinge plate 140. In embodiments, the hinge plate 140 may include one or more orifices (not presented) disposed on its surface for receiving screws or nails for fastening the door stop 100 to a surface of a door. In certain embodiments the hinge plate 140 may comprise an adhesive substance disposed on a face proximal to a surface of the door, for fastening the door stop 100 to the surface of said door. In other embodiments, the hinge plate 140 may comprise a magnetic portion for fastening the door stop 100 to a surface of a door.

[0049] Referring now to Figure 6, there is presented an in situ illustration of a door stop 600, the same as that of the previous Figures, mounted on a hinged door 610. In particular, the purpose of Figure 6 is to demonstrate the movability of the exemplary door stop 100 along the perimeter of a door such as the hinge door 210. The door stop 100 is positioned on the top of the door 210 such that the stopping member 120 is in a non-stopping position away from the wall/door frame 220. In this position the stopping member 120 will remain in a non-stopping position even when the door 210 is opened. Accordingly, the exemplary door stop 100 need not be physically removed from the door 210, thus further removing the risk of physical harm created by a user of a manual device forgetting to return said manual device to a door subsequent to removal.

[0050] Figures 7a and 7b present an in situ illustration of the same door stop 700 presented in the previous Figures and mounted on a door 710, albeit further comprising a first tool receiving member 720 disposed on the stopping member 730 and a second tool receiving member 740 disposed on the hinge plate 750. In the exemplary embodiment the tool receiving members 720; 740 may be configured to receive an extension tool such a hooking device 760 such as but not limited to a window pole hook, or another extension arm device. Generally, the tool receiving members 720; 740 may comprise protruding members or recess members, or a combination of the two. In the exemplary embodiment, the tool receiving members 720; 740 may both define a u-shape or a horseshoe shape. The tool receiving members 720; 740 may define any number of other shapes, provided that the hooking device or other extension arm device may be received. The door stop 700 may comprise both tool receiving members 720; 740 or just one or the other. In certain embodiments, the stopping member 720 may comprise one or more recess portions disposed on its surface configured to accommodate the gripping claw(s) of a gripping tool.

[0051] As depicted in Figure 7a, the hooking device 760 may be used to re-position the stopping member 730 from a stopping position to a non-stopping position by a user using the hooking device 760 in cooperation with the first tool receiving member 720. When not in-use, the hooking device 760 may be received by the second tool receiving member 740, as in Figure 7b. The second tool receiving member 740 may be alternatively disposed on the mounting means 770. The hooking device 760 may be any tool sufficiently long to reach the top of a door the door stop 700 will be mounted on, and dimensioned to cooperate with the tool receiving members 720; 740. Advantageously, the addition of the tool receiving members 720; 740 and the hooking device 760 may remove any difficulty in reaching the door stop 700 when mounted at a height out-of-reach to a particular user.

[0052] Alternatively, the door stop 700 may comprise means to remotely actuate the biasing of the stopping member 730 without the need for direct physical interaction between a user and the door stop 700. An embodiment of this kind is presented in Figure 8, which provides an illustration of a door stop 800 wherein the biasing means further comprises a motor 810, and the door stop 800 further comprises a controller (best presented in Figure 9) comprising a wireless communication module for communicating wirelessly with a remote device such as a telecommunications device and the like. Accordingly, the controller may further comprise one or more processors (best presented in Fig 9) communicatively coupled to the biasing means and the wireless communication module. The controller may further comprise one or more memory units (best presented in Figure 9).

[0053] Ideally, the remote device may be configured to transmit a signal to the wireless communication means, said signal containing instructions to actuate the operation of the biasing means to control the stopping member 820. When the door 830 is opened and the stopping member 820 moves from a non-stopping position to a stopping position, a user of the remote device may subsequently choose to cause the remote device to generate the signal containing instructions to actuate the operation of the biasing means. The stopping member 820 may then be actuated to move to a non-stopping position by the motor 810 in cooperation with other moving parts of the biasing means - in the exemplary embodiment, the spring hinge 840 - allowing the door 830 to be closed again.

