Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6263541
-
Patent Number
6,263,541
-
Date Filed
Thursday, January 21, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, July 24, 200123 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Kennedy Covington Lobdell & Hickman, LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 016 198
- 016 197
- 016 193
- 016 DIG 1
- 160 191
- 049 322
- 049 200
-
International Classifications
-
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.
Description
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
The present invention relates to a winding cone for a torsion spring and, in particular, to a winding cone used in a torsion spring assembly of an overhead door counterbalancing mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
A conventional winding cone includes both a frusto-conical surface for receiving and retaining an end of a torsion spring and a base having an opening therein for receiving a set screw whereby the end of the spring is fixed to a torsion rod extending axially through the winding cone. With this type of winding cone, the force of the spring does not have to be overcome prior to releasing the set screw. The set screw can simply be released without regard to the torque of the torsion spring on the winding cone. Consequently, an inexperienced person often will release the set screw without sufficiently bracing against the torque of the torsion spring thereby leading to unexpected and rapid unwinding of the torsion spring and possible injury. A need therefore exists for a failsafe whereby the torque of the torsion spring must first be overcome before the securement of the torsion spring to the torsion rod by the set screw can be released.
Balk U.S. Pat. No. 5,671,500 is illustrative of a conventional torsion spring assembly used in a counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door. The torsion spring
3
is axially disposed about torsion rod
20
. One end of the spring is retained by cone
16
that is mounted to the rod
20
by adjustable mounting
18
, and the other end of the spring is retained by cone and bracket
12
which are rotationally fixed relative to rod
20
. Rotation of rod
20
causes rotation of mounting
18
, cone
16
, and torsion spring
3
leading to a change in the tension of the torsion spring
3
. The tension range is adjusted by: first releasing a set screw which fixes mounting
18
to rod
20
; next rotating mounting
18
, cone
16
, and spring
3
relative to the rod
20
in the desired direction; and then re-engaging the set screw with the rod
20
through the mounting
18
. No failsafe is provided to insure that the tension in torsion spring
3
will be maintained when the set screw is released from torsion rod
20
.
With more particular detail to the conventional structure of a winding cone itself, Martin U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,927 discloses in
FIG. 4
a winding cone
60
and, in
FIG. 3
, an anchor cone
10
. A tool (not shown) is inserted into apertures
68
or
69
for selectively adjusting the tension in the torsion spring
50
and set screws are provided through aperture
64
in base
62
for mounting the winding cone to the torsion rod
34
. Martin provides markings on the winding cones to indicate which direction each cone should be rotated to wind the torsion spring
50
. Similarly, Kalister U.S. Pat. No. 3,779,537 discloses a winding cone and winding base that includes both left-hand and right-hand threads for receiving either a left-hand or right-hand wound spring. Similar to Martin, the winding cone is secured to the torsion rod by set screws. The winding cones of both of these references fail to provide a failsafe for insuring that the torque of the torsion spring is adequately braced against when the winding cone is released from the torsion rod for winding of the torsion spring.
Apart from the structure of a torsion spring assembly or a winding cone, Way U.S. Pat. No. 5,605,079 actually relates to a device for rotating the winding cone and winding the torsion spring for increasing winding tension. In particular, Way discloses a housing that is mountable to a winding cone to which ratchet arms are attachable for increasing the tension in the torsion spring. In using the device, a ratchet arm must be braced to counteract the force of the torsion spring that is released when the set screw is removed. In Way no failsafe is provided whereby the spring force must first be overcome before disengagement of the set screw. In fact, the opening
66
by which the set screw is accessible is continuously aligned with the set screw
34
and the housing
36
in which the opening is formed is fixed to the winding cone. Thus, the set screw is continuously accessible in the device of Way.
The prior art also includes devices for adjusting the operating tension range in a torsion spring assembly which does not involve the rotation of the winding cone relative to the torsion rod and, thus, does not include the dismounting of the winding cone from the torsion rod to which the failsafe of the present invention relates. Such devices are disclosed, for example, by Davis U.S. Pat. No. 4,882,806; Carper et al. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,636,678 and 5,632,063; and Husselton U.S. Pat. No. 5,239,777. None of these mechanisms relate to the winding of the torsion spring by rotation of the winding cone relative to the torsion shaft, nor do they provide a safeguard against an inadequate force bracing against the release of the torsion spring tension.
