CA2454939A1 - Plug with holding means for counterbalancing mechanism, door assembly including the same and method of installing associated thereto - Google Patents
Plug with holding means for counterbalancing mechanism, door assembly including the same and method of installing associated thereto Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2454939A1 CA2454939A1 CA002454939A CA2454939A CA2454939A1 CA 2454939 A1 CA2454939 A1 CA 2454939A1 CA 002454939 A CA002454939 A CA 002454939A CA 2454939 A CA2454939 A CA 2454939A CA 2454939 A1 CA2454939 A1 CA 2454939A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- plug
- shaft
- present
- counterbalancing mechanism
- counterbalancing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 title description 24
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title description 7
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000014509 gene expression Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005266 casting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007769 metal material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000465 moulding Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05D—HINGES OR SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS
- E05D13/00—Accessories for sliding or lifting wings, e.g. pulleys, safety catches
- E05D13/10—Counterbalance devices
- E05D13/12—Counterbalance devices with springs
- E05D13/1253—Counterbalance devices with springs with canted-coil torsion springs
- E05D13/1261—Counterbalance devices with springs with canted-coil torsion springs specially adapted for overhead wings
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES E05D AND E05F, RELATING TO CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS, ELECTRIC CONTROL, POWER SUPPLY, POWER SIGNAL OR TRANSMISSION, USER INTERFACES, MOUNTING OR COUPLING, DETAILS, ACCESSORIES, AUXILIARY OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, APPLICATION THEREOF
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
- E05Y2900/10—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof
- E05Y2900/106—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof for buildings or parts thereof for garages
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)
Description
PLUG WITH HOLDING MEANS FOR COUNTERBALANCING MECHANISM, DOOR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE SAME AND METHOD OF INSTALLING
ASSOCIATED THERETO
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a plug, also known as a cone, an anchor, or a collar, as used in counterbalancing mechanisms of door assemblies, such as garage doors and the like. The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it enables to facilitate the installation of a plug onto a torsion spring of a counterbalancing mechanism, for operatively connecting the torsion spring onto a corresponding component of the counterbalancing mechanism, so as to or allow a proper torque transfer between the torsion spring and the corresponding component. The present invention has been namely developed in order to ease the installation of torsion springs used to counterbalance garage doors and the like, as well as truck door weights, in the truck door industry for example.
The present invention may also be used in other situations requiring the attachment of a torsion spring onto a corresponding component of another type of mechanism or assembly.
Backctround of the invention:
It is known in the art that most garage doors currently used are counterbalanced by different suitable means. Some doors are counterbalanced by means of a counterweight and other doors are counterbalanced by means of an energy-storing device, such as a spring under traction or torsion for example. These counterbalancing systems are typically used to ease the force required by a user or a motorized door system to raise and lower the door. In order to put a spring under tension, an installer typically must wind the spring and maintain a given torque or tension in the spring by different methods and apparatuses.
ASSOCIATED THERETO
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a plug, also known as a cone, an anchor, or a collar, as used in counterbalancing mechanisms of door assemblies, such as garage doors and the like. The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it enables to facilitate the installation of a plug onto a torsion spring of a counterbalancing mechanism, for operatively connecting the torsion spring onto a corresponding component of the counterbalancing mechanism, so as to or allow a proper torque transfer between the torsion spring and the corresponding component. The present invention has been namely developed in order to ease the installation of torsion springs used to counterbalance garage doors and the like, as well as truck door weights, in the truck door industry for example.
The present invention may also be used in other situations requiring the attachment of a torsion spring onto a corresponding component of another type of mechanism or assembly.
Backctround of the invention:
It is known in the art that most garage doors currently used are counterbalanced by different suitable means. Some doors are counterbalanced by means of a counterweight and other doors are counterbalanced by means of an energy-storing device, such as a spring under traction or torsion for example. These counterbalancing systems are typically used to ease the force required by a user or a motorized door system to raise and lower the door. In order to put a spring under tension, an installer typically must wind the spring and maintain a given torque or tension in the spring by different methods and apparatuses.
