US20070012410A1 - Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly - Google Patents
Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20070012410A1 US20070012410A1 US11/473,720 US47372006A US2007012410A1 US 20070012410 A1 US20070012410 A1 US 20070012410A1 US 47372006 A US47372006 A US 47372006A US 2007012410 A1 US2007012410 A1 US 2007012410A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cam
- overhead shaft
- support bracket
- ratchet system
- door assembly
- 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
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
- B25B13/46—Spanners; Wrenches of the ratchet type, for providing a free return stroke of the handle
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B25—HAND TOOLS; PORTABLE POWER-DRIVEN TOOLS; MANIPULATORS
- B25B—TOOLS OR BENCH DEVICES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, FOR FASTENING, CONNECTING, DISENGAGING OR HOLDING
- B25B13/00—Spanners; Wrenches
- B25B13/48—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes
- B25B13/50—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes for operating on work of special profile, e.g. pipes
- B25B13/5008—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes for operating on work of special profile, e.g. pipes for operating on pipes or cylindrical objects
- B25B13/5016—Spanners; Wrenches for special purposes for operating on work of special profile, e.g. pipes for operating on pipes or cylindrical objects by externally gripping the pipe
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/02—Shutters, movable grilles, or other safety closing devices, e.g. against burglary
- E06B9/08—Roll-type closures
- E06B9/11—Roller shutters
- E06B9/17—Parts or details of roller shutters, e.g. suspension devices, shutter boxes, wicket doors, ventilation openings
- E06B9/174—Bearings specially adapted therefor
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
- E06B9/62—Counterweighting arrangements
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- 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
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- E05Y2900/00—Application of doors, windows, wings or fittings thereof
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E05—LOCKS; KEYS; WINDOW OR DOOR FITTINGS; SAFES
- E05Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO HINGES OR OTHER SUSPENSION DEVICES FOR DOORS, WINDOWS OR WINGS AND DEVICES FOR MOVING WINGS INTO OPEN OR CLOSED POSITION, CHECKS FOR WINGS AND WING FITTINGS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, CONCERNED WITH THE FUNCTIONING OF THE WING
- 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
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T29/00—Metal working
- Y10T29/53—Means to assemble or disassemble
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a ratchet system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly, such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like, for example.
- the present invention also relates to a rolling door assembly provided with such a ratchet system and to a kit for assembling the ratchet system.
- the ratchet system is namely intended to adjustably control the rotation of the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly during the winding thereof.
- Rolling door assemblies such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like, are very well known in the art.
- conventional rolling door assemblies typically comprise an overhead shaft which is mounted onto a fixed structure, a drum mounted about the overhead shaft, and a door curtain foldable (i.e. wound, coiled-up, etc.) about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum so as to alternatively lower and raise the curtain, i.e. operate the door.
- these rolling door assemblies also generally comprise at least one, but typically a pair of, counterbalancing spring(s) having ends operatively connected to corresponding parts of the assembly for providing the same with a suitable counterbalancing (i.e. “winding”) force. This counterbalancing force is used in order to decrease force required to open the door and also facilitate its closing.
- a “dead shaft” rolling door assembly is one in which, after proper installation thereof, the overhead shaft is securely fixed and tightened onto the support structure by means of brackets and corresponding fasteners, and thus does not rotate during normal operation of the rolling door assembly.
- a “live shaft” rolling door assembly is one in which, after proper installation thereof, the overhead shaft is pivotally connected to the fixed structure and rotates thereabout during normal operation of the rolling door assembly.
- each counterbalancing spring typically has first and second ends mounted onto the shaft and drum respectively so as to be wound and unwound accordingly, depending on the operation of the door assembly, so as to provide a corresponding counterbalancing force thereto.
- each counterbalancing spring typically has first and second ends mounted onto the drum and the fixed structure respectively so as to be wound and unwound accordingly, depending on the operation of the door assembly, so as to provide a corresponding counterbalancing force thereto.
- Another problem associated with this type of winding is that an installer must typically use both hands to secure movements of the assembly and also operate the pipe wrench in order to secure movement of the overhead shaft with respect to the drum.
- Another problem associated with the above-mentioned type of winding is that the rolling door assembly and the parts thereof are generally quite heavy, and thus a considerable effort is required from the installer to carry out the above-mentioned maneuvers, often causing him to force onto the parts and causing him also to undertake undesirable movements and/or positions.
- Another problem associated with this type of winding is that if the rolling door assembly is not properly held into place by the installer during the winding phase, the shaft may start to roll and thus the door assembly may fall to the ground, which is very disadvantageous.
- the object of the present invention is to provide a system which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other known devices and/or methods in the prior art.
- the present invention is particularly advantageous in that it is intended to adjustably control the rotation of the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly during the winding thereof, namely by preventing the overhead shaft from rotating along a given undesirable direction during a winding of the rolling door assembly.
- a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, a drum mounted about said overhead shaft, a door curtain foldable about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum, and a counterbalancing spring operatively connected between the overhead shaft and the drum for counterbalancing the rolling door assembly when the overhead shaft is operatively secured to the fixed structure
- the ratchet system comprising:
- a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, the ratchet system comprising:
- a kit for assembling a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, a drum mounted about said overhead shaft, a door curtain foldable about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum, and a counterbalancing spring operatively connected between the overhead shaft and the drum for counterbalancing the rolling door assembly when the overhead shaft is operatively secured to the fixed structure
- the kit comprising:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ratchet system according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, said ratchet system being shown mounted onto a fixed structure.
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in FIG. 1 .
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ratchet system of FIG. 1 , said ratchet system being shown in relation to a rolling door assembly and a fixed structure.
- FIG. 4 is an assembled view of what is shown in FIG. 3 , the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly being shown adjusted by means of a pipe wrench.
- FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the ratchet system of FIG. 4 cooperating with the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly, the overhead shaft being shown rotated along a first direction.
- FIG. 6 is another front plan view of what is shown in FIG. 5 , the overhead shaft being now shown blocked by a cam when rotated along a second direction.
- FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a ratchet system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the ratchet system of FIG. 7 shown in an assembled configuration.
- FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG. 8 .
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of the ratchet system shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of the ratchet system shown in FIG. 9 .
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ratchet system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, said ratchet system being used as a winding tool.
- FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the ratchet system of FIG. 12 , said ratchet system being shown cooperating with an overhead shaft when rotated along a first direction.
- FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the ratchet system of FIG. 12 , the ratchet system being shown cooperating with an overhead shaft, said overhead shaft being shown blocked by a cam when rotated along a second direction.
