Abstract:
A shaft operator assembly for moving a door assembly which includes a movable door leaf and a door shaft attached to the door leaf for common movement together. A shaft connecting unit includes a shaft connecting element and a connecting plate element and connects a driven member of the shaft operator assembly with minimal space requirements to the door shaft. The connecting plate element, which can be secured to or integrally configured with the driven member, is relatively thin to permit the jack shaft operator and connecting plate element to be shifted into a fitted position even where little space is available. The shaft connecting element is mountable non-rotatably on the door shaft and includes an axial opening extending through the shaft connecting element for receiving the door shaft.
Abstract:
A vehicle tailgate lift assist support structure is disclosed that includes a vehicle rear end structure, a vehicle tailgate and a lift assist device. The vehicle rear end structure includes first and second walls that extend generally perpendicular to one another. A hinge reinforcement bracket has first and second reinforcing parts. The first reinforcing part is fastened on the first wall and the second reinforcing part is fastened on the second wall. A vehicle tailgate is pivotally coupled to the hinge reinforcement bracket and the rear end structure to open and close by rotation about a tailgate pivot axis. A lift assist device is operably connected to the tailgate hinge and the vehicle rear end structure to dampen opening movement and to apply a closing torque to tailgate hinge during closing movement of the vehicle tailgate.
Abstract:
A power-operated system for actuating the rear doors or liftgates of motor vehicles is disclosed. The system includes an articulating strut mounted between a vehicle frame and the rear door. A motor assembly is operatively coupled between the articulating strut and the vehicle frame for changing the angular orientation and, in turn, mechanical advantage provided by the articulating strut. The articulating strut is moved into angular orientations of greater mechanical advantage in order to effect opening of the rear door and lesser mechanical advantage to effect closing of the rear door.
Abstract:
A truck hood actuator is provided which, operating via a gear rack and DC motor-powered traveler or pinion gear and ring gear, can operate more quickly than a hydraulic actuator, or a worm or screw gear actuator. Further, by employing the disclosed gear rack and traveler, the actuator of the present invention can be readily employed and installed as an after market accessory or as OEM equipment at a lower cost than a hydraulic or other, more complex, actuators.
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:
A drivable flap hinge for connecting a flaps such as a front hood or a trunk lid, to a body of an automobile in an articulated manner. The drivable hinge includes a first retaining part for fixing to the flap, a second retaining part for fixing to the body, at least one connecting member, which is pivotably arranged on at least one of the two retaining parts with a joint, and a driving motor, which is drive-connected to a joint pin of the joint. The flap hinge advantageously enables a front gate or tail gate of an automobile to pivot in a driven manner as a result of the driven joint pin connecting the first retaining part and the connection member.
Abstract:
The invention relative to a shaft operator assembly (8) for powering a door (2) comprising a movable door leaf (4) and a door shaft (6) geared to the door leaf (4) for common movement, including a shaft connecting means (20) for connecting a driven member (35) of the shaft operator assembly (8) to the door shaft (6). To permit fitting the shaft operator assembly even where little space is available it is proposed in accordance with the invention that the shaft connecting means (20) comprises a connecting plate element (29) secured to or integrally configured with the driven member (35) and a shaft connecting element (28) mountable non-rotatably, more particularly positively non-rotatably, on the door shaft (6), the shaft connecting element (28) including an axial opening (39) extending through the shaft connecting element (28) for receiving non-rotatably, more particularly positively non-rotatably, the door shaft (6) and connectable or connected by a plate connecting portion (42) located radial outside of the opening 39 to the connecting plate element (29). In addition, the invention relates to a door provided therewith as well as to a method for fitting the shaft operator assembly.
Abstract:
A pocket door system for the suspension of a pocket door within an entertainment cabinet or the like is shown with a rack and pinion guide associated with each pocket door slide and a synchronization shaft for transmittal of the actuation of one pocket door slide to the other, and where the installation of the pocket door slide and rack and pinion guide are integral to each other and also provide an improved alignment method.
Abstract:
Drive system for moving a load along a curved path. The drive system includes a base for mounting the drive system, the base having a curved track for guiding the load along the curved path. There is a load engaging mechanism mounted on the base for movement relative to the base, the load engaging mechanism being for moving the load. The load engaging mechanism has a curved track engaging roller for engaging the curved track. A linear drive mechanism including a linearly driven member is mounted on the base. The linearly driven member includes a driving pivot. A drive link is attached to the driving pivot at a drive force receiving end of the drive link, the drive link including a driven pivot at a drive force communicating end of the drive link. The driven pivot is attached to the load engaging mechanism, whereby linear motion of the driving pivot causes motion of the load along the curved path.
Abstract:
A door operator having a door hanger comprising a pair of double trolley assemblies disposed for linear movement within a hanger rail, wherein each trolley assembly further comprises two rollers mounted substantially opposite one another and engaging roller cavities within said hanger rail. Said door hanger is integrated with the drive system or is mounted independently of the drive system for replacement of the door hanger of the prior art or in new application requiring such independency between the door hanger and drive system.