2 It is also known in the art that the most common way to wind a spring within a counterbalancing mechanism is to use a device known as a "plug", or "cone", which is typically inserted into a corresponding torsion spring by friction.
The plug, or cone, generally has holes which are used to wind the spring with an appropriate winding tool, such as a winding bar, when the system is installed into place.
Known in the art are also the numerous problems associated with conventional plugs. A first problem resides in the spring insertion onto the so-called plug, as the plug must be maintained during spring insertion, a special jig has to be thus created. Another resulting problem occurs during installation, particularly in the truck door industry, where the space around the plug is very limited, thus making it difficult to move the winding bar required to wind the plug. Furthermore, another resulting problem resides in that, once again, typically in the truck door industry, when the system is wound, usually the so-called plug is screwed against the shaft but a conventional plug has only two screws which thereby limits the plug position in terms of counterbalancing possibilities.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved plug which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome some of the aforementioned problems.
Summary of the invention:
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved plug which satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and which is thus an improvement over other related plugs known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a plug such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
The plug, or cone, generally has holes which are used to wind the spring with an appropriate winding tool, such as a winding bar, when the system is installed into place.
Known in the art are also the numerous problems associated with conventional plugs. A first problem resides in the spring insertion onto the so-called plug, as the plug must be maintained during spring insertion, a special jig has to be thus created. Another resulting problem occurs during installation, particularly in the truck door industry, where the space around the plug is very limited, thus making it difficult to move the winding bar required to wind the plug. Furthermore, another resulting problem resides in that, once again, typically in the truck door industry, when the system is wound, usually the so-called plug is screwed against the shaft but a conventional plug has only two screws which thereby limits the plug position in terms of counterbalancing possibilities.
Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved plug which, by virtue of its design and components, would be able to overcome some of the aforementioned problems.
Summary of the invention:
The object of the present invention is to provide an improved plug which satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and which is thus an improvement over other related plugs known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved, as will be easily understood, with a plug such as the one briefly described herein and such as the one exemplified in the accompanying drawings.
3 According to the present invention, there is provided a plug, substantially cylindrical in shape and having a longitudinal central axis, for use with a counterbalancing mechanism of a door assembly, the counterbalancing mechanism including a shaft and a torsion spring mounted coaxially about the shaft, the torsion spring having a plurality of coils, and opposite first and second ends, the plug being mountable about the shaft and used for operatively connecting one of the ends of the torsion spring onto said shaft of the counterbalancing mechanism for allowing a torque transfer between the torsion spring and the shaft, the plug comprising:
a first portion extending about the longitudinal central axis of the plug, said first portion being provided with connecting means for removably connecting the plug onto said one of the ends of the torsion spring;
a second portion also extending about the longitudinal central axis of the plug, adjacent to the first portion and operatively connected thereto, the second portion being provided with at least one hole for receiving a winding tool for winding the plug about the shaft; and a third portion also extending about the longitudinal central axis of the plug, adjacent to the second portion and operatively connected thereto, the third portion being provided with affixing means for securely affixing the plug onto the shaft ounce wound.
Preferably, the connecting means comprise threading provided about the first portion for threadedly engaging the plug onto corresponding coifs of said one of the ends of the torsion spring.
Preferably also, the affixing means comprise at least one set screw theradedly movable within an orifice and having a tip operable between a locked configuration where the tip is away from the shaft, thereby enabling the plug to rotate about the shaft, and an unlocked configuration where the tip is forced against the shaft for preventing the plug from rotating about said shaft.
a first portion extending about the longitudinal central axis of the plug, said first portion being provided with connecting means for removably connecting the plug onto said one of the ends of the torsion spring;
a second portion also extending about the longitudinal central axis of the plug, adjacent to the first portion and operatively connected thereto, the second portion being provided with at least one hole for receiving a winding tool for winding the plug about the shaft; and a third portion also extending about the longitudinal central axis of the plug, adjacent to the second portion and operatively connected thereto, the third portion being provided with affixing means for securely affixing the plug onto the shaft ounce wound.
