Abstract: A device for bending an extremity of a torsional spring. The device includes a base plate; at least one flange projecting from the base plate; at least one bulge projecting from the at least one flange; a lever arm pivotally mounted onto the at least one flange about a first pivot axis; and at least one cam pivotally mounted onto the lever arm about a second pivot axis. The lever arm is operable between first and second positions and each cam has a contact surface being positioned for operatively cooperating with a corresponding bulge. Prior to the bending operation, the extremity of the torsional spring is inserted between a given bulge and the contact surface of a corresponding cam when the lever arm is in the first position. In operation, the extremity of the spring is bent about the given bulge by the contact surface of the corresponding cam when the contact surface is urged towards the bulge and forced about the same over the extremity of the spring as the lever arm is operated into the second position.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for use with an overhead shaft of a sectional door for raising and lowering the door via a rotation of the overhead shaft. The drive mechanism has a support structure, a first gear, a drive shaft, a second gear, a pocket wheel and an actuator. The second gear is interconnected to the first gear so that a rotation of the second gear is transmitted to the first gear and vice versa. The pocket wheel is operable between first and second positions. The second gear is rotatable along a first direction corresponding to a raising of the sectional door and along an opposite second direction corresponding to a lowering of the sectional door. The actuator is used for rotating the pocket wheel about the drive shaft, operating the pocket wheel between the first and second positions, and driving the second gear along the first and second directions when the pocket wheel is in the second and first positions respectively.

Abstract: A plug for use in a counterbalancing mechanism of a cable-operated door. The plug is mounted about an overhead shaft and used for operatively connecting the overhead shaft to a torsion spring coaxially mounted thereon. The plug includes a cylindrical collar and a cylindrical flange. The cylindrical collar has opposite first and second portions. The collar is provided with a hooking slot for hooking a free end of the torsion spring therein and the torsion spring has a segment coaxially mounted about the first portion of the collar. The cylindrical flange is rigidly affixed to the second portion of the collar. The flange is used for transferring a torque between the torsion spring and the overhead shaft when the flange is securely fixed about the overhead shaft. The plug further includes a shouldering floor of a given length faced against the hooking slot and extending inside the collar, from the second portion towards the first portion thereof, between the collar and the overhead shaft.

Abstract: A plug mounted at one end of a torsional spring operatively connected to an overhead shaft of a counterbalancing mechanism of a garage door, wherein the plug comprises projecting interlocking means able to cooperate with corresponding matching means of a mating part of the counterbalancing mechanism, so that when the interlocking means of the plug are inserted into the corresponding matching means and when tension is applied to the torsional spring, the interlocking means interlock with said matching means of the mating part, thereby preventing the plug from being readily removed therefrom. The projecting interlocking means thus act as safety means because they provide an automatic locking mechanism which make the plug operate as a safety device as well.

Abstract: A leaf bumper assembly for stopping displacement of a garage door guided along a side rail track. The leaf bumper assembly includes a bracket and a strap. The bracket has a first portion rigidly connected to a fixed structure and a second portion positioned to abut with an edge of the garage door for stopping displacement thereof. The strap has a first end affixed to the first portion of the bracket and a second end affixed to the second portion of the bracket. By virtue of its design, the leaf bumper assembly prevents broken pieces from falling to the ground when the bracket of the assembly is broken.

Abstract: A security seal for a collar used for tensioning springs in garage door assemblies. A collar typically includes at least one set screw projecting outwardly and at least two winding holes. The security seal of the invention includes a generally longitudinal piece of flexible material having two opposite ends, the opposite ends being provided with a locking system for locking the opposite ends together in a permanent fashion. The seal also has at least one hollow cup adapted to receive the at least one set screw and at least two solid cups, each of the cups being adapted to fit with a corresponding winding hole. The hollow cup and the at least two solid cups are disposed on the security seal so that when the seal is locked above the collar, the hollow cup and the solid cups are in registration with the at least one set screw and the at least two winding holes respectively.

Abstract: A cable failure device for a mobilizing a garage door in the event of a failure of one of the cables or one of the elements holding the cables is described. The cable failure device of the invention includes a support structure mounted on the cable operated door and includes a connection point onto which a tensioned cable is connected. A braking assembly is mounted onto the support structure and includes a casing mounted onto the support structure and a brake operable between a rest position and an operable position. The brake is movably mounted to the support structure and is located adjacent the outside of a fixed frame such as guide rails and is adapted to co-operate with a roller on the garage door so that a portion of the guide rail lies between the roller and the brake. A tension detector co-operating with the tension cable is provided for detecting a tension in the tension cable and an actuator is operatively connected to the tension detector and to the brake.

Abstract: The plug is for use with a torsion spring and is removably connectable to a component of a counterbalancing mechanism. The plug comprises a generally circular base and a hollow body coaxially projecting from the base. The body has an outer surface for receiving an end of the torsion spring. At least two spaced-apart connection flanges are axially projecting from the base and opposite to the body. Each flange comprises a pair of opposite side shoulders. The flanges are removably inserted into the component for connecting the plug thereto in interfering engagement. Plugs that are constructed accordingly create modular and versatile sub-assemblies with other components. Such plugs are then easily secured in place and do require an extensive inventory of parts to accommodate all situations.