Pocket door pull devices

Abstract

The invention relates to pocket door hardware. Devices are disclosed that include a plate configured to fit over a surface pull of a pocket door, and members protruding from the plate away from the broad plane of the door.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a pocket door surface pull having a top surface and a plurality of mounting fastener holes, and a pocket door surface pull cover comprising: a plate configured to fit over the pocket door surface pull such that it substantially covers the top surface, the plate comprising a planar body having a top surface and a bottom surface, and grippable flange members protruding from the top surface of the planar body on opposite edges of the plate, wherein the plate includes open areas that are positioned to align with the mounting fastener holes of the pocket door surface pull when the plate substantially covers the top surface of the pocket door surface pull with the bottom surface of the plate in contact with the top surface of the pocket door surface pull.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the grippable flange members have sufficient surface area to allow a user to apply a force to open or close the door.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the grippable flange members protrude from a surface of the plate at least 5 mm.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the-open areas in the plate are elongated.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the flanges extend perpendicular to the top surface of the body.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a perspective view of prior art pocket door hardware.

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pocket door pull device according to one embodiment of the invention installed on a door, over the hardware shown in FIG. 1 (which is shown in phantom lines in FIG. 2).

(3) FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the device.

(4) FIG. 4 is a front planar view of the device.

(5) FIG. 5 is an end view of the device.

(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) The present disclosure relates generally to door pull devices for pocket doors that are configured to allow a user to more easily open the door from a closed position or close the door when it is in a open position. The devices prevent the door from closing fully, while also providing an exposed gripping surface, or handle, that the user can easily grasp. Preferred devices can be used with existing door hardware without modification or carpentry of the door or existing door hardware.

(8) Referring to FIG. 2, a pocket door pull device 22 is shown installed over the existing door hardware shown in FIG. 1, utilizing the existing mounting holes 40.

(9) Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the device 22 features a body 42 and two members 45A/45B extending outwardly on opposing sides of the body 42. In use, the member 45A, which is spaced from the edge of the door engages the door frame and prevents the door from being completely recessed in the wall. The member 45B, the edge of which is preferably substantially aligned with the edge of the door, provides an exposed gripping surface or handle that can be grasped by the user to open the door. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the members 45A/45B are substantially perpendicular to the body 42 of the device to provide a good angle of contact with the user's fingers. In the embodiment shown, the members extend the full length of the device. Referring to FIG. 3, edges 46 of members 45A/45B are radiused to prevent unwanted snagging or damage.

(10) Ideally, a device 22 will be installed on each side of the door 5, on surfaces 10. This configuration allows the user to easily engage members 45B from either side. The handles allow the user to more easily interact with the door in either the opening or closing directions.

(11) Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, two mounting holes 41 are positioned substantially near the middle of the device with respect to the long axis. Placement of the mounting holes 41 allows the user to utilize the mounting holes in the hardware 40. Thus, it is not necessary for the user to drill additional holes when installing the device 22, and the device can easily be mounted over the existing hardware, allowing continued use of the existing hardware. The mounting holes 41 are enlarged laterally to allow for accommodation of varying placement of hardware mounting holes (FIG. 1).

(12) In preferred embodiments the body 42 defines a central cut-out section 50 that approximately aligns with the central recessed portion 30 of the existing door hardware. The central cut-out 50 allows the user to access locking mechanisms 35 commonly found on pocket door hardware, e.g. as shown in FIG. 1. The inner edges 43 (FIGS. 3 and 4) of the body defined by the cut-out 50 are radiused to allow for better alignment with the central recessed portion 30.

(13) Referring to FIGS. 4-6, in some implementations the device 5 is about 2 to 3 inches wide (W) and about 2 to 4 inches in length (HB). The members 45A and 45B protrude from the device 22 a distance sufficient to allow the member 45A to act as a stop, and the member 45B to be easily grasped, for example, at least 0.2 inches (5 mm), e.g., from about 0.2 to 1.0 inches (HM). For aesthetic reasons and ease of manufacturing and installation, the members are generally the same height. The device 22 is of a sufficient thickness to have a desired degree of stiffness. The wall thickness (T) of the device will depend on the physical characteristics of the material used, but is generally from about 0.01 to 0.10 inches. The cut-out 50 is dimensioned to expose the underlying latch mechanism, and may in some cases be about 1 to 1.5 inches wide (CW) and about 2 to 3 inches high (CH). The mounting holes 41 may in some cases be located at the mid point of the long axis of the device, i.e., midway between the top and bottom edges of the device (HH). The center of the mounting holes 41 can be, for example, from about 1.5 to 2 inches apart (HW).

(14) Preferably, the device is made from a metal or a metal alloy, e.g. brass or steel, and is sufficiently strong to resist deformation when under load as when a door is opened or closed. Other materials may be suitable as well, for example, thermoplastics, thermosets, wood or ceramics. In some cases, the material may be transparent or translucent, for example LEXAN plastic or LUCITE plastic.

(15) The device may be colored, or may be paintable so that the user can customize the appearance of the device.

Other Embodiments

(16) A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

(17) For example, rather than extending from a body that is configured to be mounted over existing pocket door hardware, the members could be integral with the pocket door hardware having a latching mechanism (e.g., extend integrally from the side edges of hardware otherwise resembling that shown in FIG. 1).

(18) Another embodiment may feature the device installed in alternate locations on the door. For example, while it is generally preferred that the device be installed over the existing hardware, the device may be installed in a higher or lower location on the door, e.g., to facilitate use by users of different heights or a user in a wheelchair.

(19) In FIG. 2, the device is depicted as being installed on both sides of the door; however, the user could optionally install the device on only one side.

(20) While it is generally preferred that members 45A and 45B protrude the same distance from the body, they could have different heights if desired. For example, member 45A could be shorter (only high enough to act as a stop).

(21) Either or both of the members could be disposed at an angle other than 90 degrees with respect to the body. For example, member 45A could be generally perpendicular to the body while member 45B could be at an acute angle with respect to the body.

(22) Moreover, either of both of the members could be curved in cross-section, rather than extending straight out from the body.

(23) While preferred embodiments feature a central cut-out section, an alternate embodiment could be configured without a central cut-out section or with a cut-out that is offset from center.

(24) While the device 22 is preferably made of one continuous piece, an alternate embodiment could be constructed from multiple pieces.

(25) An alternate embodiment could feature members that do not extend the full length of the device.

(26) Another embodiment could feature members that are textured to enhance the user interface by increasing friction between the member and the user's finger. This could be accomplished by embossing, engraving, or other means.

(27) While the device as shown features solid members, an alternative embodiment could feature members that are skeletal with portions removed.

(28) The device can be provided in any desired style, e.g., including various ornamental features. As an example, the members could be scroll-shaped rather than simple vertical members, and/or the plate could have any desired shape.

(29) Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.