Patents by Inventor Richard K. Hoofard
Richard K. Hoofard has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7017220Abstract: A counter balance mechanism for a mechanically-operated, vertically-storing dock leveler that can upwardly bias the dock leveler at desired angles of rotation and downwardly bias the dock leveler at other angles of rotation, and neutrally bias the dock leveler at yet other angles of rotation. A method for assisting the operation of a mechanically-operated, vertically-storing dock leveler of desirable simplicity is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2003Date of Patent: March 28, 2006Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: James C. Alexander, Richard K. Hoofard
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Patent number: 6951041Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2003Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: SPX CorporationInventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander
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Patent number: 6931686Abstract: A dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. A disengaging system is also included to disengage the support legs from retracting when the dock level lip is in a pendant position. A method of operating a dock leveler includes keeping a support leg in a support position when a dock leveler descends rapidly and retracting a support leg when the dock leveler descends slowly.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: SPX Dock Products Inc.Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey
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Publication number: 20040237223Abstract: A dock leveler for bridging the gap between a loading dock and the bed of a vehicle parked at the loading dock. The dock leveler is configured for installation on the top of the dock and is designed to rotate from a vertically-stored raised position to at least one lowered, operative position. In some embodiments, the dock leveler can be lowered either for normal operation so that the deck rests on the bed of the vehicle or it can be lowered to accommodate an end-loading condition.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2003Publication date: December 2, 2004Applicant: United Dominion Industries, Inc.Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander
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Publication number: 20040177456Abstract: A dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. A disengaging system is also included to disengage the support legs from retracting when the dock level lip is in a pendant position. A method of operating a dock leveler includes keeping a support leg in a support position when a dock leveler descends rapidly and retracting a support leg when the dock leveler descends slowly.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey
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Publication number: 20040177457Abstract: A method and apparatus for supporting a dock leveler in a manner to reduce the effects of free fall and stump-out. The apparatus includes the use of a retractable support leg. The method includes maintaining the support leg in a support position and retracting the support leg under certain conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Kelley Company, Inc.Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, James C. Alexander, Douglas H. Massey, Michael M. Meichtry
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Publication number: 20040177455Abstract: In one embodiment, a dock leveler includes a support leg system configured to remain in a support position when the dock leveler descends rapidly and retract when the dock leveler descends slowly. In another embodiment, a dock leveler includes a multi-tiered lip keeper support system for supporting the ramp at more than one position. In another embodiment, a method of supporting a dock leveler ramp includes attaching a first and second lip engaging apparatus under the ramp.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 27, 2003Publication date: September 16, 2004Applicant: Kelley Company, Inc.Inventors: Richard K. Hoofard, David C. Saliger
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Patent number: 6745814Abstract: Guide track assemblies for upward acting doors include identical vertical and horizontal linear track sections and a curvilinear transition track section. The linear track sections include spaced-apart elongated slots formed at acute angles with respect to the longitudinal extent of the track sections for cooperation with retainer members mounted on angle-shaped jamb brackets. A header bracket also includes one or more retainer members thereon for disposition in similar elongated slots formed in the curvilinear track section. The linear track sections fit in telescoping relationship within enlarged end portions of the curvilinear track section. The configurations of the header brackets, jamb brackets and track sections facilitate quick assembly and easy positional adjustment of the track sections with respect to a door opening covered by a door guided by the track assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: June 8, 2004Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Celestino Duran, David M. Wells
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Patent number: 6578235Abstract: A handle assembly, particularly adapted for a sectional door panel includes identical handle parts each having a grip portion and spaced apart transversely extending legs. One of the legs of each handle part has an elongated shank extending therefrom and the other leg of each handle part has a shorter shank or a shank receiving bore formed therein. The handle parts are assembled to each other from opposite sides of a door panel and secured by conventional threaded fasteners which extend through a bore in one leg of each handle part and engage a shank of the other handle part. Tubular spacers may be sleeved over the shanks of the handle parts to limit the spacing between the handle parts during assembly to the door panel.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2001Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Michele Rene Womack, LeRoy G. Krupke, Richard K. Hoofard, Thomas S. Skinner
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Patent number: 6554047Abstract: Guide track assemblies for upward acting doors include substantially linear vertical and horizontal track sections and curvilinear transition sections formed as portions of each of the vertical and horizontal linear sections. The track assemblies are supported, respectively, by mounting brackets which also support a counterbalance mechanism for the door. The curvilinear transition track sections are formed integral with the vertical and horizontal track sections and may have a constant or elliptical radius of curvature, the latter to provide clearance for the guide track assemblies in low headroom installations. The mounting brackets are formed of stamped metal plates which are folded to provide a first flange for attaching the mounting bracket to a structural wall, a support part including a flag portion for connection to the guide track sections and a second flange for connection to a door counterbalance mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: July 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 29, 2003Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Joseph J. Mondragon, Richard K. Hoofard, Robert K. Wright, James W. Compton, LeRoy G. Krupke, Robert S. Cogger
