Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly secured to the torque rod. One end assembly pivotally supports the tailgate while permitting a torque rod end to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly also pivotally supports the tailgate and permits the other end of the torque rod to be rigidly connected to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle by means of brackets secured to the tailgate, and a vehicle body hinge pin combines bushings with an aligned, elongated key to simplify installation and removal of the counterbalancing hinge assembly.

Abstract: A movable panel assembly for a vehicle includes a housing adapted to be mounted within the interior of a vehicle. A panel is pivotably mounted to the housing about an axis. The panel is pivotably movable between a closed position and an open position through a vertical position. A spring member is operatively connected to the panel and biases the panel to move from the closed position to the vertical position. A damper is operatively connected to the panel for selectively retarding movement of the panel toward the open position.

Abstract: A closure mechanism for hinged devices having an upper member and a lower member. The closure mechanism includes a track disposed on the upper member and at least one support arm pivotally attached to the lower member. A biasing element is adapted to urge the support arm to engage the upper member and urge it to pivot to an open configuration. The arm includes a contact element that engages the track such that an upper end of the arm moves along the track as the upper member pivots to an open position. The arm includes a hook that engages a positive stop to prevent over-rotation of the arm. In other embodiments of the closure mechanism, the arm is pivotally attached to the upper member and moves against the lower member, and the biasing element extends between the arm and either the upper member or the lower member.

Abstract: A tailgate counterbalancing hinge assembly includes a linear torque rod, a first end assembly and a second end assembly. One end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate while permitting the torque rod to be rigidly coupled to the tailgate for movement with the tailgate about a pivot axis. The other end assembly pivotally retains the tailgate and permits the end of the torque rod o be rigidly retained with respect to the vehicle body. The assemblies are easily mounted in the vehicle using brackets that are secured to the tailgate and a vehicle body hinge pin to simplify installation and repair of the assembly.

Abstract: A motorized universal swing door operator includes a motor driving a gear reduction drive mechanism having an output shaft adapted to be connected to a swing door operating arm. The output shaft supports a sprocket around which is trained a chain having opposite ends connected to a link supported on a shaft which is connected to a return spring. The return spring stores and returns energy regardless of the direction of rotation of the output shaft so as to provide the universal operating capability of the operator.

Abstract: A manway lift device comprises two hinge assemblies, each hinge assembly comprising a first hinge member, a second hinge member, a smooth bore bushing, an internally threaded bushing and an adjustable biasing assembly. At least one of the bushings of each hinge assembly including a first end protruding beyond an exterior face of the first hinge member of the hinge assembly and including a second end having dogs disposed thereon, the dogs engaged in dog holes disposed through the second hinge member of the hinge assembly. The smooth bore bushing of each hinge assembly receiving a bolt through the internal bore thereof, the bolt threaded received in the internally threaded bore of the threaded bushing of the hinge assembly. The bolts rigidly affix the bushings to the hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly connected to a manway cover and a manway collar. The biasing assemblies biasing the manway cover toward an open position with respect to the manway collar.

Abstract: A computer is disclosed. The computer includes a housing having an opening. The computer also includes a door that is movably coupled to the housing via a linkage mechanism. The linkage mechanism allows the door to move between a closed position where the door is placed against the housing and in front of the opening to prevent access therethrough, and an opened position where the door is placed away from the opening to allow access therethrough. The computer further includes a gimbal mechanism that allows the door to move relative to the linkage mechanism while constraining the door to the linkage mechanism. The gimbal mechanism provides a tight fit between the door and the housing when the door is in the closed position.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for a hatch cover of a watercraft includes a hinge arm having a substantially J-shaped configuration and made of an extruded material, a deck mounting bracket for connecting the hinge arm to a deck of the watercraft, a hatch cover mounting bracket for connecting the hinge arm to a hatch cover of the watercraft, a hinge shaft connecting the hinge arm to the deck mounting bracket, and at least one mounting member connecting the hinge arm to the hatch cover mounting bracket. The hinge arm has a width dimension extending in a longitudinal direction of the hinge shaft that is greater than a thickness dimension extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hinge shaft.

