Abstract: A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side strap having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an aperture in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin to pivotally connect the closure side strap to the body side strap to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a spring interconnecting the body side strap and the closure side strap to counterbalance a weight of the closure when opening and closing the aperture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating mechanism for a swivel-mounted actuating arm, especially for driving a lid of an item of furniture. Said mechanism comprises a spring device including a biased actuating element and a translatory mechanism which translates the movement of the actuating element into a swiveling movement of the actuating arm. Said translatory mechanism comprises at least one adjusting device for varying the translation ratio between the movement of the actuating element and the swiveling movement of the actuating arm.

Abstract: A gooseneck hinge assembly for a closure of a vehicle includes a body side bracket adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle and a closure side bracket having a gooseneck shape adapted to be connected to a closure for closing an aperture in the vehicle body. The gooseneck hinge assembly also includes a pivot pin to pivotally connect the closure side bracket to the body side bracket to allow rotational movement therebetween. The gooseneck hinge assembly further includes a torque rod adapted to be connected to another one of the closure side bracket, and a torque rod assembly connected to the body side bracket and the torque rod and being infinitely adjustable to counterbalance a weight of the closure when opening and closing the aperture.

Abstract: A gang safety latching mechanism includes (a) a torsion spring and bracket device having (i) a torsion spring subassembly (ii) a first bracket on the torsion spring subassembly having a first free position and a first loaded position, and (iii) a second bracket on the torsion spring subassembly having a second free position and a second loaded position; (b) an interference assembly defining a receiving area and including (i) an opening for passage of an end portion of the torsion spring and bracket device into and out of the receiving area, (ii) a knocker member for contacting the first bracket and (iii) a catch lip for trapping the second bracket within the receiving area; and (c) a gang locking member for locking the second bracket to the first bracket, thereby preventing unsafe separate simultaneous movement of the second movable and the first movable module relative to the main machine body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lid-positioning device for a cabinet, comprising an actuating arm (10) which is fixed to a side wall (3) of a cabinet carcass (1) so as to be pivotable around a first axis of actuation (13) between an open position and a closed position while being fixed to a lid (8) so as to be pivotable around a second axis of actuation (16), a control arm (11) which is fixed to the side wall (3) of the cabinet carcass (1) so as to be pivotable around a first control axis (14) that is located parallel to the first axis of actuation (13) while being fixed to the lid (8) so as to be pivotable around a second control axis (17) that is located parallel to the second axis of actuation (16).

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 breakaway hinge system for an appliance door includes a claw and a receptacle adapted to receive and retain the claw. The receptacle includes a support member and at least one hinge mounting structure that is engaged by the claw. The at least one hinge mounting structure is movable relative to the support member between first and second positions. A spring biases the at least one hinge mounting structure to the first operative position, and the at least one hinge mounting structure is movable to the second position in response to application of force to the hinge assembly having a magnitude sufficient to overcome the spring. The at least one hinge mounting structure can be a pin or like structure provided as part of a pair of pins connected directly or indirectly to the support member.

Abstract: An activating mechanism is provided for use with a four-link hinge of the type typically used for closure of a vehicle movable deck, such as a trunk lid or engine compartment hood. A lower link bracket is secured to the vehicle body and an upper link bracket is secured to the movable deck. Pivoting links may be connected between the upper and lower link brackets.

Abstract: A sprung hinge for elements for closing compartments and the like, comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral that are respectively associable with an element for closing a compartment or the like and with a structure that is suitable to form the compartment and have a first lever and a second lever in common, and at least one elastic traction element.

Abstract: A hinge includes a tubular base part being attached to a main body or an open/closed body, a rotation body being attached to the main body or the open/closed body, which is not attached to the base part, and supported on side wall end parts of the base part opposed to each other for rotation, the rotation body having a cam part, a wedge body being reciprocatably housed in the base part and having a slope for coming in sliding contact with the cam part when the rotation body rotates, an elastic member being housed in the base part for urging the wedge body toward the side of the rotation body, a sliding contact face being formed on the side of the wedge body from a rotation axis of the rotation body on an inner wall of the base part and bent to a concave corresponding to a parallel move path of a line almost parallel with the rotation axis, and a sliding contact part being formed in the rotation body for coming in sliding contact with the sliding contact face when the rotation body rotates.

