Patent ID: 6735905
Filing Date: 2004-05-18
Classification: E05D,E05Y,Y10T

Abstract:
A ratcheting system for winding a helical torsion spring around a torsion bar in a counterbalancing system for an overhead door having multiple panel sections, the torsion spring having a stationary end and having a winding end, the ratcheting system comprising:(a) a cylindrical sleeve encompassing the torsion bar, the sleeve having longitudinal channels and being secured to the torsion bar at the winding end of the torsion spring; and (b) a winding cone that is separate from the cylindrical sleeve, fits over the cylindrical sleeve, and rotates independently from the cylindrical sleeve as the torsion spring is wound, the winding cone having a cone-shaped section connected to the winding end of the torsion spring, a plurality of radial openings for receiving winding bars, a first threaded radial opening containing a set screw, and a second threaded radial opening containing a pull pin, the pull pin having a spring-biased beveled projection that extends inwardly from the winding cone to contact the longitudinal channels of the cylindrical sleeve; such that when the winding cone is rotated in a first direction with the bevel of the projection leading, the beveled projection passes over the longitudinal channels and when the winding cone is rotated in the opposite direction with the bevel of the projection trailing, the beveled projection engages the longitudinal channel and prevents further rotation.