Have you ever noticed how practically every shopping centre or mall is equipped with fully automatic doors? It is a wonder where we would be without these doors and even more amazing how we take these doors for granted when not long ago people were struggling to open swing doors in the bustling wind. In fact it was not until the 1960s that saw the invention and mass use of automatic doors, before which people struggled with normal doors.
The invention or creation was sparked by two American individuals named Dee Horton and Lee Hewitt in 1956. The idea that sparked the creation of the automatic doors came from them both witnessing people struggling to open swing doors in the Corpus Christi winds. It was evident that these doors could not withstand the elements and as a result the doors would slam shut smashing the glass. Swing doors did not seem to keep the wind behind and would often allow a large amount of draft in as well. The two got to work on inventing an automatic sliding door, which would counter the problem of strong winds.
This lead to the eventual set up of their existing company Horton Automatics Inc in 1960. This placed the product on the market, literally developing and beginning a new industry. The first commercial automatic door was so successful that many of the retail industries began installing them seeing that it was a highly effective way of keeping the elements out. As it were practically every shopping mall around the world began using automatic sliding doors giving it a more modern look. To this day automatic doors have continued to be used in many parts of the world, with Horton Automatics being the leading provider.
The very first automatic door that was installed was donated to a Shoreline Drive utilities department in the city of Corpus Christi, America. They then sold the first sliding door to Driscoll Hotel, which were used for their restaurants. Some of these restaurants still make use of the original automatic doors. Hewitt and Horton worked together managing the production, manufacturing and sales of the doors. Hewitt was appointed as general manager until 1986 when he became the president. Both Hewitt and Horton had sold shares of the company to Dallas Corp in 1970.
It was evident that the business would continue to grow, establishing a large number of client base and staff. As the years pass by, many of us do not realise that since the invention of the automatic sliding door, a lot of problems have been reduced and peoples safety have increased. Former swing doors were not strong enough to sustain a forced impact. Furthermore, as the glass would shatter, people nearby would be at risk of being injured. The automatic door alleviated those risks and reduced the need to forcefully open doors during times of strong blowing wind. The glass used in automatic doors is thicker and durable. The frame of each is made from a strong metal that holds the glass firmly, making it a long lasting door that requires minimal maintenance.
Author Resource:-
Anna Stenning has researched the reasons behind the invention of automatic doors and has seen how this has made a significant difference in peoples lives.
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