Abstract: In one exemplary embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalance spring, a friction mechanism, and an independent pop-up element attached to a shaft. In one embodiment, a hinge assembly having a counterbalancing spring and an independent pop-up element attaches a display assembly to a base assembly of a portable computer.

Abstract: A retrofit vehicle door lift conversion kit adapted for lifting a vehicle door vertically that fits as a conversion kit replacing factory door hinges on a variety of different types of existing vehicles. A door attaching arm is mounted to a fixed chassis plate by a double axis connector for horizontal and vertical motion. A lift assisting actuator, which may be a vehicle specific pressure adjustable gas pressure spring, pivotally mounted between the plate and the arm, assists in lifting the door vertically. Replaceable vehicle specific plates mount to the fixed chassis plate. A replaceable vehicle specific arm and door attaching brackets mount to the door attaching arm. A horizontal limiter, a mechanical vertical height limit adjustment device, a vertical lift adjustment, and a safety lock for maintaining the door in the up position are adjustable for specific vehicles.

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: A hinge assembly for an appliance comprises a channel and a stop connected to the channel. A door mounting lever pivots relative to the channel about a pivot axis on an arc between a first operative position where the door mounting lever is moved a maximum extent in a first direction about said pivot axis on the arc and second operative position where the door mounting lever is moved a maximum extent in a second direction opposite the first direction about the pivot axis on the arc. A glide is operatively coupled to the door mounting lever, e.g., by way of a spring cam member, and is movable slidably on the stop in response to movement of the door mounting lever. A spring biases the glide into continuous engagement with the stop when the door mounting lever is located in both the first and second operative positions and when the door mounting lever moves between the first and second operative positions.

Abstract: A sprung hinge for elements for closing compartments and the like, comprising a first articulated quadrilateral and a second articulated quadrilateral that are respectively associable with an element for closing a compartment or the like and with a structure that is suitable to form the compartment and have a first lever and a second lever in common, and at least one elastic traction element.

Abstract: A hinge for a vehicle lid includes a main biasing element operable to urge the hinge into an open position, and a mechanism for assisting the initial opening of the hinge from a closed position. The mechanism includes a rotary cam engagable with another portion of the hinge to provide assistance, and a further biasing element which acts on the cam to rotate it relative to the other portion of the hinge. A lifting aid includes a main biasing element for attachment between a lid and a body, which lid is pivotally moveable towards and away from the body. The main biasing element is operable to urge the lid from a closed position relative to the body to an open position. The lifting aid further has a cam attachable to the body for relative rotation thereto and a further biasing element for attachment between the body and the cam and operable to rotate the cam relative to the body and lid. The cam is operable to assist the initial opening of the lid.

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: A hinge device comprises: an attachment member attached on an apparatus body side; a supporting member pivotally supported by the attachment member through hinge pins; a document press-contacting plate attached to the supporting member; compression springs elastically provided between the supporting member side and the attachment member in such a manner that the supporting member is enforced to pivot in a direction that the document press-contacting plate is opened; a damper set inside the compression springs and provided between the attachment member side and the free end side of the supporting member so that an abrupt pivoting at and from a predetermined angle measured from the supporting member is buffered.

Abstract: A retrofit vehicle door lift conversion kit adapted for lifting a vehicle door vertically that fits as a conversion kit replacing factory door hinges on a variety of different types of existing vehicles. A door attaching arm is mounted to a fixed chassis plate by a double axis connector for horizontal and vertical motion. A lift assisting actuator, which may be a vehicle specific pressure adjustable gas pressure spring, pivotally mounted between the plate and the arm, assists in lifting the door vertically. Replaceable vehicle specific plates mount to the fixed chassis plate. A replaceable vehicle specific arm and door attaching brackets mount to the door attaching arm. A horizontal limiter, a mechanical vertical height limit adjustment device, a vertical lift adjustment, and a safety lock for maintaining the door in the up position are adjustable for specific vehicles.