- rolling door assembly includes various types of rolling door assemblies, such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like. Although the present invention was primarily designed for a dead shaft rolling door assembly, it may be used with other kinds of rolling door assemblies, such as fire doors or shutters, or with any other door assemblies using an overhead shaft, whether “dead” or “live”, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expression “dead shaft” and/or “rolling door assembly” should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of doors assemblies or items with which the present invention may be used and could be useful.
- door and “assembly”, “curtain” and “door”, “counterbalancing shaft” and “overhead shaft”, “system” and “device”, “counterbalancing” and “winding”, as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably.
- the preferred embodiment of ratchet system 1 and corresponding parts of the present invention 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.
- the ratchet system 1 is a ratchet system 1 devised to facilitate the winding of a rolling door assembly 3 , such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like, but may also be used for other types of installations where a torque must be applied onto a shaft 5 and where said torque must be maintained.
- a rolling door assembly 3 such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like
- the ratchet system 1 is particularly useful for winding a rolling door assembly 3 having an overhead shaft 5 operatively mounted about a fixed structure 7 and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions.
- the rolling door assembly 3 generally further comprises a drum 9 mounted about the overhead shaft 5 and a door curtain 11 foldable about the drum 9 and unfoldable from the same via rotation of the drum 9 .
- the rolling door assembly 3 may also comprise a counterbalancing spring (not shown) operatively connected between corresponding parts of the assembly 3 for counterbalancing the same.
- the counterbalancing spring is operatively connected between the overhead shaft 5 and the drum 9 for counterbalancing the rolling door assembly 3 when the overhead shaft 5 is secured to the fixed structure, typically by means of U-shaped brackets and corresponding fasteners for example.
- the rolling door assembly 3 according to the present invention may be counterbalanced by other suitable means, such as counterweights for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- the ratchet system 1 comprises at least one support bracket 13 , at least one cam 15 , and biasing means 17 .
- the support bracket 13 is preferably securely mountable onto the fixed structure 7 of the corresponding rolling door assembly 3 by means of suitable fasteners 19 , but may also consist of a movable support bracket 13 , in which case the ratchet system 1 is used as a winding tool, as better shown in FIGS. 12-14 .
- the support bracket 13 is preferably provided with an actuating arm 14 .
- the cam 15 is pivotally mounted about the support bracket 13 and positioned adjacent to a portion of the overhead shaft 5 .
- the cam 15 is shaped and sized to cooperate with said portion of the overhead shaft 5 between a first configuration, where the cam 15 allows the rotation of the overhead shaft 5 along a first direction 21 , as better shown in FIGS. 5 and 13 , and a second configuration, where the cam 15 has a surface 23 engaged with the overhead shaft 5 and where further rotation of the overhead shaft 5 along a second direction 25 , opposite to the above-mentioned first direction 21 , is blocked by the cam 15 , as better shown in FIGS. 6 and 14 .
- the cam 15 of the ratchet system 1 is preferably devised to enable a user thereof to adjustably control the rotation of the overhead shaft 5 of the rolling door assembly 3 during the winding thereof.
- the ratchet system 1 according to the present invention is preferably intended to allow rotation of the overhead shaft 5 in one direction 21 , but preferably devised to impede rotation thereof along a opposite second direction 25 , so as to facilitate manipulating of the rolling door assembly 3 and corresponding parts during the winding thereof.
- the biasing means 17 are preferably devised for urging the surface 23 of the cam 15 onto the overhead shaft 5 so as to preferably ensure a substantial and/or continuous contact between the cam 15 and the surface of the overhead shaft 5 , as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 , and thus ensure a fairly rapid blocking of the overhead shaft 5 when the latter is rotated along the second opposite direction 25 , as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- the biasing means 17 are operatively connected between the support bracket 13 and the cam 15 so as to exert a biasing force for biasing the surface 23 of the cam 15 towards the overhead shaft 5 .
- the biasing means 17 preferably comprise a loaded spring member 27 , capable of storing potential energy via deformation so as to provide a potential force, the spring member 27 having a first end operatively connected to the support bracket 13 and a second end operatively connected to the cam 15 .
- biasing means 17 which do not use potential energy for providing a biasing force may be used according to the present invention, so long as these biasing means 17 are capable of biasing the surface 23 of cam 15 in a suitable way towards the overhead shaft 5 , as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- the cam 15 is preferably an oval-shaped (e.g. round, ellipse, etc.) cam 15 being eccentrically mounted onto the support bracket 13 . It is worth mentioning though that other suitable geometries and dispositions can be used for the cam 15 and corresponding support bracket 13 so as to ensure a rotation of the overhead shaft 5 along a first direction 21 but also prevent the latter from being rotated when rotated in a second opposite direction 25 .
- the biasing means 17 comprise a loaded spring 27 being operatively connected between the support bracket 13 and the cam 15 .
- the spring member 27 has first and second ends operatively connected to the support bracket 13 and the cam 15 respectively, as better shown in FIGS. 1-6 .
- the biasing means 17 may have other suitable dispositions on the ratchet system 1 so as to ensure a corresponding biasing force on the cam 15 towards the overhead shaft 5 .
- the biasing means 17 may comprise a spring member 27 having first and second ends operatively connected to the support bracket 13 and a pin 29 about which the cams 15 are mounted.
- the spring member 27 is not absolutely necessary for proper operation of the ratchet system 1 .
- the biasing means 17 or spring 27 could be omitted and the biasing effect thereof could be replaced by the effect of gravity acting on the cam(s) 15 , in which case, the cam(s) 15 would be positioned, shaped, and sized accordingly onto the support bracket 13 so that, by virtue of the effect of gravity acting thereon, it would have a surface 23 in physical, substantial and/or continuous contact with the overhead shaft 5 , as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- the support bracket 13 preferably has an opening 31 through which extends the overhead shaft 5 , and the fixed structure 7 about which the support bracket 13 is mounted preferably has corresponding supporting lips 33 about which the overhead shaft 5 may be rested.
- the support bracket 13 preferably comprises an orifice 35 through which extends the overhead shaft 5 , as better shown in FIGS. 7-14 . It may be appreciated that a support bracket 13 with such an orifice 35 is substantially more rigid sound than a U-shaped bracket 13 , as shown in FIGS. 1-6 , and that the orifice 35 of said support bracket 13 may be used as a guiding and support device for the overhead shaft 5 .
- the latter preferably comprises a safety device 37 being mounted about the support bracket 13 and being movable with respect to the same, the safety device 37 having an end 39 adjacent to a contact point on the overhead shaft 5 , and this end 39 of the safety device 37 being operable between a first position where said end is away from the contact point of the overhead shaft 5 , and a second position, where the end 39 is secured against the contact point of the overhead shaft 5 for immobilizing the overhead shaft 5 so as to prevent it from being rotated along either direction with respect to the support bracket 13 of the ratchet system 1 .