Looking beyond overhead doors to the art of spring hinges, a few references relate to the adjustment of the tension in torsion springs thereof. In Rapp U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,242, a spring hinge for a toilet seat is disclosed wherein the tension in the torsion spring is adjustable. Specifically, Rapp discloses, with relevance to the present invention, a torsion spring
2
axially disposed about a rod
1
within a hinge. A first end of the torsion spring
2
is secured to end cap
9
and a second end of the torsion spring is secured to a first coupling member
6
that is mounted to the rod
1
and that has teeth which interlock with a second coupling member
5
. End cap
9
is mounted to the toilet and second coupling member
5
is mounted to the seat. The first coupling member
6
, and the second coupling member
5
, when interlocked therewith, are rotational with the rod
1
relative to end cap
9
, which rotation increases and decreases the tension in torsion spring
2
within a certain range. This range of tension is adjusted by: first axially moving the first coupling member
6
away from the second coupling member
5
into an unlocked position by axially displacing rod
1
against the spring force via knob
8
thereby compressing the spring; then rotating the first coupling member
6
and the spring
2
attached thereto relative to the second coupling member
5
by rotating rod
1
via knob
8
; and then moving the first coupling member
6
back into interlocking relation with the second coupling member
5
by releasing the knob
8
.
Curry et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,038 discloses a spring hinge in which the torsion spring
23
biasing the hinge has a selectable tension range. In particular, torsion spring
23
is retained between cone
22
fixed to hinge
12
via set screw
35
, and cone
24
coupled to plug
20
which, in turn, is fixed to hinge
11
via set screw
32
. The coupling between cone
24
and plug
20
is accomplished through mating engagement surfaces
26
,
27
. When the tension range is to be adjusted, a wrench
29
is inserted through an opening in the plug
20
into an opening
28
in cone
24
. Due to the contoured engagement surfaces
26
,
27
, rotation of the wrench about the axis of the torsion spring
23
in a first direction will cause the cone
24
and plug
20
to rotate relative to one another in segmented increments. However, the contoured engagement surfaces
26
,
27
prevent the rotation of the cone
24
and plug
20
in the segmented steps in the opposite direction unless the cone
24
and plug
20
are separated by an axial force applied directly to the cone
24
via the wrench
29
.
Hwang U.S. Pat. No. 5,048,155 discloses a spring hinge in which the torsion spring biasing the hinge has an adjustable tension range. In particular, torsion spring
30
is retained between end cap
50
, secured to a first hinge by set screw
90
, and end cap
40
secured to a second hinge by set screw
70
. A number of openings are formed in the second hinge member
10
and, in particular, in knuckle
12
in which the end cap
40
is disposed, through which set screw
70
can engage and retain end cap
40
. A pin
83
and openings for the pin in knuckle
12
are also provided whereby the end cap
40
can be immobilized when set screw
70
is removed. Adjusting the tension range of the torsion spring with wrench is then possible once pin
83
holding the torsion spring against unwinding is removed; however, sufficient torque must be applied to the end cap
40
through wrench in order to overcome the frictional forces acting on the pin
83
due to the spring tension for withdrawal thereof through the opening.
As will be apparent, none of these references disclose or suggest a failsafe whereby the torque of a torsion spring in a torsion spring assembly of a counterbalancing mechanism of an overhead door must be overcome before the winding cone can be unsecured from the torsion rod.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a failsafe whereby the torque of a torsion spring in a torsion spring assembly of a counterbalancing mechanism of an overhead door must be overcome before the winding cone can be unsecured from the torsion rod.
It is also an object of the present invention merely to provide, without regard to the aforementioned failsafe, a new winding cone structure comprising two coupling components disposed in abutment with one another for limited rotational movement. One of the winding cone components receives and retains an end of a torsion spring and the other component anchors the first component to a torsion rod.
Briefly described, the present invention broadly encompasses a winding cone comprising a first mounting component defining an area for receiving therein a fastener for mounting of the first component to a torsion rod for rotation therewith; and a second winding component including a frusto-conical surface for receiving an end of a torsion spring. The second component is disposed adjacent the first component for limited rotational movement about an axis of and relative to the first component between first and second rotational positions.