Abstract: Tailgate assemblies that are easier to use than tailgate assemblies of the prior art are provided. The tailgate assemblies comprise one or more torsion springs having a first leg attached to a tailgate support and a second leg attached to the tailgate. The legs of the torsion spring can be removably attached for easier replacement. The torsion springs are actuated in a winding direction as the tailgate is opened, making the tailgate easier to open and close.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus to keep a safety brace in place on a cover, lid or door and a method of using the same. One aspect of the present invention includes an economical spring constructed to fit upon a safety brace in a way as to prevent the brace from being vibrated loose and allowing the cover, lid or door to close accidentally. Another aspect of the present invention is a method where the constructed spring is retrofitted upon an existing safety brace.

Abstract: An automotive closure panel which is rotatable about a pivot axis has an axial locator insert situated within a pivot bearing insert bore to set a margin extending between the closure panel and a vehicle body. This system is particularly useful for closure panels such as tailgates having torsion bar or motorized lift assist, because such systems are not easily disassembled for the purpose of setting the closure panel margins.

Abstract: A hinge assembly for connecting an appliance door to an appliance frame includes a claw and a channel pivotally connected to the claw. A single link member is pivotally connected to the claw, and the link member defines first and second contact surfaces. The second contact surface defines an operative portion and a break-away portion separated from the operative portion by a peak. A spring is operably engaged between the link member and the channel. A link control member is connected to the channel and contacts the second contact surface of the link member. The channel is movable from a first operative position in a first direction on arc of 90 degrees or less to a second operative position where the link control member is in contact with the operative portion of the second contact surface of the link.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded to the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with a bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. At least a portion of the torsion bar extends along an external recess defined by the door's inner and outer panels.

Abstract: A damper unit includes a gear having a core member projecting at a shaft core portion thereof and rotatably housed in a case, a string wound around the core member, a rotary damper engaging the gear for damping a rotational force of the gear, and a spring. One end of the spring is fixed to the case and the other end thereof is fixed to the core member so that an elastic force is accumulated when the string is pulled out.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle has a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings located at each end of the door. A torsion bar lift assist is provided with a vibration and noise isolator and damper, which is engaged about a central portion of the torsion bar. The damper prevents objectionable noise which could otherwise result in the event that the torsion bar strikes the shell of the door because of road-induced vibration.

Abstract: A vehicle rear structure having an upper door and a lower door for opening and closing a rear opening of a vehicle, and a damper mechanism for slowing opening and closing movements of the lower door is provided. The damper mechanism is placed in a space formed by an outer panel and an inner panel constituting a side panel.

Abstract: The invention provides a tailgate lift assist system and associated methods and apparatus that provide controlled force at various points as a tailgate is pivoted between open and closed position to assist the operator in both opening and closing the tailgate. The system is suitable for commercial mass production, and is preferably suitable for customer, dealer, or OEM installation.

Abstract: A horizontal door assembly is provided using a gas spring as a lifting mechanism for the door leaf. A special bracket having a number of pivot pin openings is employed to rotatably couple the gas spring to the door frame, whereby different lifting forces can be applied to the door by the user of the door by adjusting the position of the gas spring in the bracket. A brace is also provided to support the bracket and gas spring to enhance operation of the door. A resilient material such as EPDM is used to decelerate movement of the door leaf to the open position and provide a stable door leaf when in the open position. Sections of the door assembly are provided with screw studs to facilitate on-site construction and packaging and shipping of the door assembly.

Abstract: A glove box damper device is disclosed having a cam rotationally moving against a spring to slow the descent of glove box lid during opening. The glove box damper device is easy to install, has reduced costs over many previous damper devices and reduces breakage. The glove box damper is suitable for use with glove box lids having a sheet metal insert to meet automotive safety requirements.

Abstract: Closing device, in particular for a body part on a motor vehicle, the body part being mounted pivotably on a base part, includes a spring element having a piston rod which is axially moveable within a cylinder to exert a closing force on the body part via a cable device, which engages on the body part. The spring element has, on its piston rod, a deflection pulley over which the cable device is guided, the end of the cable device being fixed with respect to the cylinder.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle, such as a pickup truck, has a tailgate including a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining a space surrounded by the shell. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior space of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because of the full floating feature, the hinge function of the tailgate will not be impaired in the event that the torsion bar becomes fractured.

Abstract: A lift assist mechanism for lifting a large enclosure that is pivotally attached to a body member, between a closed position, an intermediate position, and an open position. The lift assist mechanism includes a swing arm member and an expansible strut member. The swing arm member is pivotally attached to the body member at a first end and to a first end of the strut member at its second end. The second end of strut member is pivotally attached to the enclosure member. The pivot point between the swing arm member and the strut member pushes against a base plate associated with the body member when the enclosure member is in its closed and intermediate positions.

Abstract: A vehicle tailgate lift system comprises an energy storage device located within a vehicle body and adapted to be pivotally anchored to the vehicle body at one end, a bellcrank arm that is pivotally attached to the energy storage device and rigidly attached to an actuation shaft that is coaxially aligned with a tailgate pivot axis, a pivot bracket assembly that incorporates a pivot bearing arrangement to facilitate a robust rotary joint about the tailgate pivot axis, and comprising a coupling arrangement between the tailgate and the actuation shaft, such that relative rotary motion of the tailgate and vehicle body results in linear movement of the energy storage device and maximum energy storage at the tailgate fully open position.

Abstract: An automotive tailgate includes a door adapted to pivot about a generally horizontal pivot axis, with the door including a shell defining an interior space. The door is pivoted upon bearings mounted upon bearing retainers located at each end of the door. A full floating torsion bar is provided and includes a first end rotationally grounded within the interior of the door shell and a second end engaged with and rotationally locked with one of the bearing inserts so that the torsion bar will be subjected to torsional loading as the door is pivoted. Because the torsion bar is full floating, the operation of the tailgate hinges will not be impaired even if the torsion bar were to become fractured.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a swinging door with an extendible hinge disposed along an inner edge of the door. The extendible hinge allows the door to pivot through a range of pivotal positions and, when necessary, allows the door to move through a range of extended positions. The pivotal positions allow the door to open and close normally across a doorway, while the extended positions help protect the door assembly from damage in the event the door is forced to swing beyond its pivotal positions. In some embodiments, the door includes a spring-tensioned chain that draws the inner edge of the door against an anchor attached to a side edge of the doorway. The flexibility of the chain allows the door to pivot, while the compliance of the chain's spring allows the door to shift away from its normal pivot point and move to various extended positions.

Abstract: Provided herein is a lid assembly for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process chamber, comprising a moveable lid, two linear guide rollers connected to the lid, one or more linear lifting actuators, and a rotation actuator connected to the axis of the lid. This lid assembly may be used for opening/closing process chamber as well as wet-cleaning process chamber in chemical vapor deposition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door opening assist device comprising a spring-biased piston having a threaded bore mounted in a cylindrical housing by a threaded bolt. The piston retains a spring within the housing at a first end of the housing. The threaded bolt engages the piston from a second end of the housing. The piston is retained within the housing by the cooperative engagement between the spring urging the piston out of the first end and the head of the bolt in abutment with the second end. The door opening assist device is installed in a door frame of an automobile to push the door open a predetermined distance. The door opening assist device provides various mounting options. Upon closing the door, the door abuts and retracts the piston into the housing compressing the spring. Upon unlatching the door, the piston extends under spring bias in such a direction and with sufficient force to push the door to an open position a predetermined distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a door opening assist device comprising a spring-biased piston having a threaded bore mounted in a cylindrical housing by a threaded bolt. The piston retains a spring within the housing at a first end of the housing. The threaded bolt engages the piston from a second end of the housing. The piston is retained within the housing by the cooperative engagement between the spring urging the piston out of the first end and the head of the bolt in abutment with the second end. The door opening assist device is installed in a door frame of an automobile to push the door open a predetermined distance. The door opening assist device provides various mounting options. Upon closing the door, the door abuts and retracts the piston into the housing compressing the spring. Upon unlatching the door, the piston extends under spring bias in such a direction and with sufficient force to push the door to an open position a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A framed gate pivotally mounted at one of it's lower corners to an inner fence post securely positioned in the ground. The pivotal mounting of the gate allows one end of the gate to swing up and out of the way thereby effectively opening a gap and allowing passage from one side of the fence line to the other. A primary post is positioned outside of the inner fence post in relation to the gate. A manual winch device or powered winch device is attached to the primary post for the lifting of the framed gate. Further, this device is equipped with a spring for assisting the swinging of the gate up and out of the way and may be equipped with a remote control mechanism for remote operation of the gate. On the opposite side of the gate from the inner post is located the outer post which contains a catch mechanism to engage a locking mechanism on the gate to securely lock and hold the gate in a closed position.

Abstract: A universal hatch assembly for accessing an enclosure includes a door. The frame has an opening defined therein that is dimensioned and configured for mounting the door. A hinge apparatus allows pivotal movement of the door about a first axis between a first position in which the door covers the opening and a second open position. The interior side of the door has an elongated channel extending in substantially perpendicular relationship to the first axis. An operating lever for positioning the door, has first and second axial extremities. A first axial part of the operating lever is spaced apart from the second axial extremity which is pivotally connected to the frame. The second axial extremity is dimensioned and configured for sliding meshing engagement with the elongated channel. The hatch assembly includes a lift assembly to provide a favorable counterbalance for the door. The frame may include a peripheral groove extending around substantially the entire frame.

Abstract: A model railroad crossing gate includes a base, a crossing gate mounted on the base for movement between a raised position and a lowered position, a spring coupled to the crossing gate biasing the gate to the raised position, a string attached to the crossing gate and the base for pulling the gate against the spring, and a tensioner engaging the string for pulling the gate from the raised position to the lowered position. A controller is coupled to the tensioner for controlling the position of the gate. The controller is preferably is also coupled to a limit sensor and a motor for operating the motor to move the gate from the raised position to the lowered position or vice versa and then stop the motor.

Abstract: Door closer with a spring system that must be stretched when the door is open and supplies the closing moment necessary to close the door. There is provided a gear train between the spring system and the door to influence the force curve which varies over the opening angle of the door, whereby the gear train that varies in its translation ratio over the opening angle of the door has a first and a second gear wheel that mesh with each other and are each formed by a circular gear rim and are mounted eccentrically with respect to their centers while retaining the axial distance between them. The first gear wheel is connected with an output shaft and the second gear wheel is connected coaxially with respect to its center of motion with a gear wheel that is engaged in a rack that is coupled with the spring system.

Abstract: A torsion bar hood assist system for a vehicle which has a hood that pivots between an open and a closed position. The hood assist system includes a compact torsion mechanism with at least two torsion bar sections. The torsion mechanism of the hood assist system is mounted distant from a pivot axis of the hood. The torsion mechanism is engaged to the vehicle in a manner which allows the torsion mechanism to be mounted distant from the hood pivot axis and reduces the stresses imparted to the torsion mechanism when the hood is pivoted.

Abstract: The window frame structure of the roof window is secured to the main frame structure within a predetermined range of the opening angle by means of a securing device comprising at least one torsion member. The torsion member is torsionally biased in the opening direction of the window and includes engagement means at a distance from the pivot axis for engagement with corresponding engagement means on the window frame structure. The securing device is automatically activated and deactivated during mounting and dismounting of the window frame from the main frame.

Abstract: A support mechanism supports a hood in a raised position with respect to a vehicle to which the hood is pivotally coupled. The support mechanism includes a pivotal lift rod coupled between the vehicle and the hood. The mechanism also includes a pair of arm members which are pivotally coupled to each other by a central pivot pin, and which are coupled between the vehicle and a central portion of the rod. A flat coil spring is coiled around the central pivot pin and is attached to the arm members. The spring is biased to pivot the hood upwardly. The lower end of the rod is anchored by a removable pivot pin, which, when removed, permits the hood to be raised approximately 90 degrees from it lowered position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hinge assembly for a door of a kimchi storage device which mounts a door opening and closing a storage chamber of the kimchi storage device on the upper surface of a body. There is provided an integral hinge assembly for a door of a kimchi storage device which can prevent the impact during door opening and closing operations and can prevent the damage of the door by interconnecting: a cover plate fixed to a body; a hinge housing in which there are inserted an elastic means, a support plate backing up the elastic means, a control plate controlling a springback force and a support member connected to the elastic means and supporting a force between the elastic means and a press member; a turn member connected with the press member and fixed to the door.

Abstract: A hinge assembly includes a claw and a channel pivotably connected to the claw at a first pivot point so that the channel is adapted for movement on an arc in a first direction from a first operative position to a second operative position. The channel is also adapted for movement on the arc in a second direction opposite the first direction. First and second link stops are connected to the channel, and a link assembly is operably interconnected between the claw and the channel. The link assembly, itself, includes: (i) a link member defining first and second opposite contact surfaces and first and second opposite ends, wherein the first end is pivotably connected to the claw; and, (ii) a coil spring having a first end connected to the second end of said link member and a second end connected to the channel adjacent a second end of the channel.

Abstract: A vehicle body closure assembly combines a hinge, that provides a plurality of pivot axes that are aligned with a common intersection point above a body opening closed by a closure panel hinged to the vehicle body, and a displacement limiter that controls the open position of the closure so that the hinge pieces maintain a stable alignment with respect to each other. Preferably, the hinge structure or adjacent supports include the displacement limiter. A panel mount defmes a first hinge axis, a body mount defines a second axis and a pair of links are pivotally secured together between the panel mount and the body mount to complete a hinge set. Preferably, a pair of hinge sets are secured to the hinge side of the closure panel to align said panel for movement in a non-interfering path with respect to body portions adjacent the path.

Abstract: A pair of door mounting assemblies mount an oven door assembly to an oven such that the oven door assembly may move between a closed baking position, a broiling position, and an open position. Each of the door mounting assemblies includes a mounting member that is pivotally connected to the door assembly. Each door mounting assembly includes a spring biased mechanism to enable the oven door assembly to be biased by the weight thereof when in a first range of movement, to be biased toward and into the broiling position when in a second range of movement, and to be biased toward and into the baking position when in a third range of movement. A damper assembly provides resistance to the movement of the oven door assembly within the second and third ranges to limit the rate of movement of the oven door assembly toward the broiling and baking positions.

Abstract: A pet door including a cammed closing mechanism and a sliding lock mechanism. The cammed closing mechanism returns the pet door to a resting closed position and provides sufficient force to resist opening by normal weather conditions such as wind or a hard rain without the need for additional components such as magnets. The sliding lock mechanism serves to control the ingress and/or the egress of an animal through the pet door as selected by the pet door owner.

Abstract: A lid lifting mechanism for heavy vessel lids provides for optimum mechanical advantage in counterbalancing the weight of the lid when pivoting the lid to an open position. The mechanism has a pivot arm secured to the lid and a pivot mount intermediate the length of the pivot arm where the pivot mount is secured to the vessel container. The pivot arm extends beyond the pivot mount to provide a distal end. A pretensioned retracting device is connected to the distal end by a connector which can be selectively moved along the arm to increase or decrease the moment arm length. Such movement of the connector or the pretensioned device adjusts the extent of retracting device assist in pivoting the lid to a lid open position. This system provides for maximum mechanical advantage while adjusting for build up of material on the inside of the lid.

Abstract: A hold open arm assembly for a non-vertically hinged door prevents a door for a roof or floor opening from closing unexpectedly and allows one-handed operation. The assembly includes an elongated arm that bears directly against a stop aligned with the axis of the arm when a closing force, such as a wind load, is applied directly to the door. The arm has a guide that engages a guide slot in a bracket attached to the door. The guide slot is tapered and widens near the stop. When a closing force is applied to a handle connected to the arm, the guide moves parallel to the guide slot and the arm clears the stop, allowing the door to close. When the closing force is applied to the door, and not the handle, the guide moves perpendicular to the guide slot so that the arm engages the stop. The guide is provided with a low friction roller bearing for smooth operation.

Abstract: A pivot pin (5) is pivotably provided on a door B through a support member (2). A basal end portion of a pivotal lever (3) is nonpivotably connected to the pivot pin (5). By sandwichingly holding the pivot pin (5) from its both sides by means of a plate spring (4), the pivotal lever (3) is restrained in a lock position and in a release position. The plate spring (4) biases the pivotal lever (3) towards the lock position side through the pivot pin (5), when said pivotal lever (3) is within a range where said pivotal lever (3) is offset a predetermined return angle from the lock position. The pivotal lever (3), which has been forcibly pivoted from the lock position towards the release position side by the forced pivoting portion (11a), is pivoted towards the lock position side by the biasing force of the plate spring (4) and a connecting portion (32) of the pivotal lever (3) is retained between an engagement pin (12) of a retaining member (1) and the forced pivoting portion (11a).

Abstract: A counter balance assembly for a lid assembly comprising a spring inside a housing assembly. The counter balance assembly is mounted to a lid, whose displacement generates an external force substantially along a longitudinal axis of the spring. A restoring force is generated by the spring to counteract an inertia force arising from the lid displacement.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatic opening of a motor vehicle rear door which can be pivoted about a horizontal swivel axis contains a pneumatic spring-and-ejector combination in which a pneumatic spring is pivotally connected to the vehicle and the rear door so that it exerts a closing torque on the door when the door is in a closed and a predetermined partially open position, and exerts an opening torque when the door is opened beyond the predetermined position to swing the door fully open. An ejector is arranged to pivot the door from the closed position to a position past the partially open position, thereby reducing the energy requirement of the ejector and avoiding high frictional forces in the door lock.

Abstract: A hinge assembly and methods for mounting a hatch relative to a port defined in a cover of a vacuum chamber to close and open the port. A torsion rod mounted between the port and the hatch is in torsion when the hatch is in a closed position relative to the port, assisting port-opening motion. A sleeve surrounds the rod and is movable with the hatch. Friction hinge structures between the cover and the sleeve, and between the hatch and a second sleeve are in a friction-engaging relationship with the corresponding sleeve. Each friction hinge structure provides high resistance to relative motion between a friction spring and the corresponding sleeve. During the port-opening motion of the hatch the friction springs provide low resistance to such relative motion. The hinge structures provide tolerance resistance and vacuum compliance by allowing relative movement between a hinge mounting plate and the hatch.

Abstract: A spa cover lifting device for lifting a folding spa cover seated on a spa from a seated position to a vertical storage position, the spa cover lifting device having a frame apparatus with a horizontal cross member and a pair of side members with ends having pivotal mounts connectable with the spa, the horizontal cross member engaging the folding spa cover at the fold and transporting the cover when folded over the cross member from the seated position to the storage position when the frame apparatus is pivoted, the spa cover lifting device including a spring mechanism that assists raising the cover and cushions descent of the cover into its folded storage position.

Abstract: A springing up apparatus for the door (especially the rear door of a cargo box) of a van-type truck is constructed by pivotally attaching the second end of an arm A having a first end pivotally attached to a cargo box body and a second end of an arm B having a first end pivotally attached to the door of the cargo box, and loading a tension spring between a prescribed point on the arm B and a prescribed point on the cargo box body or on the door of the cargo box. This makes it easy to open and close the door of the cargo box by human power. Further, use is made of a compression spring, which is provided on the roof of the cargo box, and there are additionally provided a spring cover mounting structure, which is capable of rotating about a horizontal shaft fixed to the roof, as well as a door-opening adjustment mechanism, which comprises a bracket and an adjustment disk, for adjusting initial amount of compression of the compression spring. This makes it easy to bring the door to rest at a desired position.

Abstract: A linkage drive assembly for assisting in opening a deck lid or hood of a vehicle is disclosed. The linkage drive assembly includes a pair of links. The links are pivotally connected together at one end so that they may fold and unfold. The upper link is connected at its opposite end to the deck lid or hood. The lower link is pivotally connected at its opposite end to a box. The box is mounted to a side of the vehicle. A torque rod having a stationary end and a crank end is provided. The stationary end is anchored to the box and the crank end is connected to the lower link. The torque rod twists in torsion and stores energy when the links fold and the deck lid or hood is closed. The torque rod untwists and releases energy causing the links to unfold and support the deck lid when the deck lid or hood is opened.

Abstract: A damper for lids having a configuration capable of allowing a closing hinge movement of a lid to be slowly carried out, thereby preventing an abrupt closing of the lid.