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Door closure assist assemblies

  • US 7,815,233 B2
  • Filed: 01/10/2008
  • Issued: 10/19/2010
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/12/2004
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A door closure assist assembly for assisting in the closing of a door with respect to a doorframe, the assembly comprising:

  • an extender portion attached to one of the door and the doorframe, the extender portion is adapted to linearly expand between a rest and an extended position, the extender portion comprises an active material and a first electrode;

    a second electrode attached to the other one of the door and the doorframe and aligned with the first electrode;

    an activation device in operative communication with the active material of the extender portion;

    a sensor operable to detect the position of the door;

    a controller in operative communication with the activation device; and

    a power source in electrical communication with the electrodes;

    wherein, when the door is moved toward a closed position, the sensor will detect the position of the door and send a signal that will be received by the controller so that the controller can activate the activation device, the activation device will send an activation signal to the active material, the active material will change a fundamental property so as to move the extender portion toward the extended position, moving the first electrode closer to engage the second electrode;

    when the first and second electrodes are attached to each other, the activation signal will be deactivated, making the active material reverse the change and return the extender portion to the rest position, providing a final closing action to the door against the doorframe.

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