Preferably, the connecting means comprise threading provided about the first portion for threadedly engaging the plug onto corresponding coifs of said one of the ends of the torsion spring.
Preferably also, the affixing means comprise at least one set screw theradedly movable within an orifice and having a tip operable between a locked configuration where the tip is away from the shaft, thereby enabling the plug to rotate about the shaft, and an unlocked configuration where the tip is forced against the shaft for preventing the plug from rotating about said shaft.
4 Preferably also, the third portion of the plug is provided with holding means.
Preferably, the holding means comprise at least one embossment.
Preferably also, the first, second and third portions of the plug are made integral to each other.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a counterbalancing mechanism provided with the above-mentioned plug.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided the garage door provided with the above-mentioned counterbalancing mechanism.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of installing the above-mentioned plug onto a counterbalancing mechanism.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief descriation of the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plug according to the prior art.
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the plug shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said plug being shown provided with setscrews.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the plug of Figure 3 shown installed onto a corresponding counterbalancing mechanism of a door assembly, the plug being shown with a winding tool inserted into a corresponding hole thereof.
Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
Preferably, the holding means comprise at least one embossment.
Preferably also, the first, second and third portions of the plug are made integral to each other.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a counterbalancing mechanism provided with the above-mentioned plug.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided the garage door provided with the above-mentioned counterbalancing mechanism.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a method of installing the above-mentioned plug onto a counterbalancing mechanism.
The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of a preferred embodiment thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief descriation of the drawings:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of a plug according to the prior art.
Figure 2 is another perspective view of the plug shown in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a perspective view of a plug according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, said plug being shown provided with setscrews.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the plug of Figure 3 shown installed onto a corresponding counterbalancing mechanism of a door assembly, the plug being shown with a winding tool inserted into a corresponding hole thereof.
Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
5 elements. The embodiments shown in Figures 3 and 4 are preferred.
In the context of the present description, the expression "door assembly"
includes various types of door assemblies, such as rolling door assemblies (e.g. mini-warehouse doors, truck door assemblies, commercial rolling steel doors, etc.) and the like. Although the present invention was primarily designed for a garage door assembly, it may be used with other kinds of assemblies, such as fire doors or shutters, or with any other door assemblies provided with counterbalancing, winding, and/or controlling mechanisms requiring a torsion spring to be connected to a corresponding component, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expression "counterbalancing" andlor "door assembly"
should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of assemblies or items with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present description, the expressions "door"
and "assembly", "plug" and "collar", "counterbalancing" and "controlling", "mechanism" and "system", "winding" and "counterbalancing", as well as any other equivalent expressions andlor compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "winding tool" and "winding bar" for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components such as hole(s), threading, setscrew(s), embossment(s), etc., and although the preferred embodiment of the plug 1 and corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated
In the context of the present description, the expression "door assembly"
includes various types of door assemblies, such as rolling door assemblies (e.g. mini-warehouse doors, truck door assemblies, commercial rolling steel doors, etc.) and the like. Although the present invention was primarily designed for a garage door assembly, it may be used with other kinds of assemblies, such as fire doors or shutters, or with any other door assemblies provided with counterbalancing, winding, and/or controlling mechanisms requiring a torsion spring to be connected to a corresponding component, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expression "counterbalancing" andlor "door assembly"
should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of assemblies or items with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present description, the expressions "door"
and "assembly", "plug" and "collar", "counterbalancing" and "controlling", "mechanism" and "system", "winding" and "counterbalancing", as well as any other equivalent expressions andlor compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as "winding tool" and "winding bar" for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components such as hole(s), threading, setscrew(s), embossment(s), etc., and although the preferred embodiment of the plug 1 and corresponding parts of the present invention as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated
6 herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential to the invention and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention. It is to be understood, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as welt as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the plug 1 according to the present invention, as will be briefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the invention.
Broadly described, the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, relates to a plug 1 with holding means for use with a counterbalancing mechanism, and also relates to a door assembly including the same, as well as a method of installing the plug 1 onto the counterbalancing mechanism.
As better shown in Figure 3, the plug 1 is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape, and has a longitudinal central axis 3. The plug 1 is typically for use with a counterbalancing mechanism of a door assembly, such as garage door, a truck door, and the like. As better shown in Figure 4, the counterbalancing mechanism typically includes a shaft 5, and a torsion spring 7 mounted coaxially about the shaft 5, the torsion spring 7 having a plurality of coils 9, and opposite first and second ends. As also better illustrated in this figure, the plug 1 is mountable about the shaft 5 and used for operatively connecting one of the ends of the torsion spring 7 onto said shaft 5 of the counterbalancing mechanism for allowing a proper torque transfer between the torsion spring 7 and the shaft 5, as is known in the art, and as apparent to a person skilled in this field.
Referring back to Figure 3, the plug 1 preferably comprises a first portion 11, a second portion 13, and a third portion 15. The first portion 11 preferably extends about the longitudinal central axis 3 of the plug 1, and is provided with connecting means 17 for removably connecting the plug 1 onto a corresponding end of the torsion spring 7, as better shown in Figure 4.
Broadly described, the present invention, as shown in the accompanying drawings, relates to a plug 1 with holding means for use with a counterbalancing mechanism, and also relates to a door assembly including the same, as well as a method of installing the plug 1 onto the counterbalancing mechanism.
As better shown in Figure 3, the plug 1 is preferably substantially cylindrical in shape, and has a longitudinal central axis 3. The plug 1 is typically for use with a counterbalancing mechanism of a door assembly, such as garage door, a truck door, and the like. As better shown in Figure 4, the counterbalancing mechanism typically includes a shaft 5, and a torsion spring 7 mounted coaxially about the shaft 5, the torsion spring 7 having a plurality of coils 9, and opposite first and second ends. As also better illustrated in this figure, the plug 1 is mountable about the shaft 5 and used for operatively connecting one of the ends of the torsion spring 7 onto said shaft 5 of the counterbalancing mechanism for allowing a proper torque transfer between the torsion spring 7 and the shaft 5, as is known in the art, and as apparent to a person skilled in this field.
Referring back to Figure 3, the plug 1 preferably comprises a first portion 11, a second portion 13, and a third portion 15. The first portion 11 preferably extends about the longitudinal central axis 3 of the plug 1, and is provided with connecting means 17 for removably connecting the plug 1 onto a corresponding end of the torsion spring 7, as better shown in Figure 4.
7 The second portion 13 also preferably extends about the longitudinal central axis 3 of the plug 1, is preferably adjacent to the first portion 11 and operatively connected thereto, and is also preferably provided with at least one hole 19 for receiving a winding tool 21 for winding the plug 1 about the shaft 5, as also better shown in Figure 4.
The third portion 15 of the plug 1 also preferably extends about the longitudinal central axis 3, adjacent to the second portion 13 and operatively connected thereto, and is also preferably provided with affixing means 23 for securely affixing the plug 1 onto the shaft 5 once wound, as can easily be understood when referring to Figure 4.
As better shown in Figure 3, the connecting means 17 preferably comprise threading 25 provided about the first portion 11 of the plug 1 for threadely engaging the plug 1 onto corresponding coils 9 of the corresponding end of the torsion spring 7.
As also shown in this figure, the affixing means 23 preferably comprise at least one setscrew 27 threadely moveable within an orifice and having a tip operable between a locked configuration where the tip is away from the shaft 5, thereby enabling the plug 1 to rotate about the shaft 5, and an unlocked configuration where the tip is forced against the shaft 5 for preventing the plug 1 from rotating about the shaft 5.
