Patents
US Patent 6,263,541
ABSTRACT
A method of securing a torsion spring used in a counterbalance system in which the spring torsion cannot be released without first supporting any existing spring torque utilizes a torsion spring assembly including: a torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within a torsion spring; an anchor member retaining a first end of the torsion spring with the torsion rod being rotatable about the axis relative to the anchor member; and a winding cone retaining a second end of the torsion spring. The winding cone includes a first winding cone coupling member including a frusto-conical surface retaining the second end of the torsion spring; and a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener. The second coupling member defines an area in which the fastener is received for releasably mounting the second coupling member to the torsion rod. The first coupling member is disposed adjacent and abuts the second coupling member for limited rotational movement between first and second rotational positions. The second coupling member includes a blocking portion which engages the first coupling member and prevents rotation of the first coupling member relative to the second coupling member in a first rotational direction when the first coupling member is in the first rotational position. The first coupling member includes a covering portion inhibiting access to the fastener in the first rotational position but permitting access in the second rotational position. The torsion spring urges the first coupling member in the first rotational direction.
INVENTOR
John E. Scates
ASSSIGNEE
Windsor Door, Inc., Little Rock, AR
The full patent is available at Winding cone of an overhead door
US Patent 5,913,352
ABSTRACT
A mating assembly for sectional doors includes matable end portions formed on door sections with a first concave portion configured to accept a second convex portion with the concave portion and the convex portion having different curvature radii, the end portions being joined for relative movement by a pinned hinge member with the hinge pin having a series of lateral projections and the hinge member having stop members to engage the lateral projections to prevent hinge pin rotation.
INVENTORS
John E. Scates
Gregory D. Robertson
Bruce N. Bates
ASSSIGNEE
Windsor Door, Inc., Little Rock, AR
The full patent is available at Hinge and improved hinge and panel surface geometry of a multi-panel door assembly
US Patent 6,134,835
ABSTRACT
A counterbalance system for an upward-acting door includes spaced-apart wall brackets and cable drums supported on the brackets and connected to flexible cables which depend from the drums and connected to the lower side edges of an upward-acting sectional garage door. One or both of the cable drums may be connected to one end of a torsion coil spring and the opposite end of each spring is connected to a hub assembly. Elongated spring winding and protective cover tubes are sleeved over the springs and are connected to the brackets by worm-gear drive winding mechanisms, respectively, for rotating the tubes to effect winding of the torsion coil springs through the hub assemblies but preventing rotation of the tubes during normal operation of the counterbalance system. The cable drums and spring hub assemblies may be supported on an elongated synchronizing shaft or a torque transfer shaft extending between and supported on the wall brackets.
INVENTORS
Krupke; LeRoy G.
Boucher; D. Scott
Scates; John E.
Hoofard; Richard K.
ASSSIGNEE
Overhead Door Corporation, Dallas, TX
The full patent is available at Counterbalance System for Upward Acting Door.
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