In a feature of the present invention, the second component includes a covering portion disposed relative to the first component such that the covering portion inhibits access to the area of the fastener when the second component is in the first rotational position. However, the covering portion permits access to the area of the fastener when the second component is in the second rotational position.
In yet another feature of the present invention, the first component includes a blocking portion which engages the second component and prevents rotation of the second component relative to the first component in a first rotational direction when the second component is in the first rotational position.
A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door of the present invention includes a first torsion spring assembly having 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 of the present invention retaining a second end of the torsion spring.
A method of the present invention includes winding a torsion spring retained at one end by an anchor and at another end by a winding component engaged with a mounting component to form a winding cone. The steps of the method include gaining access to a fastener securing the mounting component to a torsion rod by applying torque against the torque of the torsion spring to the winding component which covers the fastener; releasing the fastener to unfasten the mounting component from the torsion rod while applying the torque; winding the torsion spring by applying a greater torque to the winding component against the torque of the torsion spring; fastening the fastener to remount the mounting component to the torsion rod while applying the greater torque; and covering the fastener with the winding component by discontinuing the application of torque to the winding component.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages of the present invention are set forth below in the detailed description of the preferred embodiments and in the drawings, wherein,
FIG. 1
is a perspective, exploded view of two coupling members of a winding cone of the present invention;
FIG. 2
is a perspective view of the winding cone of
FIG. 1
in a first rotational position;
FIG. 3
is a perspective view of the winding cone of
FIG. 1
in a second rotational position;
FIG. 4
is a perspective, exploded view of two coupling members of another winding cone of the present invention;
FIG. 5
is a reverse angle perspective, exploded view of the two coupling members of
FIG. 4
;
FIG. 6
is a perspective view of the winding cone of
FIG. 4
in a first rotational position;
FIG. 7
is a perspective view of the winding cone of
FIG. 4
in a second rotational position;
FIG. 8
is an plan view along an axis of the winding cone of
FIG. 6
; and
FIG. 9
is a perspective view of the counterbalancing mechanism of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Two preferred embodiments of the winding cone of the present invention are shown in the drawings. As will be explained in detail below, the winding cone of
FIGS. 1-3
is a simpler embodiment and is designed for use with a right-hand torsion spring, whereas the winding cone of
FIGS. 4-8
can be used with either a right hand torsion spring or a left hand torsion spring. Thus, the components forming the winding cone of
FIGS. 4-9
are versatile and molds for manufacturing the components do not depend upon the type of torsion spring with which the components will be utilized. Referring now to the drawings, like structures between the two embodiments of the winding cone of the present invention will be referred to with like reference numbers.
Turning first to the embodiment of
FIGS. 1-3
, the winding cone
10
is formed by the combination of two components, namely, a first winding cone coupling member
12
and a second winding cone coupling member
14
. In
FIG. 1
, the first and second coupling members
12
,
14
are shown in exploded view along axis
16
. The first coupling member
12
comprises a winding component and includes a frusto conical surface
18
having spiral grooves
20
for receiving and retaining the coils of an end of a conventional torsion spring
21
(shown, for example, in FIG.
9
). A polygonal ring
22
is disposed at one end of the frusto conical surface
20
and is coaxial therewith. The ring
22
includes four radial extensions
24
symmetrically disposed about axis
16
, with at least one radial extension
24
(but preferably all) defining an opening
26
for receiving therein a winding bar
28
(shown in
FIG. 3
) for winding of the torsion spring
21
when secured on the frusto conical surface
18
. Four guide members
30
extend generally axially from the ring
22
and, in conjunction with the radial extensions
24
, define a discontinuous surface
32
of the first coupling member
12
disposed circumferentially about axis
16
for snuggly receiving a cylindrical body
34
of the second coupling member
14
therein, as shown in
FIGS. 2-3
.
Furthermore, while snuggly received within the first coupling member
12
, the first coupling member
12
is nevertheless configured for rotational movement around the second coupling member
14
about axis
16
. In order to limit the degree of rotational movement of the first coupling member
12
about the second coupling member
14
, the second coupling member
14
includes blocking portions
36
which engage the guide members
30
of the first coupling member
12
when the first coupling member
12
is rotated by an attached torsion spring
21
in a first rotational direction ω into a first rotational position I shown in FIG.
2
. Each blocking portion
36
also includes a slanted surface
38
which tends to urge the first coupling member
12
into abutment with the second coupling member
14
when the first coupling member
12
is urged in the first rotational direction ω by the attached torsion spring
21
. Each guide member
30
also preferably includes a corresponding slanted surface
40
for urging the first coupling member
12
into abutment with the second coupling member
14
as a result of the torque of the torsion spring
21
when attached.
The second coupling member
14
comprises a mounting component and is adapted to be releasably secured to a torsion rod
42
(shown in
FIG. 9
) when extending along axis
16
of FIG.
1
. To this end, the second coupling member
14
includes fastener receiving areas
44
preferably defined within said blocking portions
36
through which a fastener such a set screw
46
is disposed for mounting of the second coupling member
14
to the torsion rod
42
.
When the first coupling member
12
is disposed in the first rotational position I as shown in
FIG. 2
, the first coupling member
12
includes covering portion
48
each of which extends over a blocking portion
36
of the second coupling member
14
and blocks access to a fastener receiving area
44
and any set screw
46
disposed therein. Release of the set screw
46
is thereby prevented until the first coupling member
12
is rotated in a second rotational direction θ opposite the first rotational direction ω to a second rotational position II as shown in FIG.
3
. Movement of the first coupling member
12
is against the torque of the attached torsion spring
21
which urges the first coupling member
12
towards the first rotational position I. In order to facilitate manual rotation of the first coupling member
12
in opposition to the torsion spring
21
, each radial extension
24
defines an opening
26
for receiving therein a winding bar
28
as mentioned above and as shown in FIG.
3
.
In the winding cone
10
of
FIGS. 1-3
, only two blocking portions
36
have fastener receiving areas
44
formed therein, as it has been found sufficient in practice only to provide two fasteners
46
for retention of the second coupling member
14
to the torsion rod
42
.
The winding cone
50
of
FIGS. 4-8
also includes a first coupling member
12
and a second coupling member
14
. Again, fastener receiving areas
44
preferably are formed in just two blocking portions
60
.
In order that the winding cone
50
may be used with either a right-hand torsion spring or a left-hand torsion spring, four covering portions
48
of the first coupling member
12
are provided circumferentially disposed about axis
16
in an asymmetrical configuration whereby a pair
52
of covering portions
48
cover the pair
54
of fastener receiving areas
44
when the first coupling member
12
is disposed in the first rotational position I, and a pair
58
of covering portions
48
cover the pair
60
of blocking portions
36
lacking the fastener receiving areas
44
when the first coupling member
12
is disposed in the second rotational position II.
Furthermore, a projecting tab portion
62
is also provided on the second coupling member
14
which radially extends therefrom for disposition within a limited rotational area
64
defined by the first coupling member
12
, whereby the second coupling member
14
will not fit within the first coupling member
12
unless the projecting tab portion
62
is properly aligned with the limited rotational area
64
. The blocking portions
36
themselves are symmetrically disposed circumferentially about axis
16
. Consequently, the winding cone
50
may be used with a right-hand torsion spring resulting in the disposition of the first coupling member
12
as shown in FIG.
8
. In order to use the winding cone
50
with a left-hand torsion spring instead, the second coupling member
14
need only be reversed whereby the torque of the left-hand torsion spring would thereby urge the pair of covering portions
52
into covering relation with the pair
56
of blocking portions
36
including the pair
54
of fastener receiving areas
44
. The projecting tab portion
62
thereby insures that the first coupling member
12
and the second coupling member
14
are oriented for proper covering of the pair
56
of blocking portions
36
having the pair
54
of fastener receiving areas
44
formed therein when the second coupling member
14
is reversed.
Alternatively, if fastener receiving areas
44
are provided in each blocking portion
36
(not shown), then the second coupling member
14
need not be reversed in order to use the winding cone
50
shown in
FIG. 8
with a left-hand torsion spring. Instead, set screws
46
may be disposed through fastener receiving areas
44
in the pair
60
of blocking portions
36
instead of the pair
56
of blocking portions
36
. The winding cone
50
illustrated in
FIG. 8
would then be disposed in the second rotational position II with the set screws
46
exposed.