[0054] In embodiments, the wireless communication module and the remote device are configured for one or more of: 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio communications and satellite communications. The term 'remote device' will be understood to contain within its meaning a telecommunications device such as but not limited to a smartphone, as well as remote devices such as an electro-mechanical mechanism comprising a button which when pressed transmits a signal to the wireless communication module of the controller. The signal transmitted from the remote device to the wireless communication module may be continuous in nature - that is, the user of the remote device may send instructions to the wireless communication module other than the binary 'move to predefined stopping/non-stopping position'. By way of example, in one embodiment a continuous signal may comprise a user holding a button on the remote device causing the motor 810 to be in operation as long as the button is held. In other embodiments, the user may specify an angle through which the motor 810 should move the stopping member 820.

[0055] The door stop 800 may further comprise a locking mechanism (not presented), similar to the locking mechanism described in the foregoing, but which is communicatively coupled to the processor(s), such that the user of the remote device may cause the remote device to generate a signal containing instructions to actuate the locking mechanism to switch to a lock state from an unlocked state or vice versa.

[0056] Referring now to Figure 9, there is presented a block diagram representation of the configuration of the controller 900 of the door stop 800. The controller 900 may comprise the one or more processors 910 which may be communicatively coupled to: the one or more memory units 920, the wireless communication module 930, the motor 940 of the biasing means, and possibly the locking mechanism 950. The memory unit(s) 920 may be configured to store various predefined protocols pertaining to the malfunction of components of the door stop 800 and accessible by the processor(s). For example, the memory unit(s) may contain one or more protocols for the processor(s) 910 to access and execute in the event that the motor 940 becomes unresponsive, said protocol(s) possibly comprising the user receiving a notification of the problem at their remote device 960. The protocols may include determining the type of remote device 960 associated with the door stop 800 and transmitting via the wireless communication module 930 a signal appropriate to said remote device 960.

[0057] In embodiments, the controller 900 may further comprise a voice recognition module (not presented) communicatively coupled to the processor(s) 910. A user of the door stop 800 may direct a command such as 'door stop: stopping position' or 'door stop: non-stopping position' to the voice recognition module. Accordingly, the memory unit(s) 920 may store speech interpretation programs for one or more languages. Said speech interpretation programs may comprise machine learning algorithms and the like.

[0058] In some embodiments the controller 900 may further comprise an audio module (not presented) which, for example in response to the user attempting to move the stopping member 820 from the stopping position to the non-stopping position, may provide an audio notification if there is an issue such as an obstacle preventing this command from being fulfilled. Alternatively or additionally, such a notification may be transmitted to the remote device 960 by the wireless communication module 930. In such embodiments, the memory unit(s) 910 may contain one or more audio files and one or more predefined protocols pertaining to this.

[0059] Advantageously, the door stop 800 may require security clearance to allow a user to access at least part of the functionality of the door stop 800. For example, the door stop 800 may require security clearance to allow a user to actuate the stopping member 820 between a stopping position and a non-stopping position or to lock/unlock the locking mechanism 950. Security clearance may take the form of an audio password directed by the user to the voice recognition module, or may comprise providing a password to the remote device 960 associated with the door stop 800. The password provided to the remote device 960 may comprise: a password code such as a combination of characters and numbers, biometric authorisation such as finger print recognition or facial recognition, or the completion of a predefined pattern or the correct sequencing of certain objects such as images. The processor(s) 910 may access a password database stored locally on the memory unit(s) 920 to authorise access. The processor(s) 910 may access, by the wireless communication module 930, a password stored remotely on a server or remote database. In embodiments where security clearance is required to access at least part of the functionality of the door stop 800, a user or users of the door stop 800 may be required to define one or more passwords when the door stop 800 is initialised.

