Patent ID: 8540305
Filing Date: 2013-09-24
Classification: E05F,E05Y

Abstract:
1. A compartment comprising: a plurality of side walls and a floor configured to define a storage area; a panel operatively connected to one of the floor and at least one of the plurality of side walls, and configured to selectively expand and restrict access to the storage area; and a torque rod having a wall thickness, a hollow interior, a first end fixed relative to the storage area and a second end fixed relative to the panel; wherein the torque rod is configured to store energy by being twisted when the panel is pivoted in a first direction relative to the storage area and release the stored energy when the panel is pivoted in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction to thereby assist operation of the panel; and wherein at least one of the first and second ends of the torque rod includes a compressed, substantially flat portion.