Preferably also, as shown in Figure 3, the third portion 15 of the plug 1 is provided with holding means, these holding means preferably comprising at least one embossment 29. This special embossment 29 is preferably used to block the plug 1 onto the spring insertion machine. Preferably also, six winding holes are provided about the second portion 13, at 60° from each other, to increase possibilities of adjustment. Preferably also, the plug extension (third section 15) is used to place preferably four setscrews 27 all around the plug 1 to give access to at least two screws 27 in any plug position around the shaft 5, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 4.
In its normal use, the plug 1 is preferably inserted into a jig adapted to receive the plug embossment 29 and then, the spring 7 is wound all around the threaded plug 1 section. As can be easily understood, the above-described and illustrated embossments allow a fast and easy installation.
In the field or work site, when the system is installed around the shaft 5, the installer uses a winding bar 21 inserted into the winding holes 19 to wind the plug 1 around the shaft 5 as is the case with an ordinary plug, but the preferred six winding holes 19 make the operation a lot more easier by allowing more room for the installer to turn the plug 1 around the shaft 5.
When the required torsion torque is reached in the spring 7, two screws 27 are still accessible to be screwed to hold the torque against the shaft 5.
It is worth mentioning that according to the present invention, the plug 1 need not be substantially symmetrical andlor cylindrical in order for it to carry out its proper functions. Indeed, the plug 1 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention is preferably made substantially cylindrical in order to substantially match the corresponding conventional shape of the torsion spring into which the first portion 11 is inserted, but it is worth mentioning that the plug 1 may take on various other suitable cross-sectional configurations so long as it is provided with the above-described components and the holding means, in order to enable the plug 1 to be installed onto the end of the torsion spring 7 in an easier manner, as above-discussed, and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Preferably, the various components of the plug, such as the first, second and third sections 11, 13, 15 threading 25, embossments 29, etc., are made of one single piece and of one single material. Various manufacturing processes (molding, casting, and the like) and various suitable corresponding materials may be used for fabricating the plug 1 according to the present invention, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the plug 1 is made of a suitable rigid material, such as a metallic material (e.g. steel, etc.), or a hardened polymer, although other suitable materials, such as composite materials, etc., may be used depending on the particular applications for which the plug 1 is intended, and the loads it is subject to, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a counterbalancing mechanism provided with the above-described plug 1.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a door assembly having a counterbalancing mechanism provided with the above-described plug 1. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of installing the above-described plug 1 onto corresponding components of a counterbalancing mechanism .
As may now be better appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement and presents several advantages over devices and/or methods known on the prior art. Indeed, the present invention may be used in the garage door industry, with new door assemblies or existing door assemblies. The plug according to the present invention is particularly advantageous in that, by virtue of its design and components, as explained hereinabove, the plug 1 may be mounted onto the end of the torsional spring 7 in an easier and faster manner, which reduces the installation time and physical requirements which would likely to be needed otherwise with conventional plugs such as the ones illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Hence, in view of the above, it may now be appreciated that the present invention represents an important advantage over previous devices known in the prior art, in terms of safety, time, performance and costs.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
The third portion 15 of the plug 1 also preferably extends about the longitudinal central axis 3, adjacent to the second portion 13 and operatively connected thereto, and is also preferably provided with affixing means 23 for securely affixing the plug 1 onto the shaft 5 once wound, as can easily be understood when referring to Figure 4.
As better shown in Figure 3, the connecting means 17 preferably comprise threading 25 provided about the first portion 11 of the plug 1 for threadely engaging the plug 1 onto corresponding coils 9 of the corresponding end of the torsion spring 7.
As also shown in this figure, the affixing means 23 preferably comprise at least one setscrew 27 threadely moveable within an orifice and having a tip operable between a locked configuration where the tip is away from the shaft 5, thereby enabling the plug 1 to rotate about the shaft 5, and an unlocked configuration where the tip is forced against the shaft 5 for preventing the plug 1 from rotating about the shaft 5.