[0060] Referring now to Figures 10A-C, there is provided a plurality of views of an exemplary door stop 1000 according to the invention in different stages of use and comprising an arm 1010 for repositioning the stopping member 820 from the opposite side of a door (i.e. the other side of the threshold of the door). For example, and as can be seen in Fig. 10A, the door stop 1000 may be mounted on a side of a door and the arm 1010 may be positioned such that a user located on the opposite side of the door to the stopping member 820 may reposition the stopping member 820 from a stopping position to a non-stopping position as desired to allow the door to close. This substantially removes the danger of getting ones finger(s) caught in the door whilst trying to move the stopping member 820 to close the door from the opposite side of the threshold, whilst also making the task of moving the stopping member 820 substantially easier overall by making the stopping member 820 more accessible from the floor. In various embodiments, the arm 1010 may comprise a hinge mechanism 1020 located at the stopping member 820 to facilitate movement of the arm 1010 about an axis located at and running through the stopping member 820. The hinge may be integrally formed on the stopping member 820 or attached separately as desired. According to the invention, the mounting means 1030 is dimensioned to accommodate the passage of the arm 1010 at least partially there-through. For example, and as can be seen in Figs. 10A-C, a hole dimensioned substantially similarly to the arm 1010 is located on the mounting means 1030.

[0061] Presented in Fig. 10B is the exemplary door stop 1000 in a situation where the door on which it is mounted has closed with the stopping member 820 having been released from the non-stopping position to the stopping position as described previously. The arm 1010 comprises the hinge mechanism to add an additional level of safety to the exemplary door stop 1000, allowing the arm 1010 to move to one side when the stopping member 820 moves from a non-stopping position to a stopping position.

[0062] Presented in Fig. 10C is the ability of the exemplary door stop 1000 to be rotated about an axis through the protrusion 150 as described above. This allows the exemplary door stop 1000 to be moved to a position where the stopping member 820 will not release to obstruct a door when opened, but rather is biased until manually moved from this position again. As noted previously, the protrusion 150 may be located on the mounting means 110 or on the biasing means. It will be understood from the above and Figs. 10A-C that the protrusion 150 may be located on the inside or outside of either of these components as desired. In the embodiment of Figs. 10A-C, the protrusion 150 is located on the outside of mounting means 110.

[0063] The arm 1010 may comprise a rigid material or a semi-rigid material as desired. It will be understood that the embodiment described in Figs. 10A-C may be combined with any of the foregoing embodiments. For example, the door stop 800 may be fitted with the arm 1010 and hinge mechanism so that if the motor 810 should fail then a user located on the opposite side of the door to the stopping member 820 can manually reposition the stopping member 820 from a stopping position to a non-stopping position to allow the door to close.

[0064] The invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein but can be amended or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0065] It will be understood that while exemplary features of an apparatus for preventing a door from closing have been described that such an arrangement is not to be construed as limiting the invention to such features. The method for preventing a door from closing may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof. In one mode, the method is implemented in software, as an executable program, and is executed by one or more special or general purpose digital computer(s), such as a personal computer (PC; IBM-compatible, Apple-compatible, or otherwise), personal digital assistant, workstation, minicomputer, or mainframe computer. The steps of the method may be implemented by a server or computer in which the software modules reside or partially reside.

[0066] Generally, in terms of hardware architecture, such a computer will include, as will be well understood by the person skilled in the art, a processor, memory, and one or more input and/or output (I/O) devices (or peripherals) that are communicatively coupled via a local interface. The local interface can be, for example, but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections, as is known in the art. The local interface may have additional elements, such as controllers, buffers (caches), drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communications. Further, the local interface may include address, control, and/or data connections to enable appropriate communications among the other computer components.

[0067] The processor(s) may be programmed to perform the functions of the method for controlling a door stop. The processor(s) is a hardware device for executing software, particularly software stored in memory. Processor(s) can be any custom made or commercially available processor, a primary processing unit (CPU), an auxiliary processor among several processors associated with a computer, a semiconductor based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chip set), a macro-processor, or generally any device for executing software instructions.

[0068] Memory is associated with processor(s) and can include any one or a combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., random access memory (RAM, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.)) and non-volatile memory elements (e.g., ROM, hard drive, tape, CDROM, etc.). Moreover, memory may incorporate electronic, magnetic, optical, and/or other types of storage media. Memory can have a distributed architecture where various components are situated remote from one another, but are still accessed by processor(s).

[0069] The software in memory may include one or more separate programs. The separate programs comprise ordered listings of executable instructions for implementing logical functions in order to implement the functions of the modules. In the example of heretofore described, the software in memory includes the one or more components of the method and is executable on a suitable operating system (O/S).