Abstract: An activating mechanism is provided for use with a four-link hinge of the type typically used for closure of a vehicle movable deck, such as a trunk lid or engine compartment hood. A lower link bracket is secured to the vehicle body and an upper link bracket is secured to the movable deck. Pivoting links may be connected between the upper and lower link brackets.

Abstract: A device comprising a pair of lower and upper bodies respectively accommodating an image scanner and a printer. The upper body is hinged at one end thereof to the lower body so that the other end thereof is allowed to move between open and close positions. A biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the upper body not to fall down toward the second body due to the weight thereof and keep it at an arbitrary position between the open and close positions. The biasing mechanism includes a spring member and applies a first biasing force to the upper body by linearly stretching the spring member. When the upper body is in the vicinity of the lower body, the biasing mechanism further generates a second biasing force to be applied to the upper body by bending the linearly stretched spring member.

Abstract: A dampened hinge and hinge system for appliances is provided. The system includes first and second hinge portions, at least one of which includes a dampener. The dampener can be a push-dampener, a pull-dampener or a push/pull-dampener. The hinge system allows for movement of the door between a closed position, a fully opened position and a secondary opened position such as a broil-stop position, and the door is self-supporting in the secondary opened position. The first and second hinge portions each include a guide channel, a claw pivotably connected to the guide channel and a link having a first end connected to the claw. The first hinge portion includes a spring having a first end connected to a second end of the link and a second end connected to the guide channel. The second hinge portion includes a dampener that is operably connected between the guide channel and the second end of the link. Both the first and second hinge portions can include a dampener.

Abstract: A breakaway hinge system for an appliance door includes a claw and a receptacle adapted to receive and retain the claw. The receptacle includes a support member and at least one hinge mounting structure that is engaged by the claw. The at least one hinge mounting structure is movable relative to the support member between first and second positions. A spring biases the at least one hinge mounting structure to the first operative position, and the at least one hinge mounting structure is movable to the second position in response to application of force to the hinge assembly having a magnitude sufficient to overcome the spring. The at least one hinge mounting structure can be a pin or like structure provided as part of a pair of pins connected directly or indirectly to the support member.

Abstract: A notebook computer hinge with spring opener is provided. The shaft has a C-shaped stopper ring with an offset notch in the middle section, which allows the coupling block of the rotatable bracket to be engaged by the notch. A spring is mounted on the outer edge of the rotatable bracket through a common shaft. As the display panel is lowered towards the computer body, the coupling block presses against the stopper ring and a torsional force is accumulated by the spring. The force will be released once the notebook computer is opened, enabling the display panel to be separated from the computer body with an appropriate angle, thus providing extra convenience for notebook computer users.

Abstract: An aircraft servicing pit that defines a subsurface chamber below a surface across which aircraft travel when not airborne is formed of a prefabricated pit body atop which a pit lid is mounted for rotation. Within the enclosure of the pit beneath the surface across which the aircraft travel a counterweight system is connected by gears to pit lid supporting arms. The pit lid supporting arms have proximal ends rigidly joined to pit lid gears, which are meshed with counterweight gears rigidly joined to counterweight arms supporting counterweights within the enclosure of the pit. The pit lid and counterweight arms move in counterrotation when the pit lid is opened and closed, with the gravitational force acting upon the counterweights acting in opposition to the force of gravity upon the pit lid.