- the rolling door assembly 3 has been properly wound (i.e.
- the ratchet system 1 may comprise the above-mentioned safety device 37 for maintaining the overhead shaft 5 in a stable and fixed configuration, upon proper winding of the rolling door assembly 3 , so as to not have to rely entirely on the ratchet system 1 .
- the safety device 37 of the ratchet system 1 is not an essential feature thereof but provides the same with substantial advantages.
- FIGS. 1 Preferably, as better shown in FIGS.
- the safety device 37 may consist of a suitable fastener 41 threadedly engaged into a corresponding nut 42 of the ratchet system 1 , and being adjustably screwed or unscrewed so as to selectively secure the same against the outer surface of the overhead shaft 5 , and selectively, block rotation thereof.
- the safety device 37 preferably consist of a simple fastener 41 having a first portion threadedly engaged onto the support bracket and/or a piece thereof, such as a flange as shown in FIG. 1 , and an end 39 cooperable with the overhead shaft 5 in the manner discussed above.
- the support bracket 13 of the ratchet system 1 is preferably securely mountable onto the fixed structure by means of corresponding suitable fasteners 19 , and the support bracket 13 preferably comprises corresponding recesses 43 for receiving the fasteners 19 .
- the fasteners 19 may consist of a bolt combined with other suitable complementary pieces, such as a nut 42 , a washer, a spacer, and/or the like, as exemplified in FIG. 7 and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- the cam 15 may be provided with a lever arm 45 for allowing a user of the ratchet system 1 to urge the cam 15 away from the overhead shaft 5 , so as to enable rotation of the overhead shaft 5 along the second direction 25 , during unwinding of the rolling door assembly 3 , if required.
- the support bracket 13 comprises protective flanges 47 shaped, positioned, and sized so as to cover a substantial portion of the cam(s) 15 , and prevent the cam(s) 15 from being accidentally tampered with.
- the safety device 37 may be disposed otherwise on support bracket 13 and/or on other parts of the ratchet system 1 , as briefly described hereinbelow and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- kits comprising some or several of the preferred components constituting the ratchet system 1 according to the present invention, as exemplified in FIG. 7 , so that a user may employ these components and assemble them so as to obtain a ratchet system 1 having the structural components and displaying the features described hereinabove.
- a rolling door assembly 3 provided with the above-mentioned ratchet system 1 .
- the ratchet system 1 and corresponding parts are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials (steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials, and/or the like, so as to ensure a proper operation thereof depending on the particular applications for which the ratchet system 1 is intended and the different parameters in cause (counterbalancing force in the spring, weight of the door, number of cycles, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
- substantially rigid materials such as metallic materials (steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials, and/or the like
- the shaft 5 of the assembly 3 which is typically connected to a counterbalancing spring, as aforementioned, is preferably placed on a fixed structure 7 , such as wall brackets for example.
- a fixed structure 7 such as wall brackets for example.
- the brackets 13 of the rolling door assembly 3 are then bolted to the corresponding wall brackets around the shaft 5 .
- the system is then operational.
- a garage door installer can then turn the shaft 5 with a pipe wrench or a special tool, and the eccentric cam 15 will open and let the shaft 5 turn freely, as better shown in FIGS. 5 and 13 .
- FIG. 5 shows the shaft 5 after having been rotated in a clockwise direction. This rotation forces the cam 15 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction.
- the cam 15 simply rotates clockwise by an amount sufficient for friction means to interact, such as a knurled portion or teeth of the surface 23 of the cam 15 , as illustrated in FIG. 6 , as well as the size and/or shape of the cam 15 , engaging the shaft 5 and thus preventing further rotation thereof.
- the cam(s) 15 may be shaped, positioned, and sized in such a way that the effect of gravity will act to replace the biasing force of a spring member 27 .
- the counterbalancing spring may be direct to the shaft 5 but also be installed directly on the wall bracket as in the case with commercial garage doors and residential doors. In such cases, some modifications would have to be made, but the general principles of the present ratchet system 1 allowing the overhead shaft 5 to be rotated along one direction 21 , but preventing the rotation thereof in a second opposite direction 25 , will still be possible to use.
- the ratchet system 1 may comprise a plurality of cams 15 , such as a pair of cams 15 , as better shown in FIGS. 7-9 .
- the ratchet system 1 is preferably devised to be symmetrical, so that either side may be used on a corresponding end of the overhead shaft 5 .
- the cam 15 may or may not be provided with a teeth to increase friction between the shaft 5 and the cam 15 .
- the cam surface 23 may be provided with other suitable friction means for ensuring a proper engagement between the cam 15 and the overhead shaft 5 when the latter is rotated along the second direction 25 .
- the present invention is a substantial improvement and presents several advantages over devices and/or methods known on the prior art.
- the present invention may be used in the garage door industry, with new door assemblies 3 or existing door assemblies 3 .
- the present invention is devised to securely control rotation of the overhead shaft 5 of the rolling door assembly 3 during winding thereof.
- the present invention is a compact, easy to use, easy to maintain, and cost effective system for winding rolling door assemblies 3 .
- the present ratchet system 1 provides an easier and improved way of winding rolling door assemblies 3 than what is possible with the devices and/or method available in the prior art.
- the present invention may be used with other kinds of door assemblies 3 , such as fire doors and/or shutters for example, or with any other items provided with a shaft requiring to be properly adjusted, rotation-wise, as aforementioned and as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
Abstract
A ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly. The ratchet system includes a support bracket, a cam, and a biasing device. The support bracket is preferably mounted onto a fixed structure of the rolling door assembly. The cam is pivotally mounted about the support bracket and positioned adjacent to a portion of an overhead shaft of the assembly. The cam is shaped and sized to cooperate with this portion of the overhead shaft between a first position, where the cam allows rotation of the overhead shaft along a first direction, and a second position, where the cam has a surface engaged with the overhead shaft and where further rotation of the overhead shaft along a second direction, opposite to the first direction, is blocked by the cam. The biasing device is used for urging the surface of the cam onto the overhead shaft. The ratchet system is particularly useful for adjustably controlling the rotation of the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly during the winding thereof.
Description
- The present patent application is a Continuation-In-Part (CIP) of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/411,529 filed Apr. 10, 2003, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention relates to a ratchet system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly, such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like, for example. The present invention also relates to a rolling door assembly provided with such a ratchet system and to a kit for assembling the ratchet system. The ratchet system is namely intended to adjustably control the rotation of the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly during the winding thereof.
- Rolling door assemblies, such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like, are very well known in the art.
