Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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RATCHET-LIKE ASSEMBLY FOR WINDING A COUNTERBALANCING
MECHANISM OF A DOOR, DOOR ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE SAME AND
KIT FOR ASSEMBLING THE RATCHET-LIKE ASSEMBLY
Field of the invention:
The present invention relates to a ratchet-like assembly, also referred to as
an integrated bracket ratchet system, for winding a counterbalancing mechanism
of a door, to a door assembly including such a ratchet-like assembly, as well
as to
a kit for assembling the ratchet-like assembly. The present invention enables
to
ease the installation and calibration of counterbalancing mechanisms of
various
types of garage doors and the like, such as mini-warehouse doors and
commercial rolling steel doors for example, but may also be used also with any
other type of counterbalancing installation where a torque must be applied and
maintained onto a given shaft.
Backctround of the invention:
It is known in the art that most garage doors and the like 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, generally a
torsianal spring, and maintain a given torque or tension in the spring by
different
methods and apparatuses. Actually, some systems employ a U-bolt or a special
bracket which are tightened and maintained in place when the spring is under
tension.
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(t is also known in the art that the shaft around which the door is wrapped
usually rests on a bearing, generally seated in a plug (or "anchor") which
maintains and holds the spring. Usually, this bearing must be installed on
site and
this is often a problem for the installer because the spring is under tension.
To
ease installation, the spring may be installed at manufacture but in such
cases,
the plug (or anchor) must be installed under tension and kept as such during
transportation.
It is also known in the art that very often, the counterbalancing
mechanisms of the aforementioned type of installations will often use
unidirectional or "one-way" bearings. Similarly to regular bearings,
unidirectional
bearings comprise an inner ring which is slidably rotatable within an outer
ring,
the outer ring being concentrically mounted about the inner ring, the inner
and
outer rings being slidably movable with respect to another by means of
bearings
positioned between both rings. Unidirectional bearings are generally designed
so
as to have an inner portion of the outer ring provided with appropriately
shaped
grooves so that when the inner ring is rotated along one direction, there is a
relative movement between the inner and outer rings, whereas when the inner
ring is rotated.along the opposite direction, then the bearings of the bearing
are
blocked by the corresponding grooves of the outer ring, thereby blocking
relative
movement between the inner ring and the outer ring. It is also known in the
art
that these unidirectional bearings are quite elaborate and costly to
manufacture,
and also are fairly difficult to install, replace, maintain, adjust and/or
repair on
counterbalancing mechanisms which are under tension. Indeed, this results in
additional assembling steps and components required, which is disadvantageous,
namely in terms of time and costs.
Hence, in fight of the aforementioned, there is a need 'for an improved
device or assembly which, by virtue of its design and components, would be
able
to overcome some of the aforementioned prior art problems.
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Summary of the invention:
The object of the present invention is to provide a ratchet-like assembly,
also known as a "winding system", which satisfies some of the above-mentioned
needs and which is thus an improvement over the devices, systems and/or
devices known in the prior art.
In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved with
a ratchet-like assembly for winding a counterbalancing mechanism of a door,
the
ratchet-like assembly comprising:
at least one plate operatively mounted onto a fixed structure, the at least
one plate including an orifice through which extends a shaft of the
counterbalancing mechanism of the door and about which said shaft is rotatable
along opposite first and second directions of rotation;
blocking means mounted onto the at least one plate and being operatively
cooperable with the shaft for blocking the same from rotating along the first
direction of rotation; and
an actuator operatively connected to the blacking means for selectively
operating the blocking means, the actuator being operable between a locked
configuration where the blocking means cooperate with the shaft so as to allow
it
to rotate along the second direction only, and an unlocked configuration where
the blocking means are removed from the shaft so as to allow it to rotate
freely
along both the first and second directions of rotation.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
ratchet-like assembly for winding a counterbalancing mechanism of a door, the
ratchet-like assembly comprising:
at least one plate operatively mounted onto a fixed structure, the at least
one plate including an orifice through which extends a shaft of the
counterbalancing mechanism of the door and about which said shaft is rotatable
along opposite first and second directions of rotation;
at least one ridge provided about a peripheral edge of the orifice;
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an actuator operatively connected to the at least one plate, the actuator
being operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration;
and
at least one pawing element mounted onto the actuator, and being
positioned within the at feast one ridge, adjacent to the shaft;
wherein the at least one ridge and the at feast one paroling element are
shaped and sized so that when the actuator is operated in the locked
configuration, the at least one paroling element is operatively pressed
against the
shaft and the at least one ridge for preventing the shaft from rotating along
the
70 first direction of rotation, and when the actuator is operated in the
unlocked
configuration, the at least one paroling element is operatively urged away
from the
shaft and the at least one ridge for allowing said shaft to rotate along both
the first
and second directions of rotation.
