Abstract: A lid and lid drive mechanism for a portable, hand held device pivots a flat cover on the device in a predetermined controlled manner between a first position covering at least portion of the front of the device and a second position in which the cover extends towards the rear of the device. The drive mechanism comprises a spring/damper mechanism which pivots the cover of the device in a predetermined controlled manner between the first position and the second, thus forming a stand raising the top end of the device above a horizontal support surface upon which it rests. The top end of the device frame has left and right inwardly facing extension which enclose a first and second cylindrical hollow cavities. A coiled drive spring is located in one hollow cavity which a damping mechanism utilizing a damping drum and a viscous fluid is located in the second hollow cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display assembly comprising a graphical or alphanumeric display and display source such as a clock or other timepiece; a display housing for retaining the display; self-righting means rotatably coupled to the display and display housing with a predetermined bias; a body; and a connecting means operatively engaging the display housing and body. The connecting means in the form of a Cassegrain assembly allows the display housing to swivel with respect to the body over 360 degrees through a vertical plane and horizontal plane independently. The display, when operatively coupled to the self-righting means, is automatically maintained in a substantially upright position independent of the orientation display housing, thereby allowing the display to be turned to face a viewer at any angle without repositioning the body or leveling the display.