- The Assignee of the present application has also developed several devices to be used with door assemblies and the like, several of which are described in the following US patents and patent applications: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,174,575 B1; 6,279,268 B1; 6,378,170 B1; 6,485,006 B1; 6,502,281 B2; 6,681,809 B2; 6,694,673 B2; 6,712,116 B2; 6,907,964 B2; 6,931,810 B2; 6,959,751 B2; 6,986,378 B2; 6,988,527 B2; 7,000,292 B2; 7,000,354 B2; D490,685 S; D520,338 S; 2002/0117787 A1; 2003/0198790 A1; 2004/0000109 A1; 2004/0020609 A1; 2004/0124050 A1; 2005/0006545 A1; and 2005/0183341 A1, the contents of which are also incorporated herein by reference.
- Also known to the Applicant are the following U.S. Pat. Nos. 135,461; 748,641; 4,524,791; and 6,527,037.
- It is also known that conventional rolling door assemblies typically comprise an overhead shaft which is mounted onto a fixed structure, a drum mounted about the overhead shaft, and a door curtain foldable (i.e. wound, coiled-up, etc.) about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum so as to alternatively lower and raise the curtain, i.e. operate the door. Generally, these rolling door assemblies also generally comprise at least one, but typically a pair of, counterbalancing spring(s) having ends operatively connected to corresponding parts of the assembly for providing the same with a suitable counterbalancing (i.e. “winding”) force. This counterbalancing force is used in order to decrease force required to open the door and also facilitate its closing.
- Also known in the art are two main types of rolling door assemblies, namely “dead shaft” rolling door assemblies and “live shaft” rolling door assemblies.
- A “dead shaft” rolling door assembly is one in which, after proper installation thereof, the overhead shaft is securely fixed and tightened onto the support structure by means of brackets and corresponding fasteners, and thus does not rotate during normal operation of the rolling door assembly. In contrast, a “live shaft” rolling door assembly is one in which, after proper installation thereof, the overhead shaft is pivotally connected to the fixed structure and rotates thereabout during normal operation of the rolling door assembly.
- In the case of a “dead shaft” rolling door assembly, the drum is pivotally mounted about the overhead shaft and rotates thereabout, and each counterbalancing spring typically has first and second ends mounted onto the shaft and drum respectively so as to be wound and unwound accordingly, depending on the operation of the door assembly, so as to provide a corresponding counterbalancing force thereto.
- In the case of a “live shaft” rolling door assembly, the drum is securely mounted about the overhead shaft and rotatable therewith with respect to the fixed structure, and each counterbalancing spring typically has first and second ends mounted onto the drum and the fixed structure respectively so as to be wound and unwound accordingly, depending on the operation of the door assembly, so as to provide a corresponding counterbalancing force thereto.
- It is also known in the art that with “dead shaft” rolling door assemblies for example, the winding thereof needs to be properly calibrated in order to ensure a suitable operation of the door assembly. Typically, an installer must untighten the brackets so as to untighten the overhead shaft of the assembly from its fixed structure, and rotate said shaft with respect to the drum by means of a tool, such as a pipe wrench for example, in order to provide the counterbalancing spring with a suitable load, such that the latter may offer a corresponding suitable counterbalancing force. A problem associated with this type of winding is that it is carried out at elevated heights, typically using a ladder, given the fact that the overhead shafts of rolling door assemblies are generally located well above ground level or well out of human reach. Another problem associated with this type of winding is that an installer must typically use both hands to secure movements of the assembly and also operate the pipe wrench in order to secure movement of the overhead shaft with respect to the drum. Another problem associated with the above-mentioned type of winding is that the rolling door assembly and the parts thereof are generally quite heavy, and thus a considerable effort is required from the installer to carry out the above-mentioned maneuvers, often causing him to force onto the parts and causing him also to undertake undesirable movements and/or positions. Another problem associated with this type of winding is that if the rolling door assembly is not properly held into place by the installer during the winding phase, the shaft may start to roll and thus the door assembly may fall to the ground, which is very disadvantageous.
- Hence, in light of the aforementioned, there is a need for an improved system and/or method for winding a rolling door assembly which would be able to overcome some of the aforementioned problems.
- The object of the present invention is to provide a system which, by virtue of its design and components, satisfies some of the above-mentioned needs and is thus an improvement over other known devices and/or methods in the prior art.
- The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it is intended to adjustably control the rotation of the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly during the winding thereof, namely by preventing the overhead shaft from rotating along a given undesirable direction during a winding of the rolling door assembly.
- In accordance with the present invention, the above object is achieved with a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, a drum mounted about said overhead shaft, a door curtain foldable about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum, and a counterbalancing spring operatively connected between the overhead shaft and the drum for counterbalancing the rolling door assembly when the overhead shaft is operatively secured to the fixed structure, the ratchet system comprising:
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- at least one support bracket removably mountable onto the fixed structure and having an orifice for receiving therethrough the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly;
- at least one cam having a given shape and size, the at least one cam being pivotally mounted about the at least one support bracket and having a peripheral surface configured for positioning against a portion of the overhead shaft; and
- a loaded spring operatively connected between the at least one cam and the at least one support bracket for urging the peripheral surface of the at least one cam towards the orifice of the at least one support bracket;
- the ratchet system being cooperable with the rolling door assembly so that the spring forces the at least one cam to be in a substantially continuous contact with said portion of the overhead shaft when extending through the orifice of the at least one support bracket, and the at least one cam being further configured to be operated between a first configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the first direction allows a rotation of the least one cam in an opposite direction of rotation, thereby enabling the overhead shaft to be rotated freely along the first direction so as to wind the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly, and a second configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the second direction is blocked by the at least one cam due to its shape and size, thereby impeding further rotation of the overhead shaft along said second direction so as to maintain a given winding force in the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly.
- According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, the ratchet system comprising:
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- at least one support bracket removably mountable onto the fixed structure and having an orifice for receiving therethrough the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly;
- at least one cam having a given shape and size, the at least one cam being pivotally mounted about the at least one support bracket and having a peripheral surface configured for positioning against a portion of the overhead shaft; and
- a loaded spring operatively connected between the at least one cam and the at least one support bracket for urging the peripheral surface of the at least one cam towards the orifice of the at least one support bracket;
- the ratchet system being cooperable with the rolling door assembly so that the spring forces the at least one cam to be in a substantially continuous contact with said portion of the overhead shaft when extending through the orifice of the at least one support bracket, and the at least one cam being further configured to be operated between a first configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the first direction allows a rotation of the least one cam in an opposite direction of rotation, thereby enabling the overhead shaft to be rotated freely along the first direction so as to wind a counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly, and a second configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the second direction is blocked by the at least one cam due to its shape and size, thereby impeding further rotation of the overhead shaft along said second direction so as to maintain a given winding force in the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly.