According to another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
ratchet-like assembly for winding a counterbalancing mechanism of a door, the
ratchet-like assembly comprising:
first and second plates operatively mounted onto a fixed structure, said first
and second plates extending substantially parallel to one another and made
integral to one another, each plate including an orifice through which extends
a
shaft of the counterbalancing mechanism of a door and about which said shaft
is
rotatable along opposite first and second directions of ratation;
four ridges provided about a peripheral edge of each orifice;
an actuating ring mounted about the shaft and positioned between the first
and second plates, said actuating ring comprising projections for abutting
against
the plates for positioning the actuating ring at a given distance from each of
said
plates; and
four rollers pivotally mounted about opposite first and second sides of the
actuating ring, each side facing the first and second plates respectively,
each of
said rollers being positioned within a corresponding ridge, adjacent to the
shaft;
wherein each roller and each corresponding ridge are shaped and sized so
that when the actuator is operated in the locked configuration, each roller is
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operatively pressed against the shaft and its corresponding ridge for
preventing
the shaft from rotating along the first direction of rotation, and when the
actuator
is operated in the unlocked configuration, each roller is operatively urged
away
from the shaft and its corresponding ridge for allowing said shaft to rotate
along
5 both the first and second directions of rotation.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
counterbalancing mechanism provided with a ratchet-like assembly, the ratchet-
like assembly comprising:
at Least one plate operatively mounted onto a fixed structure, the at least
one plate including an orifice through which extends a shaft and about which
said
shaft is rotatable along opposite first and second directions of rotation;
at Least one ridge provided about a peripheral edge of the orifice;
an actuator operatively connected to the at least one plate, the actuator
being operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration;
and
at least one pawling element mounted onto the actuator, and being
positioned within the at (east one ridge, adaacent to the shaft;
wherein the at least one ridge and the at least one pawing element are
shaped and sized so that when the actuator is operated in the locked
configuration, the at least one pawling element is operatively pressed against
the
shaft and the at least one ridge far preventing the shaft from rotating along
the
first direction of rotation, and when the actuator is operated in the unlocked
configuration, the at least one pawling element is operatively urged away from
the
shaft and the at (east one ridge for allowing said shaft to rotate along both
the first
and second directions of rotation.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
door assembly having a counterbalancing mechanism provided with a ratchet-like
assembly, the ratchet-like assembly comprising:
at least one plate operatively mounted onto a fixed structure, the at least
one plate including an orifice through which extends a shaft of the
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counterbalancing mechanism of the door assembly and about which said shaft is
rotatable along opposite first and second directions of rotation;
at least one ridge provided about a peripheral edge of the orifice;
an actuator operatively connected to the at least one plate, the actuator
being operable between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration;
and
at least one paroling element mounted onto the actuator, and being
positioned within the at least one ridge, adjacent to the shaft;
wherein the at least one ridge and the at least one paroling element are
shaped and sized so that when the actuator is operatedl in the locked
configuration, the at least one paroling element is operatively pressed
against the
shaft and the at least one ridge for preventing the shaft from rotating along
the
first direction of rotation, and when the actuator is operated in the unlocked
configuration, the at least one paroling element is operatively urged away
from the
shaft and the at least one ridge for allowing said shaft to rotate along both
the first
and second directions of rotation.
According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is also provided a
kit for assembling a ratchet~like assembly for winding a counterbalancing
mechanism of a door, the kit comprising:
at least one plate operatively mountable onto a fixed structure, the at least
one plate including an orifice for receiving a shaft of the counterbalancing
mechanism of the door and about which said shaft is rotatable along opposite
first
and second directions of rotation;
at least one ridge provided about a peripheral edge of the orifice;
an actuator operatively connectable to the at least one plate, the actuator
being operable between a locked configuration and an unlockE:d configuration;
and
at least one paroling element mountable onto the actuator, and being
positionable within the at least one ridge, adjacent to the shaft;
wherein the at least one ridge and the at least one paroling element are
shaped and sized so that, once the ratchet-like assembly is assembled, when
the
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actuator is operated in the hocked configuration, the at least one paroling
element
is operatively pressed against the shaft and the at least one ridge for
preventing
the shaft from rotating along the first direction of rotation, and when the
actuator
is operated in the unlocked configuration, the at least one paroling element
is
operatively urged away from the shaft and the at least one ridge for allowing
said
shaft to rotate along both the first and second directions of rotation.
