Abstract: A device for creating an angular biasing force for the roller tube of a security shade, which roller tube is mounted to a fixed structure of a vehicle. The device comprises an element attached to the fixed structure of the vehicle and a plurality of force units, each including a torsion spring exerting a biasing force between the structure and the roller tube, wherein the torsion springs each have a first inner end associated with the fixed structure and a second outer end associated with the roller tube so the torsion biasing force of each spring is in a direction from the fixed structure to the roller tube. The total angular force of the device is the sum of the biasing forces of all of the torsion spring force units when the units are connected in parallel. When connected in series, the magnitude of angular rotation is the sum of the angle of rotation of all units.

Abstract: A counterbalance for use in a motor vehicle that is connected to a tailgate to at least partially control the movement of the tailgate. The counterbalance is made of a spring that counters the load applied to the tailgate, a flexible material strap that provides a stop for the counterbalance, a protective housing that covers the spring, and a flexible material strap. The counterbalance has a fully extended length that is greater than twice the length of the counterbalance when non-extended.

Abstract: A device for creating an angular biasing force for the roller tube of a security shade, which roller tube is mounted to a fixed structure of a vehicle. The device comprises an element attached to the fixed structure of the vehicle and a plurality of force units, each including a torsion spring exerting a biasing force between the structure and the roller tube, wherein the torsion springs each have a first inner end associated with the fixed structure and a second outer end associated with the roller tube so the torsion biasing force of each spring is in a direction from the fixed structure to the roller tube. The total angular force of the device is the sum of the biasing forces of all of the torsion spring force units when the units are connected in parallel. When connected in series, the magnitude of angular rotation is the sum of the angle of rotation of all units.

Abstract: A device for creating an angular biasing force for the roller tube of a security shade, which roller tube is mounted to a fixed structure of a vehicle. The device comprises an element attached to the fixed structure of the vehicle and a plurality of force units, each including a torsion spring exerting a biasing force between the structure and the roller tube, wherein the torsion springs each have a first inner end associated with the fixed structure and a second outer end associated with the roller tube so the torsion biasing force of each spring is in a direction from the fixed structure to the roller tube. The total angular force of the device is the sum of the biasing forces of all of the torsion spring force units when the units are connected in parallel. When connected in series, the magnitude of angular rotation is the sum of the angle of rotation of all units.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: A counterbalance for use in a motor vehicle that is connected to a tailgate to at least partially control the movement of the tailgate. The counterbalance is made of a spring that counters the load applied to the tailgate, a flexible material strap that provides a stop for the counterbalance, a protective housing that covers the spring, and a flexible material strap. The counterbalance has a fully extended length that is greater than twice the length of the counterbalance when non-extended.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: A spring device comprising at least one annular support plate defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed about the at least one annular plate; and, a plurality of lock assemblies spaced about the plate. Each of the lock assemblies being in position within a spring cavity of one of the coil springs to allow additional springs to be provided on the spring device. In addition, the lock assemblies are dimensioned so that the coil spring is retained in a prestressed condition.

Abstract: A spring device comprising a pair of spaced-apart first and second annular support plates defining a ring with a central axis; a plurality of circumferentially spaced, parallel oriented coil springs disposed between said annular plates; and, a plurality of guide assemblies located at circumferentially spaced positions around said ring, each of the guide assemblies including a first tab extending from one of the plates, a second top extending from the other of the plates to form a generally sliding contact between the first and second tabs as the plates move vertically to compress and/or release the coil springs wherein the first tab has a guide slot extending in a direction perpendicular to the plates and the second tab carries an assembled elongated guide member extending through the slot to guide vertical movement between the plates.