[0070] The present disclosure may include components provided as a source program, executable program (object code), script, or any other entity comprising a set of instructions to be performed. When a source program, the program needs to be translated via a compiler, assembler, interpreter, or the like, which may or may not be included within the memory, so as to operate properly in connection with the O/S. Furthermore, a methodology implemented according to the teaching may be expressed as (a) an object oriented programming language, which has classes of data and methods, or (b) a procedural programming language, which has routines, subroutines, and/or functions, for example but not limited to, C, C++, Pascal, Basic, Fortran, Cobol, Perl, Java, and Ada.

[0071] When the method is implemented in software, it should be noted that such software can be stored on any computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any computer related system or method. In the context of this teaching, a computer readable medium is an electronic, magnetic, optical, or other physical device or means that can contain or store a computer program for use by or in connection with a computer related system or method. Such an arrangement can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and execute the instructions. In the context of this disclosure, a "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can store, communicate, propagate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The computer readable medium can be for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. Any process descriptions or blocks in the Figures, should be understood as representing modules, segments, or portions of code which include one or more executable instructions for implementing specific logical functions or steps in the process, as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art.

Claims

1. A door stop (100) comprising:

a mounting member (110) dimensioned to engage with a side or top portion of a door (210), wherein the mounting member (110) is u-shaped;

a stopping member (120) for stopping the door (210);

a biasing means (130) for selectively controlling the stopping member (120) between a non-stopping position and a stopping position; wherein the biasing means (130) automatically actuates the stopping member to the stopping position in response to the door (210) being opened; and

an arm (1010) located on the stopping member (120) and configured to facilitate repositioning of the stopping member (120) between a stopping position and a non-stopping position from an opposite side of the door (210) on which the stopping member (120) is located, wherein the arm (1010) is a hinged arm;

wherein the mounting member (110) comprises a hole for accommodating the arm at least partially there-through.

2. The door stop (100) of claim 1,
wherein the stopping member (120) is resiliently biased by the biasing means (130).

3. The door stop (100) of claim 2, wherein when the stopping member (120) is resiliently biased by the biasing means (130), the biasing means (130) comprises a spring hinge.

4. The door stop (100) of any previous claim, wherein said mounting member (110) comprises a securing portion; or
wherein said mounting member (110) comprises a securing portion, wherein the securing portion is a resilient portion.

5. The door stop (100) of any previous claim, wherein the biasing means is pivotably connected to the mounting member (110).

6. The door stop (100) of claim 5, further comprising a protrusion (150) which operably couples the biasing means (130) and the mounting member (110); and/or
wherein the protrusion is configured in relation to the biasing means (130) and the mounting member (110) such that the biasing means (130) is selectively rotated with respect to the mounting member (110) or vice versa.

7. The door stop (100) of any previous claim, wherein the biasing means (130) further comprises a hinge plate (140) with a lip protrusion (510) formed thereon; or
wherein the biasing means further comprises a hinge plate (140) with a lip protrusion (510) formed thereon, wherein the mounting member (110) has a recess portion formed on it dimensioned to receive the lip protrusion (510).

8. The door stop (100) of any previous claim, wherein the stopping member (110) comprises a tool receiving member (720) configured to receive a tool; and/or wherein the biasing means (130) comprises a tool receiving member (720) configured to receive a tool.

9. The door stop (100) of claim 8, wherein the tool receiving member (720) of the stopping member (110) defines a u-shape; and/or wherein the tool receiving member (720) of the biasing means (130) defines a u-shape.

10. The door stop (100) of any previous claim, wherein the stopping member (120) comprises:

a first surface and a second surface, wherein the second surface is disposed at an angle greater than 90° with respect to the first surface; or

wherein the stopping member (120) comprises: a first surface and a second surface,

wherein the second surface is disposed at an angle greater than 90° with respect to the first surface, wherein the stopping member (120) further comprises a third surface,

said third surface comprising:

a flat surface disposed at an angle with respect to the first surface; and

a curved surface disposed between the flat surface and the second surface.

11. A method of using the door stop (100) of any previous claim, comprising the steps of:

mounting the door stop (100) to the door (210) using the mounting member (110); and

biasing the stopping member (120) in the non-stopping position.

Ansprüche

1. Türstopper (100), umfassend:

ein Montageelement (110), das so dimensioniert ist, dass es in einen seitlichen oder oberen Abschnitt einer Tür (210) eingreift, wobei das Montageelement (110) U-förmig ist;

ein Stoppelement (120) zum Stoppen der Tür (210);

eine Vorspanneinrichtung (130) zum selektiven Steuern des Stoppelements (120) zwischen einer Nicht-Stoppposition und einer Stoppposition; wobei die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) das Stoppelement als Reaktion auf ein Öffnen der Tür (210) automatisch in die Stoppposition betätigt; und

einen Arm (1010), der sich an dem Stoppelement (120) befindet und dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Umpositionieren des Stoppelements (120) zwischen einer Stoppposition und einer Nicht-Stoppposition von einer gegenüberliegenden Seite der Tür (210), an der sich das Stoppelement (120) befindet, zu erleichtern, wobei der Arm (1010) ein Gelenkarm ist;

wobei das Montageelement (110) eine Bohrung zum Fassen des Arms zumindest teilweise durch diesen hindurch umfasst.

2. Türstopper (100) nach Anspruch 1,
wobei das Stoppelement (120) durch die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) elastisch vorgespannt ist.

3. Türstopper (100) nach Anspruch 2, wobei, wenn das Stoppelement (120) durch die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) elastisch vorgespannt ist, die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) ein Federscharnier umfasst.

4. Türstopper (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Montageelement (110) einen Befestigungsabschnitt umfasst; oder
wobei das Montageelement (110) einen Befestigungsabschnitt umfasst, wobei der Befestigungsabschnitt ein elastischer Abschnitt ist.

5. Türstopper (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Vorspanneinrichtung schwenkbar mit dem Montageelement (110) verbunden ist.

6. Türstopper (100) nach Anspruch 5, ferner umfassend einen Vorsprung (150), der die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) und das Montageelement (110) wirksam koppelt; und/oder
wobei der Vorsprung in Bezug auf die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) und das Montageelement (110) derart konfiguriert ist, dass die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) selektiv in Bezug auf das Montageelement (110) gedreht wird oder umgekehrt.

7. Türstopper (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) ferner eine Scharnierplatte (140) mit einem daran ausgebildeten Lippenvorsprung (510) umfasst; oder
wobei die Vorspanneinrichtung ferner eine Scharnierplatte (140) mit einem daran ausgebildeten Lippenvorsprung (510) umfasst, wobei das Montageelement (110) einen daran ausgebildeten Aussparungsabschnitt aufweist, der so dimensioniert ist, dass er den Lippenvorsprung (510) aufnimmt.

8. Türstopper (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Stoppelement (110) ein Werkzeugaufnahmeelement (720) umfasst, das dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Werkzeug aufzunehmen; und/oder wobei die Vorspanneinrichtung (130) ein Werkzeugaufnahmeelement (720) umfasst, das dazu konfiguriert ist, ein Werkzeug aufzunehmen.

9. Türstopper (100) nach Anspruch 8, wobei das Werkzeugaufnahmeelement (720) des Stoppelements (110) eine U-Form definiert; und/oder wobei das Werkzeugaufnahmeelement (720) der Vorspanneinrichtung (130) eine U-Form definiert.

10. Türstopper (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Stoppelement (120) Folgendes umfasst:

eine erste Fläche und eine zweite Fläche, wobei die zweite Fläche in einem Winkel größer als 90° in Bezug auf die erste Fläche angeordnet ist; oder

wobei das Stoppelement (120) Folgendes umfasst: eine erste Fläche und eine zweite Fläche, wobei die zweite Fläche in einem Winkel größer als 90° in Bezug auf die erste Fläche angeordnet ist, wobei das Stoppelement (120) ferner eine dritte Fläche umfasst, wobei die dritte Fläche Folgendes umfasst:

einer ebenen Fläche, die in einem Winkel in Bezug auf die erste Fläche angeordnet ist; und

eine gekrümmte Fläche, die zwischen der ebenen Fläche und der zweiten Fläche angeordnet ist.

11. Verfahren zum Verwenden des Türstoppers (100) nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend die folgenden Schritte: Montieren des Türstoppers (100) an der Tür (210) unter Verwendung des Montageelements (110); und Vorspannen des Stoppelements (120) in der Nicht-Stoppposition.

