Pull the door towards you slowly to begin closing the door. Keep ample pressure on the door handle or knob so that the latch does not resurface. If you are standing close to the door frame, you may have to take 1 or 2 steps backward to prevent the door from hitting your face or body.
[4]
If there’s ever a question, the general provisions in Section 8.7 always apply such that if the AHJ believes an area is a hazardous area, it’s a hazardous area. Where separation by fire barriers or smoke partitions are required, the doors have to meet the applicable requirements, and always need to be self-closing – no wooden wedges! 17 Stunning Ways To Use Bi-Folding Doors In Living Rooms Bi-folding doors are an on trend way of increasing the width of a walkway. Glazed French doors, since they are hinged on either side, can only offer double width opening.
- If you are inside of the room you are closing the door to, then this will require a pushing motion instead of a pulling motion.
- Some doors are weighted to partially or fully close by themselves. Balance the door’s weight against your arm and maintain a slow speed to prevent it from slamming shut.
- Old, wooden doors that are lightweight may require you to quickly pull the door shut in one sweeping motion to keep the hinges from creaking. Just make sure to stop its motion before it comes in contact with the door frame.
- Traditional car doors will also require a similar pulling or pushing motion. Car doors are a bit weighted, so make sure to carefully guide the door’s momentum to prevent it from slamming shut.[5]
Modern manual door closer
A door closer (Door Check) is defined as any mechanical device that closes a door in a controlled manner, preventing it from slamming, in general after someone opens it,[1] or after it was automatically opened (when opened automatically they are commonly referred as a door opener). The force used to open the door is stored in some type of spring and when released this energy is then utilised to return the door to its original starting position (closed position). Many types of modern door closers can be linked to a buildings fire alarm system, in scenarios where doors need to be held open for the majority of the time they are held back with some sort of electro magnetic device, [2] when the fire alarm is triggered it cuts power to the electro magnetic hold open device allowing the doors to close. These hold open devices can be separate to the door closer or part of its integral design. [3]
- 2Types
- 4Usage
History[edit]
Single action floor spring with pneumatic check. The brass decor plate and shoe are removed to show the internal workings.
One of the first references concerning a device to close a door can be found in the writings of Hero of Alexandria who describes his 'automata' which controlled the doors of temples, both opening and closing them automatically among other things.[4] Pulleys and weights have also been used to close doors,[5] giving them automation. Another device for smaller domestic doors and very simple involved a loop of rope (skein) fixed to the door frame that was twisted, having a piece of wood placed in between the twists which then rests on the door (like a mini ballista arm), the opening of the door twists the skein further, when the door is released the rope wanting to untwist pushes the arm back against the door thereby closing it.
In more modern times the official invention of a door spring can be traced back to the latter half of the 18th Century, the first patent being given to Henry Downer (Ironmonger) of Fleet Street, London for the invention of a 'spring to shut a door' (1790),[6] there was however earlier devices invented to close a door, for instance there was Mr Delevitz's model of a door with spiral spring hinges (1764) [7] Even earlier still are references by way of advertisement, the famous clock manufacturer Thwaites and Reed claiming to be the original inventors of the spiral door spring [8][9] and in a letter between Sir Edward Filmer (3rd Bart.) and his brother, Beversham Filmer dated 1748 they discuss a door spring.[10] The first reference by way of patent to a door closer with damping to slow the closing of a door is attributed to William Overden Snr and William Overden Jnr in 1864.[11] Door closers that utilize the properties of Vulcanised Indian rubber have also been patented and have been a commercial success previously.
It was in the Victorian era the commercialization of the door closer really took off with Great Britain leading the World [12] with its many door closer designs. Companies such as William Tonks and Son plus James Cartland and Sons, both based in Birmingham traded all over The Empire selling door springs, among many other goods, right up to the 1990's this continued with Newman Tonks Group PLC being among the largest producers of door closers certainly in Europe if not still the World, [13][14] receiving in 1974 an award for their one millionth door closer produced. [15]
In 1907 the Briton B was first placed on the market, arguably it being one of the most recognised and durable surface mounted door closers ever produced, some being over a hundred years old and still in working order today. [16]
In conjunction with the United Kingdoms many door closing inventions there was also in America many notable improvements, inventions and inventors that must not be forgot, the most famous probably being Lewis. C. Norton who in 1877 started his business and then entered into the door closer/check market in 1880 by designing a door check for the Boston Trinity Church.[17] Eugene Blount, Francis Richards and Joseph Bardsley also played huge parts in the development, improvement and commercialization of door closers along with many notable companies, including Yale, Norton, Rixson and The Shelby Spring Hinge Company.
Since the 1970/80's the likes of Dorma and GEZE have pushed to dominate the door closer business in Europe and further afield with Ingersol Rand, ASSA ABLOY, RIXSON having large slices of the American market. Chinese and Indian manufacturers are however beginning to take over the market at the time of writing (2018).