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 description of the drawinas:
Figure 1 is an fragmentary exploded view of some of the components of
the ratchet-like assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the
invention,
the ratchet-like assembly being shown with a shaft of a counterbalancing
mechanism.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the ratchet-like assembly shoran in Figure
1, the ratchet-like assembly being shown now in an assembled configuration and
cooperating with a shaft of a counterbalancing mechanisnm in a locked
configuration.
Figure 3 is a partial front plan view of what is shown in Figure 2.
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the ratchet-like assembly shoran in Figure
1, the ratchet-like assembly being shown now in an assembled configuration and
cooperating with a shaft of a counterbalancing mechanism in an unlocked
configuration.
Figure 5 is a partial front plan view of what is shown in Figure 4..
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Detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention:
In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar
elements. The embodiment shown in the figures is only a preferred embodiment.
Moreover, although the present invention was primarily designed for use
with winding systems of mini-warehouse doors and commercial rolling steel
doors, it may be used with other types of doors and objects and in other
fields, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, expressions such as
"mini", "warehouse", "rolling", "steel", etc. used herein should not be taken
as to
limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of doors
or
items with which the present invention could be used and may be useful.
Moreover, in the context of the present invention, the expressions "winding
system", "ratchet-like assembly", as well as any other equivalent expressions
and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably, as apparent to a
person skilled in the art. Furthermore, the same applies for any other
mutually
equivalent expressions, such as "door" and '°door assembly", as well as
"support", "bracket" and "plate" for example, as also 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
rollers, pins, a ring, etc., and although the preferred embodiment of the
ratchet-
like assembly 1 as shown consists of certain geometrical configurations as
explained and illustrated 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 well as other suitable
geometrical configurations may be used for the ratchet-like assembly 1 and
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corresponding parts according to the present invention, as briefly explained
herein and as inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the
invention.
Broadly described, the present invention relates to a ratchet-like assembly
1, also known as a "winding system" or an "integrated bracket ratchet system",
for
use with a counterbalancing mechanism of a garage door andlor the like, such
as
a mini-warehouse door and a rolling door assembly for example, as is known in
the art, but may also be used also with any other type of counterbalancing
installation where a torque must be applied and maintained onta a given shaft
of
the installation.
The ratchet-like assembly 1 comprises at least one plate 3 operatively
mounted onto a fixed structure, each plate 3 including an orifice 5 through
which
extends a shaft 7 of the counterbalancing mechanism of the door and about
which said shaft 7 is rotatable along opposite first and second directions
9,11 of
rotation. The ratchet-like assembly 1 also comprises blocking means mounted
onto the at feast one plate 3 and being operatively cooperable with the shaft
7 for
blocking the same from rotating along the first direction 9 of rotation. The
ratchet-
like assembly 1 also comprises an actuator 13 operatively connected to the
blocking means for selectively operating the blocking means, the actuator 13
being operable between a locked configuration, as better shown in Figures 2
and
3, where the blocking means cooperate with the shaft 7 so as to allow it to
rotate
along the second direction 11 only, similar to a ratchet system, and an
unlocked
configuration where the blocking means are removed from the shaft 7 so as to
allow it to rotate freely along both the first and second directions 9,11 of
rotation,
as better shown in Figures 4 and 5.
In doing so, the present ratchet-like assembly 1 enables an installer to turn
the shaft 7 of the counterbalancing mechanism with an appropriate tool and
should the installer stop turning the shaft 7, the shaft 7 which is now under
tension due to the torque created by a loaded torsional spring (not shown),
for
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example, of the counterbalancing mechanism, may then be blocked in position by
the blocking means which impede the shaft 7 from rotating along the first
direction 9 corresponding to a decrease in torque.
5 According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, as better shown in
Figures 2 and 4, the present ratchet-like assembly 1 comprises biasing means
cooperating with the actuator 13 for urging the same into the locked
configuration.
The biasing means may comprise a loaded spring 29 operatively connected
between the actuator 13 and the at least one support. Alternatively, the
biasing
10 means may consist of the effect of gravity acting on the actuator 13 and
corresponding components operatively connected thereto so as to remove the
need of a "spring" 29 per se. It is worth mentioning also that other suitable
biasing
means for carrying out the above-mentioned function may be used according to
the present invention, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
As can be easily understood when referring to the accompanying
drawings, the blocking means of the ratchet-like assembly 1 preferably
comprise
at least one ridge 15 provided along a peripheral edge of the orifice 5 of the
at
least one plate 3, and at least one roller 17 pivotally mounted about a
corresponding pin 19 connected to the actuator 13, and being positioned within
the at least one ridge 15 and adjacent to the shaft 7. The at feast one ridge
15
and the at least one roller 17 are shaped and sized so that when the actuator
13
is operated in the locked configuration, the at least one roller 17 is
operatively
pressed against the shaft 7 and the at least one ridge 15 for preventing the
shaft
7 from rotating in the first direction 9 of rotation, as better shown in
Figures 2 and
3, and when the actuator 13 is operated in the unlocked configuration, the at
least
one roller 17 is operatively urged away from the shaft 7 and the at feast one
ridge
15 for allowing the shaft 7 to rotate along both the first and second
directions 9,
11 of rotation, as better shown in Figures 4 and 5.
Indeed, according to the present invention, the ratchet-like assembly 1 for
winding a counterbalancing mechanism of a door preferably comprises at least
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one plate 3, at least one ridge 15, an actuator 13, and at least one paroling
element 21 which serves as blocking means. I~referabiy, each plate 3 is
operatively mounted onto a fixed structure and includes an orifice 5 through
which extends the shaft 7 of the counterbalancing mechanism and about which
said shaft 7 is rotatabie along opposite first and second directions 9, 11 of
rotation, as can be easily understood from Figure 1, As also better shown in
this
figure, each ridge 15 of the assembly 1 is preferably provided along a
peripheral
edge of the orifice 5 of a corresponding plate 3.
1 g The actuator 13 is operatively connected to each plate 3, and is operable
between a locked configuration and unlocked configuration, as better shown in
Figures 2-3 and 4-5 respectively. Each paroling eler~~ent 21 is mounted onto
the
actuator 13 and is positioned within a corresponding ridge 15, adjacent to the
shaft 7.
The ratchet-tike assembly 1 is devised, and each corresponding pairs of
ridge-paroling element is shaped and sized so that when the actuator 13 is
operated in the locked configuration, each paroling element 21 is operatively
pressed against the shaft 7 and its corresponding ridge 15 for preventing the
shaft 7 from rotating along the first direction 9 of rotation, and thereby
preventing
the shaft 7 from loosing a torque which would be generated by an installer by
turning the shaft 7 along the second direction 11. When the actuator 13 is
operated in the unlocked configuration, as better shown in Figures 4 and 5,
each
paroling element 27 is operatively urged away from the shaft 7 and its
corresponding ridge 15 far allowing the shaft 7 to rotate along both the first
and
second directions of rotation. Thus, if an excessive torque has been generated
onto the counterbalancing mechanism, and as can be easily understood when
referring to the accompanying drawings, an installer may simply bias the
actuator
13 in the unlocked configuration so as to adjustably and controllably allow
the
shaft 7 to rotate along the first direction 9 so as to enable to decrease the
torque
to a desired level.
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As better shown in Figure 1, the actuator 13 of the present ratchet-like
assembly 1 preferably comprises a ring 23 mounted about the shaft 7, and
positioned adjacent to each plate 3, said ring 23 being provided preferably
with a
handle 25 for enabling a user to selectively urge the actuator 13 in the
unlocked
configuration, as can be easily understood when contrasting Figures 2-3 with
Figures 4-5.
Preferably also, each pawling element 21 comprises a roller 17 pivotally
mounted about a corresponding pin 19 connected to the actuating ring 23, and
preferably also, each pin 19 projects perpendicularly through the ring 23. The
ring
23 may also comprise projections 27, as also better shown in Figure 1, for
abutting against each corresponding plate 3 so as to properly position the
ring 23
at a given distance from each of said plates 3a, 3b.
Although according 'to the present invention, the ratchet-like assembly 1
may only comprise one single plate 3 with one single corresponding orifice 5,
preferably first and second plates 3a, 3b are provided and are disposed
substantially parallel to one another, as better shown in Figure 1. Indeed, a
single
bracket may be used to provide both the first and the second plates 3a, 3b
which
are preferably made of a single piece and of a single material, thus made
integral
to one another, as can be easily understood when referring to Figure 1, and as
apparent to a person skilled in the art.
The preferred embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings is
preferably intended for minimizing components arid assembling steps, while
providing a suitable winding and ratchet system for properly adjusting and
calibrating the counterbalancing mechanism of a given door assembly.
As aforementioned, the biasing means preferably comprise a loaded
spring 29 operatively connected between the ring 23 and a first plate 3, but
more
specifically also, the loaded spring 29 is preferably operatively connected
between the handle 25 of the ring 23 and the first plate 3. As aforementioned,
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several other suitable biasing means may be used according to the present
invention, of which an example is the gravitational force that could act onto
the
actuator 13 and corresponding components operatively connected thereto which
would then in turn be devised so that the gravitational pull would urge the
actuator 13 into the locked configuration, as is preferably intended.
Moreover, each roller 17 is preferably provided with a knurled surface, or
provided with any other suitable covering, such as an efastomer covering, for
example, for increasing gripping and pressing of the rollers 17 onto the shaft
7
1t~ and corresponding ridges 15 when the actuator 13 is in the locked
configuration,
while allowing the shaft 7 to rotate substantially freely along both the first
and
second directions 9, 11 of rotation when the actuator 13 is in the unlocked
configuration.
It is worth mentioning that according to another aspect of the present
invention, there is also provided a counterbalancing mecrianism provided with
a
ratchet-like assembly 1 according to the one described herein. Moreover,
according to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also
provided a
door assembly having a counterbalancing mechanism provided with a ratchet-like
assembly 1 such as the one described herein. Finally, according to yet another
aspect of the present invention, there is also preferably provided a kit for
assembling a ratchet-like assembly 1 such as the one described and illustrated
herein, such as in Figure 1 for example.
As aforementioned, the ratchet-like assembly 1 preferably comprises
support means for supporting a shaft 7 of the counterbalancing mechanism of
the
garage door, the shaft 7 being rotatable about the support means. The ratchet-
like assembly 1 preferably also comprises blocking means operable between
locked and unlocked positions. In the lacked position, the blocking means are
operatively connected to the shaft 7 and allow it to rotate along one
direction 11,
while blocking its rotation along the opposite direction 9. In the unlocked
position,
the blocking means are operatively disconnected from the shaft 7 and allow it
to
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rotate freely in both directions 9, 11. Preferably also, the ratchet-like
assembly 1
comprises actuating means for selectively operating the blocking means between
the locked and unlocked positions.
Preferably, the support means comprise a bracket mounted onto a fixed
structure, such as a wall for example, by means of suitable fasteners, as
apparent to a person skilled in the art. According to the present invention,
the
bracket is devised, as better illustrated in Figure 1, to provide the above-
described first and second plates 3a, 3b, having each a corresponding orifice
5
and being positioned preferably opposite to one another, as shown.
According to the particular embodiment of the invention shown in the
accompanying drawings, the ratchet-tike assembly 1 preferably comprises a
single actuator 13 and fou~° pairs of rollers 17, each pair of rollers
17 preferably
consisting of two rollers 17 connected to one another by means of a pin 19.
Each
roller 17 is preferably devised to cooperate with ~~ corresponding ridge 15 of
either the first or the second orifice 5, as better shown in Figure 1. The
rollers 17
are preferably maintained in place by the actuating ring 23 by introducing the
pins
19 of the pairs of rollers 17 into corresponding holes provided on the ring
23.
Preferably also, the shaft 7 of the counterbalancing mechanism which is
connected to the door by means of a drum is infiroduced into the corresponding
orifices 5, of the plates 3, and into the corresponding orifice 5 of the ring
23.
Preferably, the ring 23 comprises projections 27 for maintaining the ring 23
in
place (i.e. aligned) between the plates 3, as can be easily understood by a
apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Preferably also, the actuating means comprise a handle 25 provided on
the ring 23 for actuating the ring 23 and corresponding rollers 17 between the
locked and unlocked positions, as better shown in (Figures 2-3 and 4-5
3Q respectively. Preferably also, a spring 29 having opposite ends connected
to the
ring handle 25 and to a point on the bracket respectively is used for biasing
the
ring 23 into the Locked position.