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Publication number: 20030070771Abstract: Guide track assemblies for upward acting doors include identical vertical and horizontal linear track sections and a curvilinear transition track section. The linear track sections include spaced-apart elongated slots formed at acute angles with respect to the longitudinal extent of the track sections for cooperation with retainer members mounted on angle-shaped jamb brackets. A header bracket also includes one or more retainer members thereon for disposition in similar elongated slots formed in the curvilinear track section. The linear track sections fit in telescoping relationship within enlarged end portions of the curvilinear track section. The configurations of the header brackets, jamb brackets and track sections facilitate quick assembly and easy positional adjustment of the track sections with respect to a door opening covered by a door guided by the track assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 4, 2002Publication date: April 17, 2003Applicant: OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Celestino Duran, David M. Wells
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Patent number: 6527035Abstract: Guide track assemblies for upward acting doors include identical vertical and horizontal linear track sections and a curvilinear transition track section. The linear track sections include spaced-apart elongated slots formed at acute angles with respect to the longitudinal extent of the track sections for cooperation with retainer members mounted on angle-shaped jamb brackets. A header bracket also includes one or more retainer members thereon for disposition in similar elongated slots formed in the curvilinear track section. The linear track sections fit in telescoping relationship within enlarged end portions of the curvilinear track section. The configurations of the header brackets, jamb brackets and track sections facilitate quick assembly and easy positional adjustment of the track sections with respect to a door opening covered by a door guided by the track assemblies.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2001Date of Patent: March 4, 2003Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Celestino Duran, David M. Wells
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Publication number: 20020166210Abstract: A handle assembly, particularly adapted for a sectional door panel includes identical handle parts each having a grip portion and spaced apart transversely extending legs. One of the legs of each handle part has an elongated shank extending therefrom and the other leg of each handle part has a shorter shank or a shank receiving bore formed therein. The handle parts are assembled to each other from opposite sides of a door panel and secured by conventional threaded fasteners which extend through a bore in one leg of each handle part and engage a shank of the other handle part. Tubular spacers may be sleeved over the shanks of the handle parts to limit the spacing between the handle parts during assembly to the door panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2001Publication date: November 14, 2002Applicant: OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: Michele Rene Womack, Leroy G. Krupke, Richard K. Hoofard, Thomas S. Skinner
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Patent number: 6408926Abstract: Sectional garage door panels are provided with elongated reinforcing beams secured to the inside surface of the panels by supporting a beam on a panel with spaced apart support brackets secured to the panel and securing the beam to the panels at spaced apart points thereon with mechanical fasteners. The beams are preferably channel shaped and the support brackets each include a beam locating projection for accurately locating the beams on a panel and in engagement with panel reinforcing stiles to facilitate quickly securing the beams to the panel with mechanical fasteners. The panels are erected in a doorway and supported by opposed guide tracks prior to installing the beams on the panel to facilitate handling the panels and the beams during shipment and prior to installation.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Ted Lefkovits, Michele Rene Womack
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Publication number: 20020003031Abstract: Guide track assemblies for upward acting doors include identical vertical and horizontal linear track sections and a curvilinear transition track section. The linear track sections include spaced-apart elongated slots formed at acute angles with respect to the longitudinal extent of the track sections for cooperation with retainer members mounted on angle-shaped jamb brackets. A header bracket also includes one or more retainer members thereon for disposition in similar elongated slots formed in the curvilinear track section. The linear track sections fit in telescoping relationship within enlarged end portions of the curvilinear track section. The configurations of the header brackets, jamb brackets and track sections facilitate quick assembly and easy positional adjustment of the track sections with respect to a door opening covered by a door guided by the track assemblies.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 30, 2001Publication date: January 10, 2002Applicant: OVERHEAD DOOR CORPORATIONInventors: Richard K. Hoofard, Celestino Duran, David M. Wells
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Patent number: 6134835Abstract: A counterbalance system for an upward-acting door includes spaced-apart wall brackets and cable drums supported on the brackets and connected to flexible cables which depend from the drums and connected to the lower side edges of an upward-acting sectional garage door. One or both of the cable drums may be connected to one end of a torsion coil spring and the opposite end of each spring is connected to a hub assembly. Elongated spring winding and protective cover tubes are sleeved over the springs and are connected to the brackets by worm-gear drive winding mechanisms, respectively, for rotating the tubes to effect winding of the torsion coil springs through the hub assemblies but preventing rotation of the tubes during normal operation of the counterbalance system. The cable drums and spring hub assemblies may be supported on an elongated synchronizing shaft or a torque transfer shaft extending between and supported on the wall brackets.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 1998Date of Patent: October 24, 2000Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: LeRoy G. Krupke, D. Scott Boucher, John E. Scates, Richard K. Hoofard
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Patent number: 6125582Abstract: A counterbalance system for an upward acting door includes spaced apart wall brackets supporting a tubular shaft for spaced apart cable drums operable to wind counterbalance cables thereon to counterbalance the weight of the door. Torsion springs interconnect the cable drums and spring winder tubes sleeved over the springs and connected to the wall brackets by a winder mechanism including a support plate having spaced apart tabs adapted to register in corresponding slots formed in a wall bracket. The winder mechanism includes a worm gear drive including a ring gear which is connected to one end of the winder tube by an arrangement of radially inwardly projecting key portions in a bore of the ring gear which register with axial grooves formed in the winder tube and are adapted to slide into transverse slots intersecting the grooves. A removable lock pin is engageable with the ring gear or the worm of the worm gear drive.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 1999Date of Patent: October 3, 2000Assignee: Overhead Door CorporationInventors: Joseph J. Mondragon, LeRoy G. Krupke, Michel Beaudoin, Richard K. Hoofard, Erin J. Bittner