- According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit for assembling a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, a drum mounted about said overhead shaft, a door curtain foldable about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum, and a counterbalancing spring operatively connected between the overhead shaft and the drum for counterbalancing the rolling door assembly when the overhead shaft is operatively secured to the fixed structure, the kit comprising:
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- at least one support bracket removably mountable onto the fixed structure and having an orifice for receiving therethrough the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly;
- at least one cam having a given shape and size, the at least one cam being pivotally mountable about the at least one support bracket and having a peripheral surface configured for positioning against a portion of the overhead shaft; and
- a loaded spring operatively connectable between the at least one cam and the at least one support bracket for urging the peripheral surface of the at least one cam towards the orifice of the at least one support bracket;
- so that when the ratchet system is assembled and operatively mounted onto the rolling door assembly, the spring forces the at least one cam to be in a substantially continuous contact with said portion of the overhead shaft when extending through the orifice of the at least one support bracket, the at least one cam being further configured to be operated between a first configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the first direction allows a rotation of the least one cam in an opposite direction of rotation, thereby enabling the overhead shaft to be rotated freely along the first direction so as to wind a counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly, and a second configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the second direction is blocked by the at least one cam due to its shape and size, thereby impeding further rotation of the overhead shaft along said second direction so as to maintain a given winding force in the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly.
- The objects, advantages and other features of the present invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following non-restrictive description of preferred embodiments thereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a ratchet system according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, said ratchet system being shown mounted onto a fixed structure. -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of what is shown inFIG. 1 . -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the ratchet system ofFIG. 1 , said ratchet system being shown in relation to a rolling door assembly and a fixed structure. -
FIG. 4 is an assembled view of what is shown inFIG. 3 , the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly being shown adjusted by means of a pipe wrench. -
FIG. 5 is a front plan view of the ratchet system ofFIG. 4 cooperating with the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly, the overhead shaft being shown rotated along a first direction. -
FIG. 6 is another front plan view of what is shown inFIG. 5 , the overhead shaft being now shown blocked by a cam when rotated along a second direction. -
FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a ratchet system according to another preferred embodiment of the invention. -
FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the ratchet system ofFIG. 7 shown in an assembled configuration. -
FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of what is shown inFIG. 8 . -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of the ratchet system shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of the ratchet system shown inFIG. 9 . -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a ratchet system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, said ratchet system being used as a winding tool. -
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the ratchet system ofFIG. 12 , said ratchet system being shown cooperating with an overhead shaft when rotated along a first direction. -
FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the ratchet system ofFIG. 12 , the ratchet system being shown cooperating with an overhead shaft, said overhead shaft being shown blocked by a cam when rotated along a second direction. - In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. The embodiments shown in the figures are preferred.
- In the context of the present description, the expression “rolling door assembly” includes various types of rolling door assemblies, such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like. Although the present invention was primarily designed for a dead shaft rolling door assembly, it may be used with other kinds of rolling door assemblies, such as fire doors or shutters, or with any other door assemblies using an overhead shaft, whether “dead” or “live”, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. For this reason, the expression “dead shaft” and/or “rolling door assembly” should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present invention and includes all other kinds of doors 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”, “curtain” and “door”, “counterbalancing shaft” and “overhead shaft”, “system” and “device”, “counterbalancing” and “winding”, as well as any other equivalent expressions and/or compound words thereof, may be used interchangeably. The same applies for any other mutually equivalent expressions, such as “plate” and “bracket” 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 an orifice, fasteners, a safety device, a spring, a lever arm, a knurled surface, a second cam, etc., and although the preferred embodiment of
ratchet system 1 and corresponding parts of the present invention 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 theratchet system 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
ratchet system 1 according to the present invention, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, is aratchet system 1 devised to facilitate the winding of a rollingdoor assembly 3, such as mini-warehouse doors, commercial rolling steel doors, and the like, but may also be used for other types of installations where a torque must be applied onto ashaft 5 and where said torque must be maintained. - The
ratchet system 1 according to the present invention is particularly useful for winding a rollingdoor assembly 3 having anoverhead shaft 5 operatively mounted about a fixedstructure 7 and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions. The rollingdoor assembly 3 generally further comprises adrum 9 mounted about theoverhead shaft 5 and adoor curtain 11 foldable about thedrum 9 and unfoldable from the same via rotation of thedrum 9. The rollingdoor assembly 3 may also comprise a counterbalancing spring (not shown) operatively connected between corresponding parts of theassembly 3 for counterbalancing the same. In the case of a “dead shaft” rollingdoor assembly 3 for example, the counterbalancing spring is operatively connected between theoverhead shaft 5 and thedrum 9 for counterbalancing the rollingdoor assembly 3 when theoverhead shaft 5 is secured to the fixed structure, typically by means of U-shaped brackets and corresponding fasteners for example. It is worth mentioning that, instead of using a counterbalancing spring, the rollingdoor assembly 3 according to the present invention may be counterbalanced by other suitable means, such as counterweights for example, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - According to the present invention, and as better shown in
FIGS. 1-6 , theratchet system 1 comprises at least onesupport bracket 13, at least onecam 15, and biasing means 17. As better shown inFIGS. 3-5 , thesupport bracket 13 is preferably securely mountable onto the fixedstructure 7 of the corresponding rollingdoor assembly 3 by means ofsuitable fasteners 19, but may also consist of amovable support bracket 13, in which case theratchet system 1 is used as a winding tool, as better shown inFIGS. 12-14 . When theratchet system 1 is used as a winding tool, thesupport bracket 13 is preferably provided with anactuating arm 14. - The