Preferably also, as shown in Figure 3, the third portion 15 of the plug 1 is provided with holding means, these holding means preferably comprising at least one embossment 29. This special embossment 29 is preferably used to block the plug 1 onto the spring insertion machine. Preferably also, six winding holes are provided about the second portion 13, at 60° from each other, to increase possibilities of adjustment. Preferably also, the plug extension (third section 15) is used to place preferably four setscrews 27 all around the plug 1 to give access to at least two screws 27 in any plug position around the shaft 5, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 4.
In its normal use, the plug 1 is preferably inserted into a jig adapted to receive the plug embossment 29 and then, the spring 7 is wound all around the threaded plug 1 section. As can be easily understood, the above-described and illustrated embossments allow a fast and easy installation.
In the field or work site, when the system is installed around the shaft 5, the installer uses a winding bar 21 inserted into the winding holes 19 to wind the plug 1 around the shaft 5 as is the case with an ordinary plug, but the preferred six winding holes 19 make the operation a lot more easier by allowing more room for the installer to turn the plug 1 around the shaft 5.
When the required torsion torque is reached in the spring 7, two screws 27 are still accessible to be screwed to hold the torque against the shaft 5.
It is worth mentioning that according to the present invention, the plug 1 need not be substantially symmetrical andlor cylindrical in order for it to carry out its proper functions. Indeed, the plug 1 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention is preferably made substantially cylindrical in order to substantially match the corresponding conventional shape of the torsion spring into which the first portion 11 is inserted, but it is worth mentioning that the plug 1 may take on various other suitable cross-sectional configurations so long as it is provided with the above-described components and the holding means, in order to enable the plug 1 to be installed onto the end of the torsion spring 7 in an easier manner, as above-discussed, and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Preferably, the various components of the plug, such as the first, second and third sections 11, 13, 15 threading 25, embossments 29, etc., are made of one single piece and of one single material. Various manufacturing processes (molding, casting, and the like) and various suitable corresponding materials may be used for fabricating the plug 1 according to the present invention, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the plug 1 is made of a suitable rigid material, such as a metallic material (e.g. steel, etc.), or a hardened polymer, although other suitable materials, such as composite materials, etc., may be used depending on the particular applications for which the plug 1 is intended, and the loads it is subject to, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a counterbalancing mechanism provided with the above-described plug 1.
According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a door assembly having a counterbalancing mechanism provided with the above-described plug 1. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a method of installing the above-described plug 1 onto corresponding components of a counterbalancing mechanism .
As may now be better appreciated, the present invention is a substantial improvement and presents several advantages over devices and/or methods known on the prior art. Indeed, the present invention may be used in the garage door industry, with new door assemblies or existing door assemblies. The plug according to the present invention is particularly advantageous in that, by virtue of its design and components, as explained hereinabove, the plug 1 may be mounted onto the end of the torsional spring 7 in an easier and faster manner, which reduces the installation time and physical requirements which would likely to be needed otherwise with conventional plugs such as the ones illustrated in Figures 1 and 2. Hence, in view of the above, it may now be appreciated that the present invention represents an important advantage over previous devices known in the prior art, in terms of safety, time, performance and costs.
Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002454939A CA2454939A1 (en) | 2004-01-06 | 2004-01-06 | Plug with holding means for counterbalancing mechanism, door assembly including the same and method of installing associated thereto |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002454939A CA2454939A1 (en) | 2004-01-06 | 2004-01-06 | Plug with holding means for counterbalancing mechanism, door assembly including the same and method of installing associated thereto |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2454939A1 true CA2454939A1 (en) | 2005-07-06 |
Family
ID=34716044
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002454939A Abandoned CA2454939A1 (en) | 2004-01-06 | 2004-01-06 | Plug with holding means for counterbalancing mechanism, door assembly including the same and method of installing associated thereto |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2454939A1 (en) |
-
2004
- 2004-01-06 CA CA002454939A patent/CA2454939A1/en not_active Abandoned
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |