You just never know what’s going to show up in my inbox. Last week I received the clipping below from Jim Bystry of Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies. Jim said he received it from Sue Shapiro of Bell Hardware in Klamath Falls, Oregon. I’m guessing Jim’s had it laying around for a while because it’s dated February 14th, 2005.
When Jim sent the clipping he asked, “Can you see why she sent this to me?” Can you? (Click to enlarge.)
I spotted the closer right away, and it looks to be an LCN 4111. I tracked down Bob Thompson, creator of this kinetic sculpture and many others, to find out what the closer was used for in his sculptures. Bob and his wife Karen told me that they rescued two closers from the scrap heap at a school where Karen worked, and they use them as dampers to counteract the vibration in the rear steering wheel.
From what I can tell, Bob has used the same 2 closers on several different kinetic sculptures, including Patriot Act and Black Tie Affair. Bob sent me the photos of Black Tie Affair below:
And here’s a close-up:
Keep your eyes peeled for unusual hardware applications and send me some photos!
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That’s great! Who knew door closers can be used for more than just doors?! I wonder what other interesting applications are out there 🙂
I saw one on the bar counter at Joe’s American Bar & Grille the other night!
They are not listed for the use!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You’re such a stickler!
LCN may want to consider the last two photos in a advertising promotion.Will get everyone’s attention !!
That would be cool, wouldn’t it?!
Lori, didnt you send me a photo a week ago having to do with LCN closers/shocks??? looks like this guy did right the opposite, made a closer into a form of a shock (steering stabilizer) for his trike.
if this guy is selling any time soon, heck, don’t bother with getting a driver’s license, I may as well ride my bike everywhere and have 2 companions helping out with steering (2 door closers).
about the closer seen at the bar and grille, was it MOUNTED to the counter or was it just sitting there??? or was hardware/machinery a theme at the bar/grille?? (ohh great, now are closers in your area getting drunk too??? (kidding)
Lindsey, your right, who says (LCN) door closers are ONLY to be used on a door……..
-Jess
Hi Jess –
The closer in the restaurant was being used to keep the opening part of the bar counter from slamming down. Thanks for reminding me about the mystery closer/shock. I’ll post those photos tomorrow and see if anyone has an idea.
Lori,
during some googling, i found out another sculpture of Bob’s had these 2 LCN closers, another large wheeled trike called “twinkle”. twinkle was similar to patriot act but no red seen, was just blue frame, blue and white wheels and of course, the pair of white closers.
if I was to ride this, or anyone to ride it, I suggest the riders who sit near the back wheel wear helmets, and GO EASY ON THE BUMPS! in patriot act and black tie affair, the rider’s heads are close to the closers, and if they hit a bump someone can get hurt from their head hitting the body or arms of one of the “steering stabilizers”.
-Jess