Abstract: A decklid hinge is provided for a rear compartment of a vehicle. The decklid hinge includes a body side strap adapted to be connected to a vehicle body of the vehicle. The decklid hinge also includes a decklid side strap adapted to be connected to a decklid for closing a recess of the rear compartment. The decklid hinge includes a first link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for allowing rotation therebetween. The decklid hinge also includes a second link interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap for guiding pivoting action of the hinge along a predefined path. The decklid hinge further includes a counterbalance spring interconnecting the body side strap and the decklid strap to counterbalance a weight of the decklid in an open position.

Abstract: In an original pressing plate hinge including a fixing member, an original pressing plate supporting member pivotably installed via a hinge pin to the fixing member, a slider slidably housed in the supporting member, a cam member fixed between the slider and the free end of the supporting member in contact with the slider, and a coil spring provided resiliently between the slider and the free end of the supporting member, the cam member is omitted to prevent an original or document set on the platen glass for copying or printing from being stained with or spoiled by a lubricant when the original touches the cam member to which the lubricant sticks, and instead a pressure receiving pin is used and a cam slider is used in place of the slider. To prevent a heavy original pressing plate from abruptly falling, a fluid damping member is housed in the coil spring and disposed between the cam slider and the top plate or free end of the supporting member.

Abstract: The trunk cover of an automobile is mounted via two four-joint hinges, positioned a certain distance from one another, such that it can pivot. Each of the four-joint hinges has a receptacle component, fixed to the vehicle body, to which first and second pivoted levers are mounted such that they can pivot. A bearing component, to which the trunk cover is fastened, is linked to the opposite end sections of the hinges. Further, a receptacle pin, which supports a leg spring, is fastened to the receptacle component. This spring includes a first spring leg attached to the receptacle pin such that it cannot rotate and a second, prestressed spring leg which lies adjacent to a tensioning pin of the second pivoting lever. Immediately after the trunk cover has been opened, an open end of the cover, which faces the vehicle body, is shifted upward.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hinge for a vehicle lid, the hinge comprising a main biasing means operable to urge the hinge into an open position, and a mechanism for assisting the initial opening of the hinge from a closed position, the mechanism comprising a rotary cam engagable with another portion of the hinge to provide said assistance, and further biasing means which acts on the cam to rotate it relative to said other portion of the hinge.

Abstract: A hinge used to mount a door to an overhead storage cabinet is disclosed. The hinge provides a combination linear and articulated motion to provide the clearance between the door of the cabinet and the upper, outer corner of the cabinet. Further, the hinge provides a user assist on the opening of the cabinet door and a self-dampening motion on the closing of the cabinet door without the use of pneumatic cylinders.

Abstract: In an opening-closing mechanism of a door member for shifting the door member from a closed position for closing an opening portion of a base member to an open position and vice versa, the door member includes a pair of arm portions. Each arm portion includes a circular arc shape gear and a rotary gear disposed in a center of the circular arc of the gear. The base member includes a first fixed gear portion with internal teeth engaging the circular arc shape gear portion, and a second fixed gear portion disposed inside the first fixed gear engaging the rotary gear. The arm portion is held to move vertically through engagements between the first fixed gear portion and the circular arc shape gear portion and between the rotary gear and the second fixed gear portion, so that the door member is shifted along a path corresponding to the first fixed gear portion.

Abstract: A device comprising a pair of lower and upper bodies respectively accommodating an image scanner and a printer. The upper body is hinged at one end thereof to the lower body so that the other end thereof is allowed to move between open and close positions. A biasing mechanism is provided for biasing the upper body not to fall down toward the second body due to the weight thereof and keep it at an arbitrary position between the open and close positions. The biasing mechanism includes a spring member and applies a first biasing force to the upper body by linearly stretching the spring member. When the upper body is in the vicinity of the lower body, the biasing mechanism further generates a second biasing force to be applied to the upper body by bending the linearly stretched spring member.

Abstract: A hinge apparatus employs a base, a second base, link arms, urging means and the characteristics of a parallelogram formed by the shape of said base, second base and paired link members to enable a body such as a platen cover to rotate up open and lower substantially parallel to an original platen and to enable the parallel opening of the body thereby ensuring the complete covering of a thick original or a book original placed upon the clear glass platen enabling good quality copies of the original regardless of its thickness.

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: It is an object of the present invention to provide a hinge apparatus that can perform both the rotating function along with a rising and lowering action to allow the platen cover to cover the thick book original both horizontally and parallelly without damaging the book or causing mis-positioning of said book.

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: In an original pressing plate hinge including a fixing member, an original pressing plate supporting member pivotably installed via a hinge pin to the fixing member, a slider slidably housed in the supporting member, a cam member fixed between the slider and the free end of the supporting member in contact with the slider, and a coil spring provided resiliently between the slider and the free end of the supporting member, the cam member is omitted to prevent an original or document set on the platen glass for copying or printing from being stained with or spoiled by a lubricant when the original touches the cam member to which the lubricant sticks, and instead a pressure receiving pin or roller is used and a cam slider is used in place of the slider. To prevent a heavy original pressing plate from abruptly falling, a damping member is housed in the coil spring and disposed between the cam slider and the top plate or free end of the supporting member.

Abstract: A hinge for a vehicle lid comprises a main spring means (112) operable to urge the hinge into an open position, and a device (114) for assisting the initial opening of the hinge, the device comprising an elongate body in which a plunger (116) is sliceable, the plunger being engageable with the hinge, and spring means disposed in the body and acting on the plunger to urge it into an extended position. The plunger is cylindrical and is retained in a cylindrical cavity in the body by an annular fastening, the fastening being formed with one or more radially projecting ribs which engage with an annular recess at the opening of the cylindrical cavity to attach the fastening means to the body. The plunger is formed such that in the extended position disengagement of the one or more ribs from the annular recess is inhibited, preventing the plunger from forcing the fastening out of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lifting mechanism for spring-assisted actuation of a covering means of a dishwasher such as a door or shutter, having at least one lever which is mounted on a shaft and is connected to a tension spring. Arranged, in this case, between the lever and the spring is a mechanical control means which brings about a more or less constant lever arm between an articulation point of the spring and the shaft over an angle of rotation of the shaft of up to approximately 100°.

Abstract: A hinge and linkage system comprises a four-link system wherein first and second links are respectively connected to vehicle body and closure members, and an additional pair of links interconnect the first and second links. An expansible gas strut also interconnects the first and second links. In accordance with the invention, an expansible spring-biased plunger mechanism is mounted upon one of the additional links so as to operatively engage and be axially compressed by the second link and the closure member when the closure member is disposed at its latched position. When the closure member is unlatched, the spring-biased plunger mechanism initially partially elevates the closure member toward its open position whereupon the expansible gas strut can continue the elevational movement of the closure toward its open position.

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: 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 resilient member, useful in a back checking arrangement, is provided as a body of resilient material having a surface engageable by an outside member such as a portion of a sliding mechanism in a door closer. The body is compressible when engaged by the outside member with a sufficient force. The body has at least one reservoir chamber therein, for receiving a liquid, such as hydraulic fluid, with a communication passage leading from the chamber to the surface to provide fluid communication between the chamber and an exterior of the body. Additional communication passages from the chamber to the exterior of the body may be provided as well. When the body is engaged by the member, the body, chamber and passage are compressed, thus causing the liquid in the chamber to exit the body through the compressing passage. This increasingly restricts the flow of liquid through the passage and increases the force of operation.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for assisting the lifting of a trunk lid of a vehicle comprises a V-shaped leaf spring (12) mounted on a first hinge part (2) attached to the vehicle body, and a roller element (32) mounted on a second hinge part (4) attached to the lid. A compressible gas strut (38) may be connected directly between the lid and the body; alternatively the strut may be connected between the first and second hinge parts, (2, 4) so that the resulting sub-assembly can be mounted directly to the lid and body on the vehicle assembly line. The hinge mechanism assists in initially lifting the trunk lid so that the gas strut (38) is disposed in an advantageous leveraged position at which it can continue the lifting movement of the trunk lid.

Abstract: A work vehicle having a novel hood coupling apparatus is disclosed. The work vehicle includes a frame provided with a compartment and a hood. The hood is coupled to the frame by at least one hinge and at least one latch. The latch includes a stationary portion associated with the frame and a movable portion associated with the hood, and the hinge includes a first portion associated with the frame and a second portion associated with the hood. The latch is configured for the stationary portion to engage the movable portion in a particular location when the hood is closed, and the second portion of the hinge is configured to assume an approximate position with respect to the first portion of the hinge, and thereby to the frame, upon engagement of the latch, the latch thereby aligning the hood and the second portion of the hinge to the frame when engaged. The work vehicle may also include a hood biasing device and a hood positioner for controlling the amount of opening of the hood.

Abstract: A mechanism (10, 100) is disclosed for deploying a mechanism, such as an air foil or antenna (14, 102, 104) which utilizes a pivot axle (16) and a torsion spring (18) to pivot the erectable surface to the erected position. A locking pin 22 can be provided to lock the erectable surface (14) in the erected position. In one embodiment, a wing (102) and a control fin (104) can be deployed about a single axis.

Abstract: A horizontal door assembly is provided with pivotal counter balancing spring comprising an upper cylinder and a mating lower cylinder to force the cover of the door to an open position when the door assembly is unlocked wherein the upper cylinder of the counter balancing spring is configured to reduce the forces of the spring on the pivot points of the counter balancing mechanism thereby increasing the life of the counter balancing mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, the counter balancing spring mechanism is made of plastic and has an ear at the upper end thereof with an elongated slot opening the slot having a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder for mating with a pin inserted in an opening in a yoke bracket attached to the lower side of the cover.

Abstract: A truck cargo bed utility box blow molded of high density polyethylene which complements the styling of many truck bedliners. The utility box incorporates a mounting system for a central pneumatic spring which holds the lid of the box open. The mounting system consists of a bracket mounted to a wall forming part of the storage bin and a bracket on the bin lid. The lid bracket and the bin bracket extend to and engage with a hinge pin which joins the lid to the storage bin. The brackets are constructed of sheet metal and are mechanically joined by the hinge pin. The loads imposed on the lid and bin wall by the air spring are distributed through the hinge pin. The bin bracket is also attached to a metal rim which surrounds the opening into the box to provide load distribution. The metal rim provides a distortion resistant structure to which locking hasps can reliably latch. By distributing the loads imposed on the plastic lid and plastic bin distortion of the plastic is prevented.

Abstract: An over-the-top type cabinet door prop unit is characterized in that it comprises a fitting case to be rigidly fitted to the inner surface of one of the lateral walls of the cabinet, a movable spring holder vertically movable relative to the fitting case containing it and urged downward by compression springs, a link arm pivotably linked at the upper end to the movable spring holder by a pivot pin and a swing arm swingable around an arm spindle located in a lower portion of the fitting case and having a base section arranged around the arm spindle and linked to the lower end of said link arm by a link pin and an arm section extending from the base section and pivotably linked at the distal end thereof by an anchor pin to an anchor pin bearing secured to the over-the-top type cabinet door and that the pivot where the link arm and the base section of the swing arm is linked by the link pin is located closer to the cabinet door relative to the vertical axial line connecting the pivot pin and the arm spindle when

Abstract: Device for swivel holding of leaf flap which can swivel especially around a horizontal axis comprises a straight four-bar mechanism (8.1, 8.2, 10.1, 11.1) and elastic means (18) to damp the swivel motion. The elastic means have spring element (18) which is guided with its extensible part to move around anchoring element (7). Anchoring element (7) is for example a plastic ring which is inserted in hinged frame (1) of device. Its diameter corresponds to a multiple of a diameter of spring element (18). The entire device is preferably structured symmetrically with respect to the plane defined by the movement of four-bar mechanism (8.1, 9.1, 10.1, 11.1).