cam 15 according to the present invention is pivotally mounted about thesupport bracket 13 and positioned adjacent to a portion of theoverhead shaft 5. Thecam 15 is shaped and sized to cooperate with said portion of theoverhead shaft 5 between a first configuration, where thecam 15 allows the rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 along afirst direction 21, as better shown inFIGS. 5 and 13 , and a second configuration, where thecam 15 has asurface 23 engaged with theoverhead shaft 5 and where further rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 along asecond direction 25, opposite to the above-mentionedfirst direction 21, is blocked by thecam 15, as better shown inFIGS. 6 and 14 . Hence, as can be easily understood, thecam 15 of theratchet system 1 is preferably devised to enable a user thereof to adjustably control the rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 of the rollingdoor assembly 3 during the winding thereof. Namely, theratchet system 1 according to the present invention is preferably intended to allow rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 in onedirection 21, but preferably devised to impede rotation thereof along a oppositesecond direction 25, so as to facilitate manipulating of the rollingdoor assembly 3 and corresponding parts during the winding thereof. - The biasing means 17 are preferably devised for urging the
surface 23 of thecam 15 onto theoverhead shaft 5 so as to preferably ensure a substantial and/or continuous contact between thecam 15 and the surface of theoverhead shaft 5, as shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , and thus ensure a fairly rapid blocking of theoverhead shaft 5 when the latter is rotated along the secondopposite direction 25, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - As also better shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 , the biasing means 17 are operatively connected between thesupport bracket 13 and thecam 15 so as to exert a biasing force for biasing thesurface 23 of thecam 15 towards theoverhead shaft 5. The biasing means 17 preferably comprise a loadedspring member 27, capable of storing potential energy via deformation so as to provide a potential force, thespring member 27 having a first end operatively connected to thesupport bracket 13 and a second end operatively connected to thecam 15. It is worth mentioning however that other suitable biasing means 17 which do not use potential energy for providing a biasing force may be used according to the present invention, so long as these biasing means 17 are capable of biasing thesurface 23 ofcam 15 in a suitable way towards theoverhead shaft 5, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - As better shown in
FIGS. 5, 9 , and 12, thecam 15 is preferably an oval-shaped (e.g. round, ellipse, etc.)cam 15 being eccentrically mounted onto thesupport bracket 13. It is worth mentioning though that other suitable geometries and dispositions can be used for thecam 15 andcorresponding support bracket 13 so as to ensure a rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 along afirst direction 21 but also prevent the latter from being rotated when rotated in a secondopposite direction 25. - Preferably, as aforementioned, the biasing means 17 comprise a loaded
spring 27 being operatively connected between thesupport bracket 13 and thecam 15. Preferably also, thespring member 27 has first and second ends operatively connected to thesupport bracket 13 and thecam 15 respectively, as better shown inFIGS. 1-6 . Once again, it is worth mentioning that the biasing means 17 may have other suitable dispositions on theratchet system 1 so as to ensure a corresponding biasing force on thecam 15 towards theoverhead shaft 5. Indeed, for example, as better shown inFIGS. 7-8 , the biasing means 17 may comprise aspring member 27 having first and second ends operatively connected to thesupport bracket 13 and apin 29 about which thecams 15 are mounted. It is also worth mentioning that, according to the present invention, thespring member 27 is not absolutely necessary for proper operation of theratchet system 1. Indeed, the biasing means 17 orspring 27 could be omitted and the biasing effect thereof could be replaced by the effect of gravity acting on the cam(s) 15, in which case, the cam(s) 15 would be positioned, shaped, and sized accordingly onto thesupport bracket 13 so that, by virtue of the effect of gravity acting thereon, it would have asurface 23 in physical, substantial and/or continuous contact with theoverhead shaft 5, as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - As better shown in
FIGS. 1-6 , thesupport bracket 13 preferably has anopening 31 through which extends theoverhead shaft 5, and the fixedstructure 7 about which thesupport bracket 13 is mounted preferably has corresponding supportinglips 33 about which theoverhead shaft 5 may be rested. Alternatively, thesupport bracket 13 preferably comprises anorifice 35 through which extends theoverhead shaft 5, as better shown inFIGS. 7-14 . It may be appreciated that asupport bracket 13 with such anorifice 35 is substantially more rigid sound than aU-shaped bracket 13, as shown inFIGS. 1-6 , and that theorifice 35 of saidsupport bracket 13 may be used as a guiding and support device for theoverhead shaft 5. - Although not absolutely necessary for proper operation of the
ratchet system 1 according to the present invention, the latter preferably comprises asafety device 37 being mounted about thesupport bracket 13 and being movable with respect to the same, thesafety device 37 having anend 39 adjacent to a contact point on theoverhead shaft 5, and thisend 39 of thesafety device 37 being operable between a first position where said end is away from the contact point of theoverhead shaft 5, and a second position, where theend 39 is secured against the contact point of theoverhead shaft 5 for immobilizing theoverhead shaft 5 so as to prevent it from being rotated along either direction with respect to thesupport bracket 13 of theratchet system 1. Indeed, once the rollingdoor assembly 3 has been properly wound (i.e. adjusted, calibrated, counterbalanced, etc.), theratchet system 1 according to the present invention and corresponding cam(s) 15 prevent adverse rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 along a secondopposite direction 25, and thus acts as a stopper for such a rotation. As a protective measure, theratchet system 1 may comprise the above-mentionedsafety device 37 for maintaining theoverhead shaft 5 in a stable and fixed configuration, upon proper winding of the rollingdoor assembly 3, so as to not have to rely entirely on theratchet system 1. Thus, as can be easily appreciated, thesafety device 37 of theratchet system 1 is not an essential feature thereof but provides the same with substantial advantages. Preferably, as better shown inFIGS. 7-9 , thesafety device 37 may consist of asuitable fastener 41 threadedly engaged into a correspondingnut 42 of theratchet system 1, and being adjustably screwed or unscrewed so as to selectively secure the same against the outer surface of theoverhead shaft 5, and selectively, block rotation thereof. Indeed, thesafety device 37 preferably consist of asimple fastener 41 having a first portion threadedly engaged onto the support bracket and/or a piece thereof, such as a flange as shown inFIG. 1 , and anend 39 cooperable with theoverhead shaft 5 in the manner discussed above. - As can be easily understood when referring to
FIGS. 1-9 , thesupport bracket 13 of theratchet system 1 according to the present invention is preferably securely mountable onto the fixed structure by means of correspondingsuitable fasteners 19, and thesupport bracket 13 preferably comprises correspondingrecesses 43 for receiving thefasteners 19. Thefasteners 19 may consist of a bolt combined with other suitable complementary pieces, such as anut 42, a washer, a spacer, and/or the like, as exemplified inFIG. 7 and as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - Preferably also, as better shown in
FIGS. 7-11 , and as can be easily understood therefrom, thecam 15 may be provided with alever arm 45 for allowing a user of theratchet system 1 to urge thecam 15 away from theoverhead shaft 5, so as to enable rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 along thesecond direction 25, during unwinding of the rollingdoor assembly 3, if required. - Preferably also, as better shown in
FIGS. 7-9 , thesupport bracket 13 comprisesprotective flanges 47 shaped, positioned, and sized so as to cover a substantial portion of the cam(s) 15, and prevent the cam(s) 15 from being accidentally tampered with. - It is worth mentioning though that, according to the present invention, the
safety device 37 may be disposed otherwise onsupport bracket 13 and/or on other parts of theratchet system 1, as briefly described hereinbelow and as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - According to another aspect of the present invention, there is also provided a kit comprising some or several of the preferred components constituting the
ratchet system 1 according to the present invention, as exemplified inFIG. 7 , so that a user may employ these components and assemble them so as to obtain aratchet system 1 having the structural components and displaying the features described hereinabove. - According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a rolling
door assembly 3 provided with the above-mentionedratchet system 1. - The
ratchet system 1 and corresponding parts (support bracket 13,cam 15, etc.) are preferably made of substantially rigid materials, such as metallic materials (steel, etc.), hardened polymers, composite materials, and/or the like, so as to ensure a proper operation thereof depending on the particular applications for which theratchet system 1 is intended and the different parameters in cause (counterbalancing force in the spring, weight of the door, number of cycles, etc.), as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - Following is a typical use of the
present ratchet system 1 intended for winding a rollingdoor assembly 3. Theshaft 5 of theassembly 3 which is typically connected to a counterbalancing spring, as aforementioned, is preferably placed on a fixedstructure 7, such as wall brackets for example. Preferably also, thebrackets 13 of the rollingdoor assembly 3 are then bolted to the corresponding wall brackets around theshaft 5. The system is then operational. A garage door installer can then turn theshaft 5 with a pipe wrench or a special tool, and theeccentric cam 15 will open and let theshaft 5 turn freely, as better shown inFIGS. 5 and 13 . When the installer stops turning the shaft, the shaft being now under tension created by the torque spring on thedoor assembly 3, said torque is maintained by the cam effect which blocks theoverhead shaft 5 from being rotated along a secondopposite direction 25, in any position under tension, as better shown inFIGS. 6 and 14 . When the required torque is reached, as apparent to a person skilled in the art, thefasteners 19 are then tightened to block any movement of theoverhead shaft 5 and ensure the normal operation and safety of the rollingdoor assembly 3. More specifically,FIG. 5 shows theshaft 5 after having been rotated in a clockwise direction. This rotation forces thecam 15 to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. If theoverhead shaft 5, by virtue of the tension torque present on the counterbalancing spring, attempts to lower its torque by turning counterclockwise, thecam 15 simply rotates clockwise by an amount sufficient for friction means to interact, such as a knurled portion or teeth of thesurface 23 of thecam 15, as illustrated inFIG. 6 , as well as the size and/or shape of thecam 15, engaging theshaft 5 and thus preventing further rotation thereof. - It is to be understood that several modifications could be made to the
present ratchet system 1 according to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention. Indeed, as aforementioned, the cam(s) 15 may be shaped, positioned, and sized in such a way that the effect of gravity will act to replace the biasing force of aspring member 27. Moreover, the counterbalancing spring may be direct to theshaft 5 but also be installed directly on the wall bracket as in the case with commercial garage doors and residential doors. In such cases, some modifications would have to be made, but the general principles of thepresent ratchet system 1 allowing theoverhead shaft 5 to be rotated along onedirection 21, but preventing the rotation thereof in a secondopposite direction 25, will still be possible to use. Moreover, according to the present invention, theratchet system 1 may comprise a plurality ofcams 15, such as a pair ofcams 15, as better shown inFIGS. 7-9 . In such case, theratchet system 1 is preferably devised to be symmetrical, so that either side may be used on a corresponding end of theoverhead shaft 5. It is also worth mentioning that thecam 15 may or may not be provided with a teeth to increase friction between theshaft 5 and thecam 15. Alternatively, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, thecam surface 23 may be provided with other suitable friction means for ensuring a proper engagement between thecam 15 and theoverhead shaft 5 when the latter is rotated along thesecond direction 25. - 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 3 or existingdoor assemblies 3. In such cases, the present invention is devised to securely control rotation of theoverhead shaft 5 of the rollingdoor assembly 3 during winding thereof. The present invention is a compact, easy to use, easy to maintain, and cost effective system for winding rollingdoor assemblies 3. Moreover, thepresent ratchet system 1 provides an easier and improved way of winding rollingdoor assemblies 3 than what is possible with the devices and/or method available in the prior art. Furthermore, the present invention may be used with other kinds ofdoor assemblies 3, such as fire doors and/or shutters for example, or with any other items provided with a shaft requiring to be properly adjusted, rotation-wise, as aforementioned and as apparent to a person skilled in the art. - Of course, numerous modifications could be made to the above-described embodiments without departing the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. A ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, a drum mounted about said overhead shaft, a door curtain foldable about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum, and a counterbalancing spring operatively connected between the overhead shaft and the drum for counterbalancing the rolling door assembly when the overhead shaft is operatively secured to the fixed structure, the ratchet system comprising:
at least one support bracket removably mountable onto the fixed structure and having an orifice for receiving therethrough the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly;
at least one cam having a given shape and size, the at least one cam being pivotally mounted about the at least one support bracket and having a peripheral surface configured for positioning against a portion of the overhead shaft; and
a loaded spring operatively connected between the at least one cam and the at least one support bracket for urging the peripheral surface of the at least one cam towards the orifice of the at least one support bracket;
the ratchet system being cooperable with the rolling door assembly so that the spring forces the at least one cam to be in a substantially continuous contact with said portion of the overhead shaft when extending through the orifice of the at least one support bracket, and the at least one cam being further configured to be operated between a first configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the first direction allows a rotation of the least one cam in an opposite direction of rotation, thereby enabling the overhead shaft to be rotated freely along the first direction so as to wind the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly, and a second configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the second direction is blocked by the at least one cam due to its shape and size, thereby impeding further rotation of the overhead shaft along said second direction so as to maintain a given winding force in the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly.
2. A ratchet system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one cam is an oval-shaped cam being eccentrically mounted onto the at least one support bracket.
3. A ratchet system according to claim 1 , wherein the system further comprises a safety device mounted about the at least one support bracket and being movable with respect to the same, the safety device having an end adjacent to a contact point on the overhead shaft, the end of the safety device being operable between a first position where said end is away from the contact point of the overhead shaft, and a second position, where said end is secured against the contact point of the overhead shaft for immobilizing the overhead shaft so as to prevent it from being rotated with respect to the at least one support bracket of the ratchet system.
4. A ratchet system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one support bracket is securely mountable onto the fixed structure by means of fasteners.
5. A ratchet system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one support bracket comprises recesses for receiving corresponding fasteners.
6. A ratchet system according to claim 1 , wherein said peripheral surface of the at least one cam is knurled.
7. A ratchet system according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one cam is provided with a lever arm for allowing a user to urge said at least one cam away from the overhead shaft.
8. A ratchet system according to claim 1 , wherein the ratchet system comprises first and second cams pivotally mounted on either side of the at least one support bracket about a common pin.
9. A ratchet system according to claim 8 , wherein each cam is an oval-shaped cam being eccentrically mounted onto the at least one support bracket.
10. A ratchet system according to claim 8 , wherein the loaded spring is operatively connected between the pin and the at least one support bracket.
11. A ratchet system according to claim 8 , wherein the ratchet system further comprises a safety device mounted about the at least one support bracket and being movable with respect to the same, the safety device having an end adjacent to a contact point on the overhead shaft, the end of the safety device being operable between a first position where said end is away from the contact point of the overhead shaft, and a second position, where said end is secured against the contact point of the overhead shaft for immobilizing the overhead shaft so as to prevent it from being rotated with respect to the at least one support bracket of the ratchet system.
12. A ratchet system according to claim 11 , wherein the at least one support bracket is securely mountable onto the fixed structure by means of fasteners, and wherein said at least one support bracket comprises recesses for receiving said fasteners.
13. A ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, the ratchet system comprising:
at least one support bracket removably mountable onto the fixed structure and having an orifice for receiving therethrough the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly;
at least one cam having a given shape and size, the at least one cam being pivotally mounted about the at least one support bracket and having a peripheral surface configured for positioning against a portion of the overhead shaft; and
a loaded spring operatively connected between the at least one cam and the at least one support bracket for urging the peripheral surface of the at least one cam towards the orifice of the at least one support bracket;
the ratchet system being cooperable with the rolling door assembly so that the spring forces the at least one cam to be in a substantially continuous contact with said portion of the overhead shaft when extending through the orifice of the at least one support bracket, and the at least one cam being further configured to be operated between a first configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the first direction allows a rotation of the least one cam in an opposite direction of rotation, thereby enabling the overhead shaft to be rotated freely along the first direction so as to wind a counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly, and a second configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the second direction is blocked by the at least one cam due to its shape and size, thereby impeding further rotation of the overhead shaft along said second direction so as to maintain a given winding force in the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly.
14. A kit for assembling a ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly having an overhead shaft operatively mounted about a fixed structure and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions, a drum mounted about said overhead shaft, a door curtain foldable about the drum and unfoldable from the same via a rotation of the drum, and a counterbalancing spring operatively connected between the overhead shaft and the drum for counterbalancing the rolling door assembly when the overhead shaft is operatively secured to the fixed structure, the kit comprising:
at least one support bracket removably mountable onto the fixed structure and having an orifice for receiving therethrough the overhead shaft of the rolling door assembly;
at least one cam having a given shape and size, the at least one cam being pivotally mountable about the at least one support bracket and having a peripheral surface configured for positioning against a portion of the overhead shaft; and
a loaded spring operatively connectable between the at least one cam and the at least one support bracket for urging the peripheral surface of the at least one cam towards the orifice of the at least one support bracket;
so that when the ratchet system is assembled and operatively mounted onto the rolling door assembly, the spring forces the at least one cam to be in a substantially continuous contact with said portion of the overhead shaft when extending through the orifice of the at least one support bracket, the at least one cam being further configured to be operated between a first configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the first direction allows a rotation of the least one cam in an opposite direction of rotation, thereby enabling the overhead shaft to be rotated freely along the first direction so as to wind a counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly, and a second configuration, where a rotation of the overhead shaft along the second direction is blocked by the at least one cam due to its shape and size, thereby impeding further rotation of the overhead shaft along said second direction so as to maintain a given winding force in the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly.
15. A kit according to claim 14 , further comprising fasteners for securely mounting the support bracket onto the fixed structure.
16. A kit according to claim 14 , wherein the at least one cam is an oval-shaped cam being eccentrically mountable onto the at least one support bracket.
17. A kit according to claim 14 , wherein the kit further comprises a safety device mountable about the at least one support bracket and being movable with respect to the same, the safety device having an end positionable adjacent to a contact point on the overhead shaft, the end of the safety device being operable between a first position where said end is away from the contact point of the overhead shaft, and a second position, where said end is secured against the contact point of the overhead shaft for immobilizing the overhead shaft so as to prevent it from being rotated with respect to the at least one support bracket of the ratchet system.
18. A kit according to claim 14 , wherein the at least one support bracket comprises recesses for receiving corresponding fasteners.
19. A kit according to claim 14 , wherein said peripheral surface of the at least one cam is knurled.
20. A kit according to claim 14 , wherein the at least one cam is provided with a lever arm for allowing a user to urge said at least one cam away from the overhead shaft.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/473,720 US20070012410A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2006-06-23 | Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly |
US12/960,274 US20110240236A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2010-12-03 | Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (6)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2,381,027 | 2002-04-10 | ||
CA2,381,054 | 2002-04-10 | ||
CA 2381027 CA2381027A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-04-10 | Winding tool cam ratchet |
CA002381054A CA2381054A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2002-04-10 | Dead shaft ratchet system |
US10/411,529 US20040020609A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2003-04-10 | Ratchet-like system for winding a rolling door assembly |
US11/473,720 US20070012410A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2006-06-23 | Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/411,529 Continuation-In-Part US20040020609A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2003-04-10 | Ratchet-like system for winding a rolling door assembly |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/960,274 Continuation US20110240236A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2010-12-03 | Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20070012410A1 true US20070012410A1 (en) | 2007-01-18 |
Family
ID=46325649
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/473,720 Abandoned US20070012410A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2006-06-23 | Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly |
US12/960,274 Abandoned US20110240236A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2010-12-03 | Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/960,274 Abandoned US20110240236A1 (en) | 2002-04-10 | 2010-12-03 | Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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US (2) | US20070012410A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090314869A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-12-24 | Canimex Inc. | Drum for counterbalancing system of a cable-operated door |
US10260264B2 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2019-04-16 | Canimex Inc. | Winding ratchet system for counterbalancing system |
US20220025699A1 (en) * | 2020-07-27 | 2022-01-27 | Eastern Metal Supply Inc. | Torsion spring adjuster |
USD946376S1 (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2022-03-22 | Automatic Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd | Door operator unit |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JP5284238B2 (en) * | 2009-10-07 | 2013-09-11 | 株式会社メタコ | Screen device |
JP6000807B2 (en) | 2012-11-05 | 2016-10-05 | 株式会社メタコ | Slide guide frame part of screen device |
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Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090314869A1 (en) * | 2008-03-31 | 2009-12-24 | Canimex Inc. | Drum for counterbalancing system of a cable-operated door |
US10260264B2 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2019-04-16 | Canimex Inc. | Winding ratchet system for counterbalancing system |
USD946376S1 (en) * | 2018-09-21 | 2022-03-22 | Automatic Technology (Australia) Pty Ltd | Door operator unit |
US20220025699A1 (en) * | 2020-07-27 | 2022-01-27 | Eastern Metal Supply Inc. | Torsion spring adjuster |
Also Published As
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US20110240236A1 (en) | 2011-10-06 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: CANIMEX INC., CANADA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SAVARD, NORMAND;FUNK, YANNICK;LAUZIER, JONATHAN;REEL/FRAME:018264/0672;SIGNING DATES FROM 20060808 TO 20060813 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |