Bi-fold door pin brace

Abstract

A bi-fold door pin brace braces the exposed shafts of bi-fold door pins against the force exerted on the pin assemblies by door movement out of alignment with the track. The bi-fold door pin brace has a header mounting plate generally defines a generally planar surface and is configured to mount into a door header, ceiling, or the like. A coupling plate extends from the header mounting plate in a plane angularly offset therefrom. A bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate defines a third generally planar surface that extends from the coupling plate in a plane generally parallel to the header mounting plate. The bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate is configured to engage with and provide support to a bi-fold pin shaft, and can be used in conjunction with or as part of an assembly with a bi-fold door stop.

Claims

1. In combination, a bi-fold door and a bi-fold door pin brace operative to safely limit the movement of said bi-fold door, said bi-fold door having: a header; a bi-fold door track mounted to said header; a lead door; a guide pin affixed to said lead door and configured to slide within said bi-fold door track; a pivot door; a pivot pin anchored with respect to said bi-fold door track and affixed to said pivot door; and a hinge coupling said lead door to said pivot door; said bi-fold door pin brace having: a header mounting plate generally defining a first generally planar surface affixed to and anchored by said header independent from said bi-fold door track; a coupling plate extending from said header mounting plate in a plane angularly offset from said first generally planar surface and exterior to said bi-fold door track; and a bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate defining a third generally planar surface extending from said coupling plate in a plane offset from said coupling plate plane and generally parallel to said header mounting plate first generally planar surface, said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate third generally planar surface located between a bottom of said bi-fold door track and a top of said pivot door, said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate configured to engage with and provide support to a shaft of at least one of said bi-fold door guide pin and said bi-fold door pivot pin.

2. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 1, wherein said coupling plate is abutted against said bi-fold door track.

3. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 2, wherein said coupling plate is generally perpendicular to said header mounting plate first generally planar surface.

4. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 1, wherein said coupling plate further comprises: a first coupler rigidly affixed with said shaft bracing plate; a second coupler rigidly affixed with said header mounting plate; and an adjustable fastener securing said first coupler to said second coupler in a first fastened configuration, and allowing said first coupler to move relative to said second coupler in a second released configuration; said first coupler, said second coupler, and said adjustable fastener configured to vary a distance between said shaft bracing plate and said header mounting plate when said adjustable fastener is in said second released configuration, and to prevent relative movement between said shaft bracing plate and said header mounting plate when said adjustable fastener is in said first fastened configuration.

5. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 1, wherein said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate further comprises a first bifurcated end defining a first bi-fold pin shaft receiving slot.

6. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 5, wherein said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate further comprises a second bifurcated end defining a second bi-fold pin shaft receiving slot, said second bifurcated end separated from and distal to said first bifurcated end along a bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate longitudinal axis.

7. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 1, wherein said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate further comprises a perimeter encompassing rim adapted to reinforce said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate.

8. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 1, wherein at least one of said lead door and said pivot door further comprises a door stile; and wherein said header mounting plate further comprises a bi-fold door stop, said bi-fold door stop having: a first bi-fold door stile stop configured to engage with and thereby limit travel of said door stile in a first travel direction; and a second bi-fold door stile stop configured to engage with and thereby limit travel of said door stile in a second travel direction generally perpendicular to said first travel direction.

9. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 1, wherein said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate is configured to engage with and provide support to a shaft of said bi-fold door pivot pin within a space between said bi-fold door track and said pivot door.

10. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 9, wherein said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate configured to engage with and provide support to a shaft of said bi-fold door guide pin within a space between said bi-fold door track and said lead door when said bi-fold door is in an open position.

11. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 1, wherein said bi-fold pin shaft bracing plate configured to engage with and provide support to a shaft of said bi-fold door guide pin within a space between said bi-fold door track and said lead door when said bi-fold door is in an open position.

12. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 5, wherein said first bi-fold pin shaft receiving slot is configured to engage with and provide support to a shaft of said bi-fold door pivot pin within a space between said bi-fold door track and said pivot door.

13. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 12, wherein said second bi-fold pin shaft receiving slot is configured to engage with and provide support to a shaft of said bi-fold door guide pin within a space between said bi-fold door track and said lead door when said bi-fold door is in an open position.

14. The combination bi-fold door and bi-fold door pin brace of claim 5, wherein said first bi-fold pin shaft receiving slot is configured to engage with and provide support to a shaft of said bi-fold door guide pin within a space between said bi-fold door track and said lead door when said bi-fold door is in an open position.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The foregoing and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention can be understood and appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of the invention, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a top plan view.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates the preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 1 from a back elevational view.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates the preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 1 from a side elevational view.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a top plan view.

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates the first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 4 from a bottom plan view.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates the first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 4 from a side elevational view.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates the first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 4 from a side elevational and sectional view taken along section line 7 of FIG. 4.

(9) FIG. 8 illustrates a second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a bottom and back projected view.

(10) FIG. 9 illustrates the second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 8 from a bottom and front projected view.

(11) FIG. 10 illustrates the second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 8 from a bottom plan view, in further combination with a prior art track and pin assemblies sectioned through the pin shafts for illustrative purposes.

(12) FIG. 11 illustrates the second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 8 from a bottom and back projected view, in further combination with a prior art track, pin assemblies, and bi-fold doors.

(13) FIG. 12 illustrates a third alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a bottom and front projected view.

(14) FIG. 13 illustrates a fourth alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a bottom and front projected and exploded view.

(15) FIG. 14 illustrates the fourth alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 13 from a bottom and back projected view, in further combination with a prior art track, pin assemblies, and bi-fold doors.

(16) FIG. 15 illustrates a fifth alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a top and back projected view with the header mounting plate sectioned by a horizontal plane.

(17) FIG. 16 illustrates a sixth alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a top and front projected view.

(18) FIG. 17 illustrates a seventh alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention from a top and front projected view.

(19) FIG. 18 illustrates the seventh alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace of FIG. 17 from a back and side projected view.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(20) Manifested in the preferred and alternative embodiments, the present invention provides a bi-fold door pin brace that anchors directly to the door header, abuts the track, and braces bifold door pins to reduce the likelihood of harm or damage to the pins, the track, and the door panels.

(21) In accord with the teachings of the present invention, FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10. A shaft bracing plate 20 provides the primary bracing support for the pin shafts of prior art guide pin assemblies and pivot pin assemblies. A header mounting plate 30 anchors preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10 to a door header, ceiling, or other suitable structure. While not solely limited thereto, header mounting plate 30 will typically be separately and securely mounted to the same structure that the bi-fold track is mounted to.

(22) Shaft bracing plate 20 has a pair of distally located bifurcated ends 22 that each define a shaft-receiving slot 24. Shaft bracing plate 20 is preferably coupled to header mounting plate 30 through an adjustable coupling, which permits shaft bracing plate 20 to be adjusted to be located just above the top edge of a lead door panel and a pivot door panel when the lead and pivot door panels are most nearly parallel to each other, as occurs in the most open position of a bi-fold door. While any suitable apparatus may be provided to enable such adjustment, for exemplary and non-limiting purpose in preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10 a coupling plate 21 is provided that extends from an edge of and in a plane generally perpendicular to shaft bracing plate 20. This angular offset between the two plates provides substantial strength for a given thickness of material. A similar coupling plate 31 extends in a plane at an angular offset from a plane defined by header mounting plate 30, thereby providing similar structural reinforcement.

(23) In preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10 these two coupling plates 21, 31 are abutted together in adjacent and generally parallel relationship. At least one and preferably at least two bolts 34 pass through openings in coupling plates 21, 31 and secure the plates together by suitable tensioned nuts 36. As may be apparent, any suitable fasteners may be substituted for bolts 34 and nuts 36. The provision of slots or elongated holes in one or both of coupling plates 21, 31 will permit the positioning of coupling plates 21, 31 relative to each other to be adjusted prior to securing nuts 36 in place. In preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10, adjusting slots 38 are provided in coupling plate 31 to permit the adjustment of the vertical displacement between shaft bracing plate 20 and header mounting plate 30. Header mounting plate 30 will preferably be provided with an easy, quick, and intuitive way to couple to the door header, ceiling, or the like. For this purpose, a plurality of fastener holes 32 have been formed entirely through header mounting plate 30. By elongating fastener holes 32, the position of header mounting plate 30 may be adjusted to properly align shaft bracing plate 20, so that a prior art guide pin traveling in the door track will move in such a way that the guide pin shaft will slide directly into shaft-receiving slots 24 when the bi-fold door is opened. Most preferably, at the time of installation, the pivot pin shaft will already be inserted into the distal shaft-receiving slot 24.

(24) An optional central opening 23 may be provided within shaft bracing plate 20, primarily to provide access to the pivot bracket screw. An added benefit is reduced material requirement and finished weight. However, in some alternative embodiments central opening 23 is also be used to provide some resilience or cushioning when a door is fully opened with excessive force. In such alternative embodiments, the material selected for shaft bracing plate 20 must be at least sufficiently elastic or resilient to deflect repeatedly without consequential damage. A designer will select from a variety of spring metal compositions, plastic compositions, high durometer rubber compositions, and the like at the time of design to provide a desired resilience or cushioning effect.

(25) Whether fabricated from metal, plastic, rubber, or other composition, a rim 26 may preferably be provided around the perimeter of shaft bracing plate 20. By shifting out of the plane of the majority of shaft bracing plate 20, rim 26 will provide significant structural rigidity. While not solely limiting the present invention thereto, as may be appreciated, both shaft bracing plate 20 and header mounting plate 30 as illustrated may be readily fabricated from sheet metal stock through highly cost-effective and efficient stamping and bending operations, thereby providing ready and low-cost fabrication with high structural integrity. In such case, rims 26, 28 may be formed as a part of the stamping operation. In alternative embodiments, as will also be appreciated each of these parts may be readily cast, molded, or otherwise fabricated.

(26) In preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10, a pair of distally located bifurcated ends 22 are provided. These distal ends define the longitudinal axis of shaft bracing plate 20, and terminate in shaft-receiving slots 24 that will receive a guide pin shaft at one end, and a pivot pin shaft at the distal end. However, in some alternative embodiments only a single bifurcated end 22 will be used, in those instances where only one pin is required or desired to be braced.

(27) Various embodiments of apparatus designed in accord with the present invention have been illustrated in the various figures. The embodiments are distinguished by the hundreds digit, and various components within each embodiment designated by the ones and tens digits. However, many of the components are alike or similar between embodiments, so numbering of the ones and tens digits have been maintained wherever possible, such that identical, like or similar functions may more readily be identified between the embodiments. If not otherwise expressed, those skilled in the art will readily recognize the similarities and understand that in many cases like numbered ones and tens digit components may be substituted from one embodiment to another in accord with the present teachings, except where such substitution would otherwise destroy operation of the embodiment. Consequently, those skilled in the art will readily determine the function and operation of many of the components illustrated herein without unnecessary additional description.

(28) First alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 110, shown in FIGS. 4-7, illustrates an alternative embodiment that might, for exemplary and non-limiting purposes, be fabricated as a unitary part using an injection molding or casting fabrication technique. As a unitary part, there is no ability to adjust the spacing between shaft bracing plate 120 and header mounting plate 130. Instead, these plates are fixed together by coupling plate 131 and the reinforcing provided to coupling plate 131 through the combination of ribs 125 and ribs 135. The geometry of ribs 125, 135 has been selected to coincide with plastic and other polymeric materials, to best distribute forces encountered during use in a manner that will yield significant strength with a minimum of materials and weight. Nevertheless, in alternative embodiments other geometries are used, and in yet further alternative embodiments ribs 125, 135 are not used at all.

(29) Reinforcing rims 126, 128 are much more pronounced in first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 110, and preferably in combination with web 127 form the well-known I-beam geometry best visible in FIG. 7 that also provides a substantial strength to weight ratio. Similar geometry is also visible in FIG. 7 in the combination of rim 128, webbing 127, and coupling plate 131. Also visible in FIG. 4 is an alternative embodiment set of four fastener holes 132 that include a combination of two slots and two round holes. The pair of elongated slots allow a pair of fasteners to be inserted therein, the first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 110 to be adjusted relative to a track and pins, and then the final position to be secured using the two round holes. In this manner, even in the event of the fasteners loosening, the round holes will keep first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 110 in fixed position relative to the track.

(30) Second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 is illustrated in FIGS. 8-11. While sharing many of the features of the bi-fold door pin braces 10, 110, second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 may for exemplary purposes be formed as a unitary piece from sheet metal through cutting or stamping and bending operations. Coupling plate 231 is preferably smooth and linear, meaning the most forward face, closest to bifurcated ends 222 and shaft-receiving slots 224, can directly abut with a track along the entire surface, thereby providing maximum reinforcement to the track. This is best illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11.

(31) FIG. 10 shows second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 in position adjacent to bi-fold track 5. The shaft 8 of pivot pin 9 is shown as it would locate in one of shaft-receiving slots 224. The position of shaft 6 of guide pin 7 is shown in the position it would take with the bi-fold door in a fully open position. It can be seen that movement of door panels 1, 3 laterally to bi-fold track 5 would be constrained by second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 acting on the pin shafts 6, 8. In this FIG. 10, it can also be seen that the travel of the guide pin slide or wheel along track 5 will terminate when shaft 6 of guide pin 7 impacts the pin brace, rather than by the slider impacting a stop within the track.

(32) FIG. 11 illustrates second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 combination with a track 5, pin assemblies 7, 9, and bi-fold door panels 1, 3, with bi-fold door panels 1, 3 in the most open position. Prior art guide pin assembly 7 and pivot pin assembly 9 are shown as they typically might be installed in the door panels. In this Figure, second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 is shown mounted to a doorway header with suitable fasteners such as Phillips head screws passing through fastener holes 232. The free exposed shafts of guide and pivot pins 7, 9 are braced, and constrained within shaft-receiving slots 224. With second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 secured in place, the door assembly will no longer lift for removal. This will, however, help to prevent accidental dislodgement of the bottom pivot pin from the bottom pivot bracket.

(33) A third embodiment for fastener holes 232 is illustrated with second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210, in this case using four round holes through which suitable anchoring fasteners will pass. Since coupling plate 231 will preferably be pressed directly against the track, there is no need for adjustment closer to or farther from the track. Nevertheless, if the track is of a dimension different from that for which second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210 has been constructed, an installer will only have to slide one shaft receiving slot 224 around pivot pin shaft 8 protruding from prior art pivot pin assembly 9. Next, the installer will align coupling plate 231 generally parallel to prior art track 5, and then move prior art lead door panel 1 toward prior art pivot door panel 3 into the position illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 to capture guide pin shaft 6 protruding from prior art guide pin assembly 7 into the second shaft-receiving slot 224. Once done, the installer may insert suitable anchoring fasteners through fastener holes 232.

(34) While FIGS. 10 and 11 specifically illustrate second alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 210, it will be apparent that each of preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10 and first alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 110 will preferably be installed in the same or similar position. As already noted herein above, preferred embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 10 is also height adjustable, and so from the position of FIG. 11, it may require appropriate height adjustment. While each of the bi-fold door pin braces 10, 110, 210 may be installed on either side of track 5, by installing them in the position illustrated in FIG. 11 they are essentially not visible from the outer side of the doors. In the case of a closet or the like, there will be no visible alteration to the look of the bi-fold doors.

(35) FIG. 12 illustrates that some embodiments of a bi-fold door pin brace designed in accord with the teachings of the present invention are mounted to or coupled with other bi-fold door hardware. In this third alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 310, a shaft bracing plate 320 has a primary geometry very similar to shaft bracing plate 120, including the cross-section illustrated in FIG. 7. A pair of distally located bifurcated ends 322 define shaft-receiving slots 324, into which guide and pivot pin shafts 6, 8 will be received and braced.

(36) However, extending from the primary geometry are two coupling arms 321, that are configured to pass through a pair of coupling holes 331 in header mounting plate 330. Header mounting plate 330 is most preferably anchored to a door header, ceiling, or the like by passing appropriate anchoring fasteners through a set of fastener holes 332.

(37) Header mounting plate 330 serves not only as a support and anchor for shaft bracing plate 320, but also as a bi-fold door stop as described in my co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/592,169 filed May 10, 2017 and incorporated by reference herein above. The full nature and characteristics of that stop are disclosed fully and extensively in that patent application, but in brief summary the illustrated header mounting plate 330 provides additional and complementary protection for a bi-fold door against accidental harm and damage. Header mounting plate 330 prevents inward lateral movement of bi-fold door panels when the door is open, and provides a solid stop to the opening travel of the lead door panel. As a result, shaft bracing plate 320 only needs to constrain the pin shafts against lateral door panel movement in an outward direction. In addition, shaft bracing plate 320 is readily removed, to facilitate dismounting the door panel assembly. Consequently, the combination of the present shaft bracing plate 320 with header mounting plate 330 provides further benefit and synergy.

(38) FIG. 13 shows a fourth alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 410 mounted to a header mounting plate 430 of similar but slightly different geometry than that of header mounting plate 330. Many methods are known in the mechanical arts that are suitable for fastening shaft bracing plates 320, 420 to mounting plates 330, 430. However, in alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin braces 310, 410 they are most preferably held in installed position to their respective header mounting plates 330, 430 by the combination of coupling arms 321, 421 having dimension only slightly less than required to pass through coupling holes 331, 431, respectively, and a pair of bracing plate retention features 437, 439. Bracing plate retention features 437, 439 are visible in FIG. 13, and comprise a pair of slight protrusions. When shaft bracing plates 320, 420 are fully installed into their respective header mounting plates 330, 430, as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 14, these bracing plate retention features 437, 439 will extend in a non-interfering manner into the space interior of rims 326, 426. However, to remove shaft bracing plates 320, 420 from their respective header mounting plates 330, 430, to the position illustrated in FIG. 13, the respective rims 326, 426 will engage with and must pass beyond these bracing plate retention features 437, 439. With properly sized and shaped bracing plate retention features 437, 439, there will be a distinct force greater than an accidental bump or vibration and that is instead indicative of intent to remove that is required to pull shaft bracing plates 320, 420 from their respective header mounting plates 330, 430.

(39) Shaft bracing plate 420 differs from shaft bracing plate 320 in one notable feature. Instead of bifurcated ends 322 that define shaft-receiving slots 324, shaft bracing plate 420 has pin retaining ends 422 that are not bifurcated. Instead, since shaft bracing plate 420 is being used in combination with header mounting plate 430, shaft bracing plate 420 only needs to constrain the pin shafts against lateral door panel movement in an outward direction. Consequently, shaft bracing plate 420 also only needs to wrap around the outward side of the pin shafts. As already described herein above, header mounting plate 430 prevents inward lateral movement of bi-fold door panels when the door is open and provides a solid stop to the opening travel of the lead door panel.

(40) In some instances it may be desirable to only capture the pivot pin and thereby prevent the pivot pin from lateral door panel movement in an outward direction. In such instances, modifications may be made to the preferred and alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin braces 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 to facilitate this capture. FIGS. 15-18 illustrate three different alternatives.

(41) FIG. 15 illustrates a fifth alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 510 that captures pivot pin shaft 8 using a shaft bracing plate 520 which resembles an open eye bolt and further has a swivel 527 and a nut 529 for securing to a suitable brace. As illustrated, shaft bracing plate 520 is secured to a header mounting plate 530. Header mounting plate 530 is illustrated in section view with the top removed to reveal additional features, but is of similar construction and function to header mounting plates 310, 410. While shaft bracing plate 520 and header mounting plate 530 are preferred, in some alternative embodiments an open eye bolt, or j-bolt, or will be secured to a bracket or other hardware in a similar manner.

(42) FIG. 16 illustrates sixth alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 610 that captures pivot pin shaft 8 using shaft bracing band 620 secured by a post 640 mounted on a header mounting plate 630 of similar construction and function to header mounting plates 310, 410. In some embodiments, shaft bracing band 620 is of fixed length, with adjustments to tension made by moving post 640. In alternative embodiments, the length of shaft bracing band 620 is adjustable. Other embodiments may use various methods of adjusting the band length, and the band may be made of plastic, metal, or other materials. Post 640 may be attached to, be a part of, or be independent of header mounting plate 630.

(43) FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate seventh alternative embodiment bi-fold door pin brace 710 that captures pivot pin shaft 8 using a shaft bracing plate 720 that has the configuration of a strap formed into a hook shape. Shaft bracing plate 720 is mounted on a header mounting plate 730 of similar construction and function to header mounting plates 310, 410. Alternative embodiments will use other shapes, lengths, materials, and profiles of arms to capture pivot pin shaft 8. It is preferable that shaft bracing plate 720 is easily removable to facilitate door removal. The profile of shaft bracing plate 720 shown in this embodiment maximizes bracing of pivot pin shaft 8 during proper and improper door panel movement. The profile of shaft bracing plate 720 in this embodiment captures as substantial portion of the exposed pin shaft, preventing the door lifting, so preventing the bottom pivot pin moving within, or coming out of the bottom pivot bracket.

(44) FIG. 18 illustrates one way to secure shaft bracing plate 720 to header mounting plate 730, for exemplary and non-limiting purpose using a linear ratchet apparatus comprising a series of teeth or bulges 727 adapted to press with much resistance through coupling hole 731. In alternative embodiments, clips, set screws, or other methods are used to retain shaft bracing plate 720 in position. The retaining mechanism may be part of other hardware, or an independent bracket.

(45) While the foregoing details what is felt to be the preferred embodiment of the invention, no material limitations to the scope of the claimed invention are intended. Further, features and design alternatives that would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are considered to be incorporated herein. The scope of the invention is set forth and particularly described in the claims herein below.