Patent ID: 7393042
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: B60J,B60P

Abstract:
1. A sliding feed door for a horse trailer, comprising: a substantially rectangular door panel having a lower end, an upper end, and opposing sides; a handle and latch assembly attached to the lower end of the door panel; two feed door hinges, the hinges being pivotally attached to the opposing sides of the door panel, respectively, at the upper end of the panel; a torsion axle and at least one spring disposed on the axle, the axle being adapted for mounting to a trailer wall above the door panel; two spools, each of the spools having a spooled cable, the spools being attached to the axle near either end of the axle, respectively, each of the cables having a free end attached to a corresponding one of the feed door hinges; two guide tracks adapted for being mounted vertically to opposite sides of a feed door opening in the trailer wall; a latch keeper adapted for mounting in a position centered below the feed door opening, the latch keeper releasably engaging the handle and latch assembly to maintain the door panel in an open position; and two guide wheels, each of the guide wheels being rotatably attached to a respective one of the feed door hinges, the guide wheels slidably engaging the guide tracks; wherein the at least one spring biases the cables to pull the door panel up to cover the feed door opening in a closed position, the door panel being slidable downward and latchable against the spring bias in an open position below the feed door opening.