Types[edit]
A concealed jamb-mounted door closer
There are five styles of interior door-closer:
- Surface-mounted
- Concealed in frame (jamb)
- Concealed in header (transom)
- Concealed in floor[18]
- Concealed in door
- Concealed in shoe
- Integral to hinge
Overhead or surface-mounted door closers come in four variations: slide-track arm, regular arm surface mounted, parallel arm surface mounted, and top jamb mounted, most are surface mounted although some manufacturers offer concealed models too.
Another type of surface mounted door closer is attached to the door frame behind the door (where the hinges are) next to the middle hinge. The 'arm' (tail) rests against the door, and a spring that is twisted by the user opening the door closes the door by returning to its pre-twisted shape. This type of door closer is referred to as a 'tail' spring [19] and is one of the more simple mechanisms, having no damping control.
There is also the storm door and screen door variation of the door closer: As the name implies, these piston type closers are used on storm doors, security, and screen doors which give the home an extra line of defense against weather, intruders, and insects. Whereas interior closers typically use hydraulics, storm door closers are more typically pneumatic, using air and springs to close the door. Storm Door closers generally have a small metal square washer on the rod that is used to lock the closer in the open position if required, more recent models such as the Touch 'n Hold door closer have a button to actuate the hold open feature to make this process easier.
Along with the above there is also the concealed, jamb-mounted type door closer, which fits in morticed recesses in the door and door frame and is totally concealed when the door is closed. These are available in controlled and uncontrolled versions, selected according to the application for which they are intended. Such concealed closers when mounted inside a pocket in the door frame (door jamb) are commonly known as 'perco's' or percomatic closers
When door closers are mounted in the header they are known as transom closers.[20] These can be HO (hold open) or NHO (none hold open). Door closers that are hidden in the header of the door frame (transom closers) are generally considered to be throw-a-way sealed units.
Door closers that are mounted in the floor directly under the pivot point beneath a decor plate are referred to as floor springs and come in two variations, single action for doors opening one way (right and left hand) and double action for doors that open inward and outward, both types can either be none hold open (NHO) or hold open (HO). They consist of a pivot which protrudes from the top of the device and mates to a shoe (or strap) that the door is connected to, some kind of spring and a damping device to control the rate at which the door closes (very early ones had no damping), these damping devices are either pneumatic (known as an air spring or air check) or hydraulic in nature. When a floor spring is used to control a door, they can be used in conjunction with hinges but generally have a single pivot point at the top of the door, this pivot point is known as a top centre. [21] Floor springs are usually the most expensive and most hard wearing of all the door closing devices in use, most modern ones being sealed units and are considered as a throw-a-way item when they have reached the end of their useful working life.
There is also the in shoe door closer, known as a heel spring [22] which can be damped or not, hold open or none hold open. This type of door closer is housed entirely in the 'heel' of the door, inside a shoe. This shoe looks very much like the shoe used in conjunction with floor springs.
Finally there is the spring hinge (self closing door hinge), this type of door closer uses a spring mounted in a hinge and is integral to its design, this spring can be either visible or hidden within a tube and can be found more commonly on interior doors. When used on doors that open both ways they are known as double action spring hinges.
Manual[edit]
Old type of manual door closer (made by BKS)
A manual door closer stores the energy used in the opening of the door in a spring (either a compression, torsion, tension, volute or leaf) [23] and releases it to close the door. Some closers allow for adjustment of the strength of the spring, making it easier or more difficult to push the door open along with providing more closing force. To limit the speed at which the door closes, most modern door closers use hydraulic (oil-filled) dampers, although spring mechanisms and friction alone may also be used for damping. Some closers incorporate a back-check facility which prevents the door from being opened too fast; this is useful for, as an example, on external doors where there is a danger of wind catching and blowing it open, something which could otherwise cause damage to the door set and/or objects and/or people near it. The speed at which the door closer closes the door may be adjustable by up to three adjustment valves. These valves often adjust the sweep speed and the latch speed of the door and some closers are optioned with a delayed action valve. The latch speed is the speed that the door travels in the last 10 to 15 degrees of it closing cycle and is often set faster than the 'sweep' so that the door can properly latch closed. The sweep speed is the speed which the door travels along the majority of its travel (before reaching the final 10 to 15 degrees) and is often set slower than the latch speed. For openings where a much longer close time is desired, one may opt for a delayed action closer. The delayed action valve slows the sweep speed dramatically for roughly the first half of the sweep range. Door closers which provide this two or three-stage action and close doors at a determined rate are called 'controlled' door closers.[24]
Automatic[edit]
An automatic door closer (more often called a 'door opener') opens the door itself, typically under the control of a push button, motion detector or other device, and then closes it as well, typically employing a motion or proximity detector to determine when it is safe to close the door. These types of door mechanisms can also be used for security purposes, keeping the door locked on a electro magnetic device (mag-lock)[25] until either a code is entered into a key pad or a swipe card is presented. High security areas may opt for a biometric system, using a retinal scanner or some sort of electronic finger print device in place of the key pad or card method. [26]
Control of closing force and speed[edit]
Closers often feature dampers that offer control over the closing force and speed. Such dampers are usually hydraulic or pneumatic dashpots.
