Patent ID: 6182301
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: A47K

Abstract:
An apparatus for automatically pivoting a first member relative to a second member, comprising:a housing connectable to the second member;a shaft connectable to the first member and juxtaposed to rotate about its axis within said housing between a rest position and an open position, said shaft having first and second rates of rotation in a closing direction from the open to the rest position;a torsion spring assembly connected between said housing and said shaft;dampening means connected between said housing and said shaft for exerting a dampening torque upon said shaft during at least one direction of rotation of said shaft relative to said housing;time delay means connected between said housing and said shaft for exerting a braking torque on said shaft;a shift assembly connected between said housing and said shaft and operable to enable and disable said time delay means; and,clutch means for engaging said shaft with said dampening means and said time delay means when torque is applied to rotate said shaft in the closing direction.