Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a closure member such as a door and a torsion bar that extends between hinge assemblies about which the door pivots so that the torsion bar becomes twisted when the door is moved between a closed position and an open position. The twisting of the torsion bar creates potential energy in the torsion which can be used to open or close the door. A force adjustment mechanism is provided which releases built-up potential energy in the torsion bar in a controlled manner so as to close open the door in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a closure member such as a door and a torsion bar that extends between hinge assemblies about which the door pivots so that the torsion bar becomes twisted when the door is moved between a closed position and an open position. The twisting of the torsion bar creates potential energy in the torsion which can be used to open or close the door. A force adjustment mechanism is provided which releases built-up potential energy in the torsion bar in a controlled manner so as to close open the door in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier for vehicles which includes a support arm for mounting a spare tire thereon and a cooperating tubular assembly coupled to a fixed end of the support arm for mounting the support arm to a vehicle. The cooperating tubular assembly includes upper and lower opposed guide plates which provide for relative rotational movement there between to simultaneously effect pivotal movement of the support arm with respect to the cooperative tubular assembly while effecting rotational movement of the support arm about its central axis. The spare tire carrier can be mounted to the underside of trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and other motorized and non-motorized and towed vehicles.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a closure member such as a door and a torsion bar that extends between hinge assemblies about which the door pivots so that the torsion bar becomes twisted when the door is moved between a closed position and an open position. The twisting of the torsion bar creates potential energy in the torsion which can be used to open or close the door. A force adjustment mechanism is provided which releases built-up potential energy in the torsion bar in a controlled manner so as to close open the door in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A hinge assembly that includes a closure member such as a door and a torsion bar that extends between hinge assemblies about which the door pivots so that the torsion bar becomes twisted when the door is moved between a closed position and an open position. The twisting of the torsion bar creates potential energy in the torsion which can be used to open or close the door. A force adjustment mechanism is provided which releases built-up potential energy in the torsion bar in a controlled manner so as to close open the door in a controlled manner.

Abstract: A lift assist system for cargo door ramps of trucks and trailers which includes one or more torsion arms that are housed in a tubular housing assembly attached at the pivotal axis of the door ramps. The housing assembly includes left and right door hinges and at least one center door hinge. Tubular housing members which house the torsion bars extend between the door hinges.

Abstract: A lift assist system for cargo door ramps of trucks and trailers or other pivotal closures which includes a spring assembly containing a compressible spring element which is compressed when a cargo door is moved into an open position. As the compressible spring is compressed it stores up kinetic energy that is released to assist in lifting the cargo door is moved into a closed position.

Abstract: A lift assist system for cargo door ramps of trucks and trailers which includes one or more torsion arms that are housed in a tubular housing assembly attached at the pivotal axis of the door ramps. The housing assembly includes left and right door hinges and at least one center door hinge. Tubular housing members which house the torsion bars extend between the door hinges.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable support system for raising and lowering structures, including covers or tops of mobile and immobile dwellings which includes a plurality of telescopic assemblies. The telescopic assemblies include at least two tube members that are provided with enclosed sides and a centrally located internal channel structure that is parallel to and proximal to a center of the tube members, though which internal channel structures one of a plurality of spring elements extends. A mechanism extends and retracts the spring elements thereby causing the telescopic assemblies to extend and retract.

Abstract: An extendable and retractable support system for raising and lowering structures, including covers or tops of mobile and immobile dwellings which includes a plurality of telescopic assemblies. The telescopic assemblies include at least two tube members that are provided with enclosed sides and a centrally located internal channel structure that is parallel to and proximal to a center of the tube members, though which internal channel structures one of a plurality of spring elements extends. A mechanism extends and retracts the spring elements thereby causing the telescopic assemblies to extend and retract.

Abstract: A spare tire carrier for vehicles which includes a support arm for mounting a spare tire thereon and a cooperating tubular assembly coupled to a fixed end of the support arm for mounting the support arm to a vehicle. The cooperating tubular assembly includes upper and lower opposed guide plates which provide for relative rotational movement there between to simultaneously effect pivotal movement of the support arm with respect to the cooperative tubular assembly while effecting rotational movement of the support arm about its central axis. The spare tire carrier can be mounted to the underside of trucks, vans, recreational vehicles, campers, trailers, and other motorized and non-motorized and towed vehicles.

Abstract: A cableless extendable and retractable support system for raising and lower a structure that includes a base, a structure to be raised and lowered relative to the base, a plurality of telescopic assemblies coupled between the base and structure to be raised and lowered, a plurality of spring elements having ends that are coupled between the plurality of telescopic assemblies and a lift tube assembly, the lift tube assembly including a mechanism which, when activated, selectively extends or retracts each of the plurality of spring elements therefrom and a housing which encloses the entire mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements. According to one embodiment, the mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements includes a drive screw and a driven screw and a pair of opposed push blocks which are mounded on the drive and driven screws, the first ends of each of the plurality of spring elements being coupled to the pair of push blocks.

Abstract: A cableless extendable and retractable support system for raising and lower a structure that includes a base, a structure to be raised and lowered relative to the base, a plurality of telescopic assemblies coupled between the base and structure to be raised and lowered, a plurality of spring elements having ends that are coupled between the plurality of telescopic assemblies and a lift tube assembly, the lift tube assembly including a mechanism which, when activated, selectively extends or retracts each of the plurality of spring elements therefrom and a housing which encloses the entire mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements. According to one embodiment, the mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements includes a drive screw and a driven screw and a pair of opposed push blocks which are mounded on the drive and driven screws, the first ends of each of the plurality of spring elements being coupled to the pair of push blocks.

Abstract: A cableless extendable and retractable support system for raising and lower a structure that includes a base, a structure to be raised and lowered relative to the base, a plurality of telescopic assemblies coupled between the base and structure to be raised and lowered, a plurality of spring elements having ends that are coupled between the plurality of telescopic assemblies and a lift tube assembly, the lift tube assembly including a mechanism which, when activated, selectively extends or retracts each of the plurality of spring elements therefrom and a housing which encloses the entire mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements. According to one embodiment, the mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements includes a drive screw and a driven screw and a pair of opposed push blocks which are mounded on the drive and driven screws, the first ends of each of the plurality of spring elements being coupled to the pair of push blocks.

Abstract: A cableless extendable and retractable support system for raising and lower a structure that includes a base, a structure to be raised and lowered relative to the base, a plurality of telescopic assemblies coupled between the base and structure to be raised and lowered, a plurality of spring elements having ends that are coupled between the plurality of telescopic assemblies and a lift tube assembly, the lift tube assembly including a mechanism which, when activated, selectively extends or retracts each of the plurality of spring elements therefrom and a housing which encloses the entire mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements. According to one embodiment, the mechanism that extends and retracts the plurality of spring elements includes a drive screw and a driven screw and a pair of opposed push blocks which are mounded on the drive and driven screws, the first ends of each of the plurality of spring elements being coupled to the pair of push blocks.