ADJUSTABLE LENGTH AND CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA VARIABLE OUTPUT ENDGATE TORQUE ROD
First Claim
1. A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance comprising:
- a storage area including a plurality of side walls and a floor;
a panel operatively connected to one of the floor and at least one of the plurality of side walls, and configured to expand or restrict access to the storage area;
a telescoping torque rod of shape having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first fixed end relative to the storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel, wherein the telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and to release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to thereby assist operation of the panel; and
wherein the slider block disposed on the second end of the solid inner rod profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the second end of the solid inner rod, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance includes a telescoping torque rod having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first end fixed relative to a storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel. The telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position.
1 Citation
7 Claims
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1. A variable output torque rod system for panel counterbalance comprising:
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a storage area including a plurality of side walls and a floor; a panel operatively connected to one of the floor and at least one of the plurality of side walls, and configured to expand or restrict access to the storage area; a telescoping torque rod of shape having a solid inner rod with a first end concentrically disposed in a tubular outer rod, wherein the tubular outer rod includes a first fixed end relative to the storage area, and wherein the solid inner rod includes a second end secured in a slider block relative to the panel, wherein the telescoping torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and to release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to thereby assist operation of the panel; and wherein the slider block disposed on the second end of the solid inner rod profiles against a portion of the panel to prevent rotation about the second end of the solid inner rod, and wherein the slider block is operative to adjust an overall length and cross-sectional area of the telescoping torque rod when the slider block is moved from a fully extended position to at least one other position that is less than the fully extended position. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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Specification