Patent ID: 7150049
Filing Date: 2006-12-19
Classification: A47K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for closing a member against a substantially horizontal surface of an object, wherein said member comprises a first end and a second end thereby defining a longitudinal axis of said member, and wherein said first end of said member is hingably attached by a first hinge and a second hinge to said substantially horizontal surface and said second end of said member is separated from said substantially horizontal surface with said longitudinal axis at a non-perpendicular angle to said substantially horizontal surface, said apparatus comprising: a. a mechanical timing mechanism comprised of a housing, and a rotatable shaft extending outwardly from said housing, said mechanical timing mechanism adapted for providing a torque upon said rotatable shaft and said mechanical timing mechanism operatively connected to said horizontal surface of said object; b. a linkage operatively connected to said shaft of said mechanical timing mechanism and to said member, said linkage transmitting said torque applied by said mechanical timing mechanism on said rotatable shaft to provide a first force upon said member, said first force directed to bringing said longitudinal axis of said member from said non-perpendicular angle with said substantially horizontal surface to a perpendicular angle with said substantially horizontal surface; c. a variable rate spring assembly for providing a second force upon said member that resists bringing said member into contact with said substantially horizontal surface, said variable rate spring assembly comprising: