U.S. patent application number 11/473720 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly.
This patent application is currently assigned to CANIMEX INC.. Invention is credited to Yannick Funk, Jonathan Lauzier, Normand Savard.
Application Number | 20070012410 11/473720 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46325649 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070012410 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Savard; Normand ; et
al. |
January 18, 2007 |
Ratchet system for winding a rolling door assembly
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.
Inventors: |
Savard; Normand;
(Drummondville, CA) ; Funk; Yannick;
(Drummondville, CA) ; Lauzier; Jonathan;
(St-Eugene, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
CANIMEX INC.
Drummondville
CA
|
Family ID: |
46325649 |
Appl. No.: |
11/473720 |
Filed: |
June 23, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10411529 |
Apr 10, 2003 |
|
|
|
11473720 |
Jun 23, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/315 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/53 20150115;
E05Y 2900/106 20130101; E05D 13/1261 20130101; E06B 9/62 20130101;
E05Y 2900/00 20130101; B25B 13/46 20130101; B25B 13/5016 20130101;
E06B 9/174 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/315 |
International
Class: |
A47G 5/02 20060101
A47G005/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 10, 2002 |
CA |
2,381,027 |
Apr 10, 2002 |
CA |
2,381,054 |
Claims
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.
Description
[0001] 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.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 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.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Rolling door assemblies, such as mini-warehouse doors,
commercial rolling steel doors, and the like, are very well known
in the art.
[0004] 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.
[0005] Also known to the Applicant are the following U.S. Pat. Nos.
135,461; 748,641; 4,524,791; and 6,527,037.
[0006] 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.
[0007] 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.
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] 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.
[0011] 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.
[0012] 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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] 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.
[0014] 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.
[0015] 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: [0016] 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;
[0017] 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 [0018] 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; [0019] 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.
[0020] 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: [0021] 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; [0022] 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 [0023] 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; [0024] 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.
[0025] 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: [0026] 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; [0027] 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 [0028] 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; [0029] 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.
[0030] 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.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0031] 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.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of what is shown in FIG.
1.
[0033] 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.
[0034] 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.
[0035] 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.
[0036] 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.
[0037] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a ratchet system according to
another preferred embodiment of the invention.
[0038] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of the ratchet system of FIG. 7
shown in an assembled configuration.
[0039] FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of what is shown in FIG.
8.
[0040] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of
the ratchet system shown in FIG. 9.
[0041] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XI-XI of
the ratchet system shown in FIG. 9.
[0042] 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION
[0045] In the following description, the same numerical references
refer to similar elements. The embodiments shown in the figures are
preferred.
[0046] 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.
[0047] 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.
[0048] 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 the ratchet 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.
[0049] Broadly described, the ratchet system 1 according to the
present invention, as exemplified in the accompanying drawings, 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.
[0050] The ratchet system 1 according to the present invention 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. In the case of a "dead shaft" rolling door assembly 3 for
example, 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. It is worth mentioning that,
instead of using a counterbalancing spring, 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.
[0051] According to the present invention, and as better shown in
FIGS. 1-6, the ratchet system 1 comprises at least one support
bracket 13, at least one cam 15, and biasing means 17. As better
shown in FIGS. 3-5, 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.
When the ratchet system 1 is used as a winding tool, the support
bracket 13 is preferably provided with an actuating arm 14.
[0052] The cam 15 according to the present invention 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. Hence, as can be easily understood,
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.
Namely, 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.
[0053] 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.
[0054] As also better shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, 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. 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
the surface 23 of cam 15 in a suitable way towards the overhead
shaft 5, as apparent to a person skilled in the art.
[0055] As better shown in FIGS. 5, 9, and 12, 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.
[0056] Preferably, as aforementioned, the biasing means 17 comprise
a loaded spring 27 being operatively connected between the support
bracket 13 and the cam 15. Preferably also, 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. Once again, it is worth mentioning that 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. Indeed, for example, as better shown in FIGS.
7-8, 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. It is also
worth mentioning that, according to the present invention, the
spring member 27 is not absolutely necessary for proper operation
of the ratchet system 1. Indeed, 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.
[0057] As better shown in FIGS. 1-6, 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. Alternatively, 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.
[0058] Although not absolutely necessary for proper operation of
the ratchet system 1 according to the present invention, 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. Indeed, once the
rolling door assembly 3 has been properly wound (i.e. adjusted,
calibrated, counterbalanced, etc.), the ratchet system 1 according
to the present invention and corresponding cam(s) 15 prevent
adverse rotation of the overhead shaft 5 along a second opposite
direction 25, and thus acts as a stopper for such a rotation. As a
protective measure, 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. Thus, as can be easily appreciated, the safety
device 37 of the ratchet system 1 is not an essential feature
thereof but provides the same with substantial advantages.
Preferably, as better shown in FIGS. 7-9, 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. Indeed, 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.
[0059] As can be easily understood when referring to FIGS. 1-9, the
support bracket 13 of the ratchet system 1 according to the present
invention 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.
[0060] Preferably also, as better shown in FIGS. 7-11, and as can
be easily understood therefrom, 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.
[0061] Preferably also, as better shown in FIGS. 7-9, 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.
[0062] It is worth mentioning though that, according to the present
invention, 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.
[0063] 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 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.
[0064] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a rolling door assembly 3 provided with the
above-mentioned ratchet system 1.
[0065] 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 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.
[0066] Following is a typical use of the present ratchet system 1
intended for winding a rolling door assembly 3. 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. Preferably also,
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. When the installer stops turning the shaft, the shaft being
now under tension created by the torque spring on the door assembly
3, said torque is maintained by the cam effect which blocks the
overhead shaft 5 from being rotated along a second opposite
direction 25, in any position under tension, as better shown in
FIGS. 6 and 14. When the required torque is reached, as apparent to
a person skilled in the art, the fasteners 19 are then tightened to
block any movement of the overhead shaft 5 and ensure the normal
operation and safety of the rolling door assembly 3. More
specifically, 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. If the overhead shaft 5, by virtue of
the tension torque present on the counterbalancing spring, attempts
to lower its torque by turning counterclockwise, 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.
[0067] 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 a spring member 27. Moreover,
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.
Moreover, according to the present invention, 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. In such case, 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. It is also
worth mentioning that the cam 15 may or may not be provided with a
teeth to increase friction between the shaft 5 and the cam 15.
Alternatively, as also apparent to a person skilled in the art, 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.
[0068] 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 existing door assemblies 3. In such cases, 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. Moreover, 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. Furthermore, 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.
[0069] 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.
* * * * *