An additional difference between winding cone
50
of
FIGS. 4-8
and winding cone
10
of
FIGS. 1-3
includes the addition on each blocking portion
36
of the winding cone
50
of slanted engagement surfaces
66
which form a V-shaped projecting portion
68
. Further, a V-shaped projecting portion
68
is formed on each rotational side of each blocking portion
36
, and each guide member
30
and radial extension
24
of the first coupling member
12
together include slanted engagement surfaces
70
which define a V-shaped recess
72
on each rotational side thereof for receipt of one of the V-shaped projection portions
68
therein. By disposing these engagement surfaces
66
,
70
on opposite rotational sides of the blocking portions
36
and the guide members
30
and radial extensions
24
, the two coupling members
12
,
14
are not only urged into abutment by the torque of the torsion spring
21
when the first coupling member
12
is in the first rotational position I, but also urged into abutment when the torque of the torsion spring is manually overcome and the first coupling member
12
is rotated into the second rotational position II to thereby provide axial stability to the first coupling member
12
as the set screws
46
are released.
A counterbalancing mechanism
74
for an overhead door
76
is shown in FIG.
9
. The counterbalancing mechanism
74
utilizes two torsion spring assemblies. Each torsion spring assembly
78
,
80
includes a winding cone
50
of the present invention and a torsion spring
21
oppositely wound to that of the torsion spring
21
of the other torsion spring assembly
80
,
78
.
If adjustment to the tension in a torsion spring
21
of an assembled torsion spring assembly
78
,
80
of the present invention is desired, a winding bar
28
for winding of the torsion spring
21
is inserted into an opening
26
of a radial extension
24
of the first coupling member
12
. A torque T is then applied opposite the torque S of the torsion spring
21
whereby the first coupling member
12
is rotated out of the first rotational position I to the second rotational position II whereat access is gained to the set screws
46
disposed within the fastener receiving areas
44
initially obstructed by the covering portions
48
. Preferably, the blocking portions
36
engage the guide members
30
and radial extensions
24
and provide axial stability to the first coupling member
12
when in the second rotational position II. It will also be noted that by applying a torque T sufficient to rotate the first coupling member
12
to the second rotational position II, the torsion spring
21
is incrementally wound.
At this point the set screws
46
for which access has been gained are unsecured whereby the second coupling member
14
is freed to rotate with respect to the torsion rod
42
. Furthermore, during rotation and winding of the torsion spring
21
preferably the first coupling member
12
remains in abutment with the second coupling member
14
for rotation of the winding cone.
If a higher torsion spring tension is desired, the winding bar
28
is then used to continue to wind the torsion spring
21
against the spring torque until the desired tension is obtained. If the torsion spring assembly needs to be disassembled or the tension thereof simply needs to be relieved or lessened, the winding cone is wound in the same manner but in the reverse direction, i.e., in the direction of the spring torque.
It should be noted that clearance between the winding cone and a ceiling or wall often will not permit full rotation of the winding cone. In such case a second winding bar
28
is preferably inserted into another of the openings
26
whereby alternate stepped use of the winding bars
28
permits continued rotation of the winding cone to a desired tension.
When the desired tension is reached, the set screws
46
are again secured to the torsion rod
42
. The torque manually applied to the first coupling member
12
is then decreased as the first coupling member
12
is rotated back into the first rotational position I to again block access to the set screws
46
. The winding bar
28
then in use is removed once the blocking portions
36
are engaged by the first coupling member
12
in the first rotational position I. Of course, if all tension has been relieved, then the set screws
46
need not be refastened.
The winding cone of the present invention thus provides in a simple, and convenient manner a safety feature not enjoyed by conventional winding cones. In particular, the winding cone of the present invention prevents access to the fasteners until the torque of the torsion spring is overcome, whereby the danger of the torsion spring being greater than expected and suddenly unwinding when the set screws are released is avoided.
It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended or to be construed to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any such other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof.
Thus, it will be apparent, for example, that the projection tab portion, while insuring proper orientation of the coupling members as discussed above, itself also may serve as a blocking portion preventing the rotation of the first coupling member in the first rotational direction from the first rotational position.