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1b
In its normal use, as better shown in Figure 2, the shaft 7 which is attached
to the door by means of a drum, on which a rolling steel door is pre-installed
for
example, is placed into the orifices 5, of the plates 3 of the bracket. The
bracket is
then bolted to the wall. The ratchet-like assembly 1 can then be operational..
The
garage door installer will then turn the shaft 7 with a pipe wrench or an
appropriate tool and the small rollers 17 will then turn on themselves freely
in
their corresponding ridges 15. When the installer stops turning the shaft 7,
this
shaft 7 is now under tension due to the tarque created by the torsional spring
(or
any other suitable counterbalancing device) of the counterbalancing mechanism
of the door. As can be easily understood; under this. tarque, the shaft 7
wants to
turn back to its original position but is then blocked in position by the
combined
effect produced by the rollers 17 and the particular shape of the orifices 5
and
corresponding ridges 15, i.e. by the friction between 'the shaft 7 and rollers
17 and
by the friction between the rollers 17 and the braci~cet ridges 15, in every
shaft
position under tension along this direction. Indeed, the ratchet-like assembly
1
according to the present invention, when in the locked position, allows the
shaft 7
to turn in one direction 11 but blocks it in the other direction 9, as can be
easily
understood when referring to the accompanying drawings.
The tension thus created by the torsional spring will be maintained with the
ratchet-like assembly 1. Furthermore, as also apparent to a person skilled in
the
art, a user of the ratchet-like assembly 1 or a garage door installer may also
further turn the shaft 7 slang the second direction 11 to further increase the
torque. This additional torque created will also be maintained with the
ratchet-like
assembly 1 in the manner explained hereinabove. In contrast, the ring 23 and
corresponding handle 25 is designed to allow to disengage the rollers 17, as
shown in Figures 4 and 5, and thus reduce the torque on the shaft 7
accordingly.
In its normal use, the ring 23 is preferably maintained in place (i.e.
preferably, the
locked position) by the spring 29. Under this position, the actuating ring 23
forces
rollers 17 in one direction. As long as the shaft 7 turns in the allowable
direction
11, the rollers 17 will turn on themselves, whereas; as soon as the shaft 7 is
CA 02435362 2003-07-17
16
released, the tension on the spring forces the rollers 17 against the ridges
15 of
the orifices 5, which in turn blocks the shaft's rotation. To decrease the
torque on
the shaft 7, installer simply has to pull the handle 25 of the ring 23 and
disengage
the rollers 17, the shaft 7 is then free to be unwind with a special tool such
a pipe
wrench for example. Figures 4 and 5 show this movement, in which handle 25 is
pulled and rollers 17 are forced against bigger cavity section of the ridges
15
where their special shape move rollers 17 away from the shaft 7. This movement
of the guide plate lets the shaft 7 free to turn in both directions 9, 11.
Several modifications can be made to the above-mentioned ratchet-like
assembly 1, without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed,
the actuating ring 23 and the handle 25 thereof may be placed and designed in
a
way that gravity will act to replace the effect of the spring 29. The
orifices) 5, may
be integrated in another piste or a single bracket and their shapes may be
devised to selectively block the shaft 7 in both the first and second
directions 9,
11 of rotation. Furthermore, the ratchet-like assembly 1 may be connected or
joined with ordinary bearings, thus eliminating the need for two guide plates.
As may now be appreciated, the present: invention is a substantial
improvement over the prior art in that by virtue of its design and components,
the
ratchet-like assembly 1 according to the present invention acts as a
unidirectional
bearing, without the use of an inner ring. indeed, as may now be appreciated,
the
ratchet-like assembly 1 according to the present invention uses the shaft of
the
counterbalancing mechanism as the inner ring. Furthermore, the present
invention is also advantageous in that, by virtue of its design and
components,
fewer components are required for achieving the same result as with a
unidirectional bearing and thus less material is used, thus resulting in
substantial
savings. Moreover, the present invention is also advantageous in that the
ratchet-
like assembly 1 may be activated or disactivated by simply operating its
handle
25. In addition, the present invention is also a substantial improvement over
the
prior art in that, by virtue of its design and components, it may act as an
adjustment device in order to trigger or untrigger the rotation of the shaft 7
with
CA 02435362 2003-07-17
1 '~
respect to the bracket so as to be able to adjust the tension which is Loaded
onto
the torsional spring or any other counterbalancing component of a door
assembly, as apparent to a person skiiled in the art. 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
performance
and in terms of costs.
Of course, numerous modificatians could be made to the above-described
embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in
the
appended claims.