Revendications

1. Butée de porte (100) comprenant :

un élément de montage (110) dimensionné pour venir en prise avec une partie latérale ou supérieure d'une porte (210), dans laquelle l'élément de montage (110) est en forme de u ;

un élément d'arrêt (120) destiné à arrêter la porte (210) ;

un moyen de sollicitation (130) destiné à commander sélectivement l'élément d'arrêt (120) entre une position libre et une position d'arrêt ; dans laquelle le moyen de sollicitation (130) actionne automatiquement l'élément d'arrêt en position d'arrêt en réponse à l'ouverture de la porte (210) ; et

un bras (1010) situé sur l'élément d'arrêt (120) et conçu pour faciliter le repositionnement de l'élément d'arrêt (120) entre une position d'arrêt et une position libre depuis un côté opposé de la porte (210) sur lequel est situé l'élément d'arrêt (120), dans laquelle le bras (1010) est un bras articulé ;

dans laquelle l'élément de montage (110) comprend un trou destiné à recevoir le bras au moins partiellement à travers celui-ci.

2. Butée de porte (100) selon la revendication 1,
dans laquelle l'élément d'arrêt (120) est sollicité de manière élastique par le moyen de sollicitation (130).

3. Butée de porte (100) selon la revendication 2, dans laquelle lorsque l'élément d'arrêt (120) est sollicité de manière élastique par le moyen de sollicitation (130), le moyen de sollicitation (130) comprend une charnière à ressort.

4. Butée de porte (100) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle ledit élément de montage (110) comprend une partie de fixation ; ou
dans laquelle ledit élément de montage (110) comprend une partie de fixation, dans laquelle la partie de fixation est une partie élastique.

5. Butée de porte (100) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle le moyen de sollicitation est relié de manière pivotante à l'élément de montage (110).

6. Butée de porte (100) selon la revendication 5, comprenant en outre une saillie (150) qui couple de manière fonctionnelle le moyen de sollicitation (130) et l'élément de montage (110) ; et/ou
dans laquelle la saillie est conçue par rapport au moyen de sollicitation (130) et à l'élément de montage (110) de telle sorte que le moyen de sollicitation (130) est tourné de manière sélective par rapport à l'élément de montage (110) ou inversement.

7. Butée de porte (100) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle le moyen de sollicitation (130) comprend en outre une plaque de charnière (140) sur laquelle est formée une saillie de lèvre (510) ; ou
dans laquelle le moyen de sollicitation comprend en outre une plaque de charnière (140) sur laquelle est formée une saillie de lèvre (510), dans laquelle l'élément de montage (110) présente une partie d'évidement formée sur celui-ci et dimensionnée pour recevoir la saillie de lèvre (510).

8. Butée de porte (100) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle l'élément d'arrêt (110) comprend un élément de réception d'outil (720) conçu pour recevoir un outil ; et/ou dans laquelle le moyen de sollicitation (130) comprend un élément de réception d'outil (720) conçu pour recevoir un outil.

9. Butée de porte (100) selon la revendication 8, dans laquelle l'élément de réception d'outil (720) de l'élément d'arrêt (110) définit une forme en u ; et/ou en ce que l'élément de réception d'outil (720) du moyen de sollicitation (130) définit une forme en u.

10. Butée de porte (100) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, dans laquelle l'élément d'arrêt (120) comprend :

une première surface et une deuxième surface, dans laquelle la deuxième surface est disposée selon un angle supérieur à 90° par rapport à la première surface ; ou

dans laquelle l'élément d'arrêt (120) comprend : une première surface et une deuxième surface, dans laquelle la deuxième surface est disposée à un angle supérieur à 90° par rapport à la première surface, dans laquelle l'élément d'arrêt (120) comprend en outre une troisième surface, ladite troisième surface comprenant :

une surface plane disposée en biais par rapport à la première surface ; et

une surface courbe disposée entre la surface plate et la deuxième surface.

11. Procédé d'utilisation de la butée de porte (100) selon une quelconque revendication précédente, comprenant les étapes de : montage de la butée de porte (100) sur la porte (210) à l'aide de l'élément de montage (110) ; et de sollicitation de l'élément d'arrêt (120) dans la position libre.

Drawing