Claims
- 1. A winding cone comprising:a first mounting component defining an area for receiving therein a fastener for mounting of said first component to a torsion rod for rotation therewith; and a second winding component receiving an end of a torsion spring, said second component being disposed adjacent said first component for limited rotational movement about an axis of and relative to said first component between first and second rotational positions, said second component further including a covering portion disposed relative to said first component such that said covering portion inhibits access to said area of said fastener when said second component is in said first rotational position, and said covering portion permits access to said area of said fastener when said second component is in said second rotational position.
- 2. A winding cone according to claim 1, wherein said first component includes a blocking portion which engages said second component and prevents rotation of said second component relative to said first component in a first rotational direction when said second component is in said first rotational position.
- 3. A winding cone, comprising:a first mounting component defining an area for receiving therein a fastener for mounting of said first component to a torsion rod for rotation therewith; and a second winding component receiving an end of a torsion spring, said second component being disposed adjacent said first component for limited rotational movement about an axis of and relative to said first component between first and second rotational positions, said first component further including a blocking portion which engages said second component and prevents rotation of said second component relative to said first component in a first rotational direction when said second component is in said first rotational position; wherein said first mounting component and said second mounting component each consists of a monolithic piece.
- 4. A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door, comprising a first torsion spring assembly including,(a) a torsion rod and a torsion spring, said torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within said torsion spring; (b) an anchor member retaining a first end of said torsion spring, said torsion rod being rotatable about said axis relative to said anchor member; and (c) a winding cone retaining a second end of said torsion spring, said winding cone including, (i) a first winding cone coupling member including a surface retaining said second end of said torsion spring; and (ii) a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener, said second coupling member defining an area in which said fastener is received and releasably mounts said second coupling member to said torsion rod, said first coupling member being disposed adjacent and abutting said second coupling member for limited rotational movement about said axis relative to said second coupling member between first and second rotational positions, said second coupling member including a blocking portion which engages said first coupling member and prevents rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, said torsion spring urging said first coupling member in said first rotational direction, wherein said coupling member and said second coupling member each consists of a monolithic piece.
- 5. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said first coupling member includes a covering portion disposed relative to said second coupling member such that said covering portion inhibits access to said fastener when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, and said covering portion permits access to said fastener when said first coupling member is in said second rotational position.
- 6. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said first coupling member defines an opening for receiving a winding bar for winding of said torsion spring.
- 7. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said first coupling member includes a slanted engagement surface which urges said first coupling member into abutment with said second coupling member when said blocking portion engages said slanted engagement surface.
- 8. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said second coupling member includes slanted engagement surfaces defining a V-shaped recess and said blocking portion defines a corresponding V-shaped projecting portion for receipt within said V-shaped recess.
- 9. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said blocking portion includes a slanted engagement surface which urges said first coupling member into abutment with said second coupling member when said blocking portion engages said first coupling member.
- 10. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 9, wherein the urging of the torsion spring must be overcome in order to axially move said first coupling member out of abutment with said second coupling member.
- 11. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 4, wherein said fastener receiving area is defined within said blocking portion.
- 12. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 11, wherein said second coupling member includes an additional three blocking portions one of which defines an additional area for receiving a fastener for releasable mounting of the second coupling member to said torsion rod.
- 13. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 12, wherein said first coupling member includes four covering portions disposed relative to said second coupling member such that access to each said fastener is inhibited by a said covering portion when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, and access is permitted when said first coupling member is in said second rotational position.
- 14. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 13, wherein a first pair of said four covering portions covers a pair of said four blocking portions, said pair of blocking portions defining said fastener receiving areas, when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, and a second pair of said four covering portions covers the other pair of said blocking portions when said first coupling member is in said second rotational position.
- 15. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 14, wherein said second coupling member includes a projecting tab portion that is received within a limited rotational area defined by said first coupling member only when said first coupling member is properly oriented with respect to said second coupling member.
- 16. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 14, wherein said first pair of said covering portions are asymmetrically disposed relative to said second pair of said covering portions.
- 17. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 16, wherein said first coupling member is reversible for accommodating another torsion spring oppositely wound to said torsion spring.
- 18. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 16, further including a second torsion spring assembly disposed in mirror relation to said first torsion spring assembly, wherein said second torsion spring of said second torsion spring assembly is oppositely wound to said first torsion spring of said first torsion spring assembly, but wherein said first and second coupling members of said second torsion spring assembly are identical to said first and second coupling members of said first torsion spring assembly.
- 19. A method of adjusting tension in a torsion spring retained at one end by an anchor and at another end by a winding component engaged with a mounting component to form a winding cone, comprising:gaining access to a fastener securing the mounting component to a torsion rod by applying torque against the torque of the torsion spring to the winding component which covers the fastener; releasing the fastener to unsecure the mounting component from the torsion rod while applying said torque; and by rotating the mounting component relative to the torsion rod thereby adjusting the tension of the torsion spring.
- 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:increasing the tension in the torsion spring by applying a greater torque to the winding component against the torque of the torsion spring; resecuring the fastener to remount the mounting component to the torsion rod while applying said greater torque; and covering the fastener with the winding component by discontinuing said application of torque to the winding component.
- 21. The method of claim 19, further comprising the steps of:decreasing the tension in the torsion spring by applying a lesser torque to the winding component against the torque of the torsion spring; resecuring the fastener to remount the mounting component to the torsion rod while applying said lesser torque; and covering the fastener with the winding component by discontinuing said application of torque to the winding component.
- 22. A winding cone, comprising:a first mounting component defining an area for receiving therein a fastener for mounting of said first component to a torsion rod for rotation therewith; and a second winding component receiving an end of a torsion spring, said second component being disposed adjacent said first component for limited rotational movement about an axis of and relative to said first component between first and second rotational positions, said first component further including a blocking portion which engages said second component and prevents rotation of said second component relative to said first component in a first rotational direction when said second component is in said first rotational position; wherein said first component further includes a body defining an opening for receipt therethrough of the torsion rod and wherein said blocking portion is immovable relative to said body defining said opening.
- 23. A winding cone, comprising:a first mounting component defining an area for receiving therein a fastener for mounting of said first component to a torsion rod for rotation therewith; and a second winding component receiving an end of a torsion spring, said second component being disposed adjacent said first component for limited rotational movement about an axis of and relative to said first component between first and second rotational positions, said first component further including a blocking portion which engages said second component and prevents rotation of said second component relative to said first component in a first rotational direction when said second component is in said first rotational position; wherein said first component induces for blocking portions symmetrically disposed about the axis of said first component, each blocking portion engaging said second component and preventing rotation of said second component relative to said first component in a first rotational direction when said second component is in said first rotational position.
- 24. A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door, comprising a first torsion spring assembly including,(a) a torsion rod and a torsion spring, said torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within said torsion spring; (b) an anchor member retaining a first end of said torsion spring, said torsion rod being rotatable about said axis relative to said anchor member; and (c) a winding cone retaining a second end of said torsion spring, said winding cone including, (i) a first winding cone coupling member including a surface retaining said second end of said torsion spring; and (ii) a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener, said second coupling member defining an area in which said fastener is received and releasably mounts said second coupling member to said torsion rod, said first coupling member being disposed adjacent and abutting said second coupling member for limited rotational movement about said axis relative to said second coupling member between first and second rotational positions, said second coupling member including a blocking portion which engages said first coupling member and prevents rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, said torsion spring urging said first coupling member in said first rotational direction, wherein said second coupling member further includes a body defining an opening for receipt therethrough of the torsion rod and wherein said blocking portion is immovable relative to said body defining said opening.
- 25. A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door, comprising a first torsion spring assembly including,(a) a torsion rod and a torsion spring, said torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within said torsion spring; (b) an anchor member retaining a first end of said torsion spring, said torsion rod being rotatable about said axis relative to said anchor member; and (c) a winding cone retaining a second end of said torsion spring, said winding cone including, (i) a first winding cone coupling member including a surface retaining said second end of said torsion spring; and (ii) a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener, said second coupling member defining an area in which said fastener is received and releasably mounts said second coupling member to said torsion rod, said first coupling member being disposed adjacent and abutting said second coupling member for limited rotational movement about said axis relative to said second coupling member between first and second rotational positions, said second coupling member including a blocking portion which engages said first coupling member and prevents rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, said torsion spring urging said first coupling member in said first rotational direction, wherein said second coupling member includes four blocking portions symmetrically disposed about the axis of said second coupling member, each blocking portion engaging said first coupling member and preventing rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said second coupling member is in said first rotational position.
- 26. A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door, comprising a first torsion spring assembly including,(a) a torsion rod and a torsion spring, said torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within said torsion spring; (b) an anchor member retaining a first end of said torsion spring, said torsion rod being rotatable about said axis relative to said anchor member; and (c) a winding cone retaining a second end of said torsion spring, said winding cone including, (i) a first winding cone coupling member including a surface retaining said second end of said torsion spring; and (ii) a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener, said second coupling member defining an area in which said fastener is received and releasably mounts said second coupling member to said torsion rod, said first coupling member being disposed adjacent and abutting said second coupling member for limited rotational movement about said axis relative to said second coupling member between first and second rotational positions, said second coupling member including a blocking portion which engages said first coupling member and prevents rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, said torsion spring urging said first coupling member in said first rotational direction, wherein said first coupling member includes a slanted engagement surface which urges said first coupling member into abutment with said second coupling member when said blocking portion engages said slanted engagement surface.
- 27. A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door, comprising a first torsion spring assembly including,(a) a torsion rod and a torsion spring, said torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within said torsion spring; (b) an anchor member retaining a first end of said torsion spring, said torsion rod being rotatable about said axis relative to said anchor member; and (c) a winding cone retaining a second end of said torsion spring, said winding cone including, (i) a first winding cone coupling member including a surface retaining said second end of said torsion spring; and (ii) a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener, said second coupling member defining an area in which said fastener is received and releasably mounts said second coupling member to said torsion rod, said first coupling member being disposed adjacent and abutting said second coupling member for limited rotational movement about said axis relative to said second coupling member between first and second rotational positions, said second coupling member including a blocking portion which engages said first coupling member and prevents rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, said torsion spring urging said first coupling member in said first rotational direction, wherein said second coupling member includes slanted engagement surfaces defining a V-shaped recess and said blocking portion defines a corresponding V-shaped projecting portion for receipt within said V-shaped recess.
- 28. A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door, comprising a first torsion spring assembly including,(a) a torsion rod and a torsion spring, said torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within said torsion spring; (b) an anchor member retaining a first end of said torsion spring, said torsion rod being rotatable about said axis relative to said anchor member; and (c) a winding cone retaining a second end of said torsion spring, said winding cone including, (i) a first winding cone coupling member including a surface retaining said second end of said torsion spring; and (ii) a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener, said second coupling member defining an area in which said fastener is received and releasably mounts said second coupling member to said torsion rod, said first coupling member being disposed adjacent and abutting said second coupling member for limited rotational movement about said axis relative to said second coupling member between first and second rotational positions, said second coupling member including a blocking portion which engages said first coupling member and prevents rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, said torsion spring urging said first coupling member in said first rotational direction, wherein said blocking portion includes a slanted engagement surface which urges said first coupling member into abutment with said second coupling member when said blocking portion engages said first coupling member.
- 29. A counterbalancing mechanism according to claim 28, wherein the urging of the torsion spring must be overcome in order to axially move said first coupling member out of abutment with said second coupling member.
- 30. A counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door, comprising a first torsion spring assembly including,(a) a torsion rod and a torsion spring, said torsion rod extending along a longitudinal axis of and within said torsion spring; (b) an anchor member retaining a first end of said torsion spring, said torsion rod being rotatable about said axis relative to said anchor member; and (c) a winding cone retaining a second end of said torsion spring, said winding cone including, (i) a first winding cone coupling member including a surface retaining said second end of said torsion spring; and (ii) a second winding cone coupling member and a fastener, said second coupling member defining an area in which said fastener is received and releasably mounts said second coupling member to said torsion rod, said first coupling member being disposed adjacent and abutting said second coupling member for limited rotational movement about said axis relative to said second coupling member between first and second rotational positions, said second coupling member including a blocking portion which engages said first coupling member and prevents rotation of said first coupling member relative to said second coupling member in a first rotational direction when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, said torsion spring urging said first coupling member in said first rotational direction, wherein said first coupling member includes a covering portion disposed relative to said second coupling member such that said covering portion inhibits access to said fastener when said first coupling member is in said first rotational position, and said covering portion permits access to said fastener when said first coupling member is in said second rotational position.
US Referenced Citations (18)