Usage[edit]
Fire safety[edit]
Door closers are most commonly installed on fire doors and entrance doors, which need to be closed in case of fire, to help prevent the spread of fire and smoke. In most countries, their performance will be governed by national standards.
Maintaining room temperatures[edit]
Door closers also play a role in maintaining average cooling temperatures, since colder air does not vent out for longer periods if the door remains closed for longer periods on average.
Security[edit]
Door closers also play a role in general security and can be found on building entrance doors because they close the door once somebody has passed through, often latching the lock and stopping unwanted persons from gaining access to a building in behind someone if they have not pulled the door closed behind them.
Noise Control[edit]
In buildings that require noise control (Studios) door closers play an important part in the suppression of unwanted noise both in and out rooms and the buildings themselves.
Privacy[edit]
In many situations door closers also add to individuals privacy.
Hygiene[edit]
Door closers can also play a part in keeping buildings and rooms free from dirt, debris and pests.
References[edit]
- ^Estates, N. H. S. (2005). Ironmongery. The Stationery Office. ISBN9780113226979.
- ^Cote, Arthur E. (2003). Operation of Fire Protection Systems. Jones & Bartlett Learning. p. 50. ISBN9780877655848.
- ^Tobias, Scott (2015-04-13). Illustrated Guide to Door Hardware: Design, Specification, Selection. John Wiley & Sons. p. 323. ISBN9781118112618.
- ^Lloyd, G. E. R. (1973). Greek science after Aristotle. New York: Norton. ISBN0393043711. OCLC514642.
- ^English Patents of Inventions, Specifications: 1859, 2676 - 2744. H.M. Stationery Office. 1860.
- ^Woodcroft, Bennet (1854). Subject-matter Index (made from Titles Only) of Patents of Invention: From March 2, 1617 (14 James I.) to October 1, 1852 (16 Victoriae). A to M. The Queen's Printing Office. p. 128.
- ^A catalogue of the machines, models, and other articles, in the repository of the society instituted for the encouragement of the arts, manufactures, and commerce. Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce (Great Britain), Society of Arts (Great Britain). R. Wilks. 1814. p. 18.CS1 maint: others (link)
- ^Martin, Robert Montgomery (1850). The British Colonies: Their History, Extent, Condition and Resources. Ceylon, East India, and Mediterranean Settlements. Tallis. p. 11.
- ^'Floor Spring Door Closers'. www.buildingconservation.com. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
- ^Orr, Timothy J. (2015-09-04). 'Newsome, HamptonRichmond Must Fall: The Richmond-Petersburg Campaign, October 1864'. History: Reviews of New Books. 43 (4): 123–124. doi:10.1080/03612759.2015.1032182. ISSN0361-2759.
- ^Great Britain Patent Office (1873). Patents for inventions : abridgments of specifications relating to hinges, hinge joints, and door springs. A.D. 1775-1866. George E. Eyre and William Spottiswoode. p. 111. OCLC54199007.
- ^The British Trade Journal. 1880. p. 347 – via Hathi Library.
- ^Whiteside, R. M.; Wilson, A.; Blackburn, S.; Hörnig, S. E.; Wilson, C. P. (2012-12-06). Major Companies of Europe 1990/91: Volume 2 Major Companies of the United Kingdom. Springer Science & Business Media. index. ISBN9789400907997.
- ^'Register | British Newspaper Archive'. www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ^'Register | British Newspaper Archive'. www.britishnewspaperarchive.co.uk. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ^'Spotted Briton'. allegionuk. Retrieved 2019-05-12.
- ^'How I Discovered Door Checks (Part 1), by L.C. Norton'. I Dig Hardware. 2011-08-23. Retrieved 2019-05-11.
- ^Michael Panish. 'Concealed Door Closers'. Michael Panish: Construction Expert Witness and Consultant. Retrieved January 21, 2014.
- ^Kay, Norman William (1955). The Modern building encyclopaedia. Odhams. p. 325. OCLC219759402.
- ^AJ Focus, Volume 10. Architectural Press. 1996. p. 239.
- ^Building construction and drawings Charles Frederick Mitchell, George Arthur MitchellB.T. Batsford, 1906 Page 355
- ^The Architects' Journal, volume 171. The University of Virgina: Architectural Press. April 1980.
- ^'Blog'. Midlands Floor Springs Limited. Retrieved 2019-04-26.
- ^'Manual Door Closer Injury and How door closers work'. www.constructionwitness.com. Retrieved 2019-04-06.
- ^'Electromagnetic lock', Wikipedia, 2018-11-25, retrieved 2019-05-07
- ^Obaidat, Mohammad S.; Traore, Issa; Woungang, Isaac (2018-10-24). Biometric-Based Physical and Cybersecurity Systems. Springer. p. 490. ISBN9783319987347.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Door closers. |
Many door closer and floor spring pictures can be found here along with a great deal of history surrounding all things door closer related - https://www.midlandsfloorsprings.co.uk/blog
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