Abstract:
A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.
Abstract:
A counterbalance mechanism includes a first attachment strap that is fixedly attached to a body structure. An intermediate link is rotatably attached to the first attachment strap and rotatable about a winding axis relative to the first attachment strap. A first end of a second attachment strap is rotatably attached to a moveable panel. A second end of the second attachment strap is rotatably attached to the intermediate link, with the second attachment strap and the intermediate link rotatable relative to each other about a link axis. A spiral spring interconnects the first attachment strap and the intermediate link. The spiral spring biases the intermediate link about the winding axis to rotate the intermediate link and the second attachment strap relative to each other about the link axis, in a scissor-like motion, to rotate the panel relative to the body structure.
Abstract:
A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.
Abstract:
A window balance assembly may include a carrier, a spring element, and a mounting bracket. The spring element may include first and second portions. The first portion may be coupled to the carrier. The mounting bracket may engage the second portion of the spring element and may selectively engage the carrier. The mounting bracket may include a first mounting surface disposed at a non-perpendicular angle relative to an exterior surface of carrier when the window balance assembly is in an uninstalled configuration. The first mounting surface may be substantially parallel to the exterior surface of the carrier when the window balance assembly is in an installed configuration and the mounting bracket is disengaged from the carrier.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a self-closing sliding door assembly operable to allow manual opening and controlled automatic closing of a sliding door. The door assembly comprises storage spools for storing biasing members biased in a wound position around the storage spools. The door assembly further comprises a main spool for winding a cable and the biasing members. When the door is moved towards an open position, the cable is unwound from the main spool, causing the spool to rotate in a first direction. When the main spool is rotated in the first direction, the biasing members are wound onto the main spool and store energy operable to generate a force to cause the main spool to rotate in a second direction. When the door is released, the energy stored in the biasing members rotates the main spool in the second direction, thereby winding the door cable and providing a sufficient force to move the door towards the closed position.
Abstract:
A support mechanism supports a hood in a raised position with respect to a vehicle to which the hood is pivotally coupled. The mechanism includes two pairs of arm members which are pivotally coupled to each other by a central pivot pin, and which are coupled between the vehicle and the vehicle hood. A flat coil spring is coiled around the central pivot pin and is attached to the arm members. The spring is biased to pivot one pair of arms and in turn the hood upwardly.
Abstract:
An automatic sliding door closure device for use with a sliding door on a track. The device comprises a housing attached to the door having a connecting arm attached to the housing. A pulley rotatably mounted within the housing guides a cable having an exterior end attached to the doorframe and an interior end connected to the gear, rotating the gear when the sliding door is slid along the track. Tensioning means engaged with the gear tensions rotation of the gear as the door is moved. An airtight cylinder parallel with the track has a plunger arm connected to the connecting arm that is drawn within the cylinder as the door is moved. A flexible member connected to the plunger arm creates an air cushion within the cylinder. An airflow control valve controls intake and outlet of air into the airtight cylinder controlling the closure speed of the door.
Abstract:
A vehicle power liftgate cable drive has a cable drive housing. An electric motor with a motor housing and an output shaft is secured to the cable drive housing. A clutch pack with a first clutch driven by the output shaft and a second clutch driven by the first clutch, is mounted in the cable drive housing. One of the clutches in the clutch pack is a one way clutch and the other clutch is an electromechanical clutch. A pinion gear is driven by the second clutch. A driven gear is rotatably journaled on a fixed shaft and driven by the pinion gear. The cable drum is attached to the driven gear. A coil spring has one end fixed to the fixed shaft and its other end attached to the cable drum. The fixed shaft is rotated to preload the coil spring in a direction that tends to wind a cable on the cable drum and then the fixed shaft is fastened to the cable drive housing. A cable is attached to the cable drum and to the liftgate.
Abstract:
A window regulator for operating a slidable window panel. The window regulator includes a drive drum mounted for rotation in a wire winding direction to wind a first wire having one end mounted on a window panel carrier and in a wire unwinding direction to unwind the first wire. A driven drum is mounted for rotation in a wire winding direction to wind a second wire having one end mounted to the carrier and in a wire unwinding direction to unwind the second wire. The drive and driven drums come into connection with each other for rotation of the driven drum in unison with the drive drum only when the drive drum rotates in its wire unwinding direction. A device is provided for making a connection between the drive and driven drums for rotation of the driven drum in unison with the drive drum in response to rotation of the drive drum in its wire winding direction.
Abstract:
The window in a door of an automotive vehicle is lifted by an operating lever pivotally mounted on a supporting structure in the door which includes a releasably mounted carrier member of sheet metal. The weight of the window is partly balanced by a spiral spring one of whose ends is attached to the lever. The other end is secured in a gap between two integral lugs of the carrier member which are offset at right angles from the major face of the carrier member.